8 things every traveler should know before going to India

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Colorful and crowded, India is unlike any other place you’ve ever been. The vibrant sights, rich smells, and clamorous sounds create an overwhelming feast for the senses.

Still, as exciting as it seems, the country can also spark quite a bit of culture shock -- even for those with plenty of passport stamps. With a dense population, jarring poverty rate, traffic-laden roads, and new customs, much of the destination can feel foreign -- in both good and bad ways.

So what can you do now that you've booked the flights, reserved the hotels, obtained a visa, visited your doctor and received the necessary shots, and created an incredible itinerary? To help familiarize first-timers with what they can expect in India, we rounded up some key information. Keep these eight tidbits top of mind before and during your trip.

1. The traffic is chaotic, to say the least.

Everything you’ve heard (or seen in movies) about India’s traffic is true -- especially in bustling cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Brace yourself for clogged, traffic-packed roads, but it’s not just the sheer quantity of people that’ll make your jaw drop. Cars and rickshaws incessantly honk and dangerously weave in and out of lanes. Road rules serve as loose guidelines more than strict laws and the fact that there are hardly any traffic lights only adds to the chaos. In addition to dodging a mix of cars, motorcycles, rickshaws, and even the occasional cow (yes, really), travelers can also expect to encounter children who approach vehicles asking for money or food. Let's just say there's never a dull moment.

2. Be cautious of the food and water

While the food is mercilessly flavorful, it’s important to be wary of what you’re putting in your mouth and where it's from. Street snacks are enticing, especially after a long day of sight-seeing, but they don’t follow strict health codes. In other words, you might wind up unable to leave your hotel room, if your stomach isn't used to it. Only eat fruits and veggies that can be peeled, opt for grub that’s boiled or fried, and stick to bottled water. Oh, and skip the ice. Trust us, you don’t want to learn about Delhi belly the hard way.

3. Master the art of negotiation

India is a shopper’s paradise. There’s an endless array of bazaars, roadside vendors, and shops that are brimming with vibrant handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, fabrics, and other trinkets. But before you reach for your wallet, haggle to your heart’s content -- then haggle some more. Keep in mind vendors often offer a higher price first, especially to foreigners, so bargaining is the norm. The strategy: start with a reasonably low price. If they don’t bite, feel free to bluff and walk away or suggest another rupee amount. Chances are, if you walk away, you’ll be invited back.