AID Delhi Chapter - Tips from past International volunteers

PRESENTATIONS

VIDEOS

AID Delhi News via RSS

Podcast

Home

Volunteer

International Volunteers

Survival Guide

Tips from past International volunteers

Note : some of the suggestions applies to female volunteers only

I volunteered in Delhi last summer (2006) from the end of July to the beginning of September during my vacation time from University. At that time, I travelled alone for the purpose of volunteering with AID.

I can't really guide you with lots of information regarding a particular place to stay during your time there. For sure, have some idea or contact information of potential accomodations via the internet in Delhi before arriving. There are some cheap hotels, where you can stay at about 10-20 US$/night but I would advise you not to stay there for more than a few days. Actually if you must, try to book a more reasonably priced place at maybe 30 US$ a night, because the cheaper places are usually in more shady neighbourhoods. Also, I found that people don't look too favourably upon a female staying alone in a hotel/motel, regardless of the reason- cultural norms. For the long term, try to find either a girls'/women's hostel that accommodates women who are working and/or studying alone in the city. I wished I had the name of a particular hostel, but I did not stay at a hostel. Another word of caution, it's usually difficult to secure a place on the internet for sure- don't rely on any one particular place- have a few options available. The BEST scenario may be to ask some of the AID staff who you will connect with in Delhi for help in this area. I think where you stay will be the most important decision of your trip. Be safe. In terms of monthly costs, I can't really give a reliable estimate because it depends on the type of accomodation, area, etc. I heard hostels are cheaper, but I cannot confirm. Please speak to an AID staff member because they maybe able to facilitate your stay in a hostel, etc. there. It's best to find a place through RELIABLE people. It can range anwyhere from 200-500 US$ a month. But budget as much as you an just in case. Regarding travel and eating, Delhi is a city where you can live at any price. I used to eat very good meals, including western type pastas, pizza, burgers, etc. for about 3-10 US$ per meal. Although you can survive cheaper if need be. There are places like McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Subway and other western restaurants you may be familiar with. The only problem of eating too inexpensive is that you can get sick because of possible unhygienic conditions of the food preparation. Once I found a good restaurant, I pretty much ate there everyday.

In terms of travel, probably the most effective means of transportation is the auto rickshaw (a three wheeler). However, Delhi is a tricky city to navigate on your own, because the roadways are not so straightforward I found. In the beginning expect to pay whatever price the driver asks, which may entail exaggerated prices, but once you learn your way, you'll be able to bargain. The drivers no longer use the price meter like traditional taxis, so you may be required to pay whatever he demands. The buses are VERY VERY crowded, although pretty cheap. For a 20 minute trip in the city, it can be about less than a US$. But during peak times it becomes stifling inside, lots of pushing, and such so I would suggest you travel by bus only if you are comfortable with pushing people, and learning to "jump off" while the bus rolls to a stop. You'll get a hang of it after a few trips though. Also keep in mind, that the roadways are very, very congested, so what may take 10 minutes in UK to travel by taxi, may require 30-40 minutes in Delhi. There are so many cars, pedestrians, etc. so always prepare for that ahead of time. There is a new subway system in Delhi that was very effective as well, however it does not service the whole city, maybe about 20-30 percent as of last year. It is very efficient, and costs a US$ or less for any travel route. It is more safe, but again, travel during the day, and I used to ask the transit authorities in the station my route so I became familiar after a while. But again, the service routes are limited, but for the main centres like Connaught Place (a central market) there is access to the central city.

Ok in terms of dress, I would suggest that you dress pretty conservatively during your time there, if travelling alone. I wore t-shirts and pants most of the time, but the more you are covered up, the less attention you will draw especially if you look like a non resident. The clothes in the cheaper markets like Sarojini Nagar are very inexpensive, and you will find nice cotton clothes at other places too. In August, expect VERY hot temperatures, but believe me I survived in cotton pants and T-shirts. And don't wear expensive jewellery etc., just to stay more safe.

If you travel alone you may get lots of questions regarding if you are alone, and I tended to say I had family I was staying with. And from my experience, don't go out too long after sunset. You will see that most areas of the city will seem virtually shut down, because shops will be closed and lights off on the general streets earlier than the West. I think I was home by early dusk everyday, unless you are with others you know and have a safe way home.

Another good resource for more detailed information is the travel book by "Lonely Planet" for the city of Delhi. It has excellent information of what I have briefly discussed, and maps and other cautionary notes. I hope that I have not scared you through my long stories. But I want to stress that there are many scam artists and touts who are preying on un-informed tourists. Oh yes, be aware and watchful of travel agents in the tourist districts. They talk with anglicized accents, and at times, claim to have travelled or lived abroad. They try to sell trips to Kashmir and other parts of the country, but these are scams. DON'T trust people you don't know, and these people will try to befriend you quickly. I sincerely wish you the very best! I had an experience of a life time last year, and the joy, contentment from volunteering was so wonderful. I myself am hoping to return to Delhi within a few months again, so that I volunteer/intern at some agency. If you are aware, informed, and smart about things, you will be can have a safe and memorable journey. The volunteers at AID delhi were so helpful during my stay, and I am sure that they will help you out when you volunteer. I made many friends and I am sure you will too.

If you research on the internet, you will find other helpful notes about your travel to Delhi. Be smart and safe, and wish you a wonderful journey. Again, I don't mean to imply that people are untrustworthy, I just want to stress that it's best to be cautious. The rest you will figure out once you stay. .

-- Nimrat

[ Back ]