Jaipur Travel Tips: 10 Common Mistakes Foreigners Make

Foreigners often express their concerns about safety when they are visiting India. Although tourists normally get unwanted attention from the locals, however, it is safe to travel in India. Whatever solo travel or travelling in a group, foreigners need not worry too much about visiting the country. Keeping a few do’s and don’ts in mind while exploring a place can keep you in the safe zone. Read on to know what Jaipur travel tips can help you stay safe and make the most of your trip.

Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan is soaked in its rich cultural heritage. The city is always buzzing with tourists because of its royal heritage. The grand palaces echoing the tales of maharajas, jewelry, sweets, and savories amaze even the most experienced travelers.
However, traveling to a crowded tourist place can sometimes be overwhelming and intimidating.

Here is your ultimate list of Jaipur travel tips that highlight the 10 common mistakes foreigners make while traveling in Jaipur. Read further to know more about those mistakes and how to avoid them for a smooth and safe trip.

1. Not choosing a safe neighborhood to stay

A common mistake foreigners make when they choose a place to stay is the lack of research. It is important to do your research before you decide to stay over at a place. When the city is vast and crowded, it becomes mandatory to check for safe places in the surroundings. Asking for suggestions on public travel forums or posting queries on the internet can give you an understanding of what places are the best to stay. The most reliable thing to do is to check for honest reviews from fellow travelers about the place online.

Bani Park, Hathroi Fort area, and M.I. Road (Mirza Ismail Road) are a few safe localities suggested by locals and travellers.

Night View of Birla Mandir, Jaipur

Don Not Travel alone at Night in Jaipur Street

2. Traveling alone at night

The capital city celebrates all day and night, be it with festive celebrations in temples or one of the top city bars. Nightlife in Jaipur is undoubtedly pumping and absorbing. Although the night is young and beautiful, to venture out in the dark alone is more like inviting danger. Avoid deserted places and streets that are poorly lit. Make sure you have a companion if you wish to experience this side of the city. A local guide or maybe someone who knows the city well can be the right person to with. However, it’s important to stay alert.

3. Trusting strangers

Trust none. Some people use juveniles to commit crimes as they appear less threatening. When a foreigner is around, everybody wants to sell their products or services to them. The best way to not be fooled by the locals is to politely tell the sellers that you're not interested. The confidence in your tone and body language will keep them away from further interactions.

4. Not being mindful of their belongings

In a city like Jaipur, getting lost in the chaos is quite natural. When the city is always buzzing with tourists, it is also easy to fall prey to the pickpocket groups. Staying alert all the time keeps you away from being one of their victims. It is advisable to not keep all your cash in one place. Also, do not leave your luggage, belongings unattended. Learn to say ‘no’ as it will help you in the long run.

5. Lack of taxi scam awareness

Keep Alert to Hailing A Taxi

Avoid hailing taxis on the street. It is better to opt for an airport pickup if your hotel offers one. Some of the taxi drivers fool the tourists by changing the routes or charging an exorbitant price and misguide them. It is suggested to go for the government-approved prepaid taxis. In Jaipur, taxi services from Uber and Ola are also available which are relatively reliable and safe.

6. Not being street smart

A major part of traveling besides sightseeing is street food. When we all want to savor local delicacies, it is extremely important to be careful about what you eat. Judge a place based on its basic hygiene before you decide to relish the tasty street food. Do not accept food or drink offered by strangers during transit to save yourself from spiked food. Also, it’s safe to buy readily available packaged drinking water bottles as tap water is not always pure and safe to drink.

7. Falling prey to gemstone scams

Jaipur is considered to be one of the largest gemstone markets in the world. Buying gems for a souvenir can be a great idea only if you buy them from authorized sellers. Although Jaipur is famous for jewelry and handicrafts, it is equally infamous for scams related to gemstone purchase. As a part of the scam, sellers often make money either by selling fake stones or gemstones of poor quality. Avoid buying gemstones from street vendors as in Jaipur, you may find some people selling fake gemstones on streets and also in small temporary shops. Do not forget to ask for bills and certificates that prove the authenticity of gemstones after you have made a purchase.

8. Not being on guard against currency exchange schemes

Foreigners, unfamiliar with the look and feel of the Indian currency notes, can be easily tricked. Avoid going to shady shops that display interesting rates and beware of fake notes. It is better to get your currency exchanged in places like post offices, banks or airports. Use credit or debit cards wherever necessary. Keep in mind that after demonetization in 2016, India introduced new currency notes, make sure that you take the new ones and not the discontinued ones.

9. Not having a point of contact

Appropriately Dressing in Amer Fort

Traveling to a new city in a whole different country can sometimes get you lost. Note down your emergency contact numbers and the ones you know of in the city. Purchasing a local SIM card acts as a major point of contact between you and your loved ones. It also helps you access cellular data as public Wi-Fi is not available everywhere. This can come to aid when you are using GPS for navigation or want to find something about the place.

10. Being ignorant to local sentiments and dressing inappropriately

It is important to understand the sentiments of people before your action or a comment hurts their ego. Many things come off as offensive even when you do not intend to. Dressing modestly reduces the unwelcoming stares and judgments and also makes you feel less out of place. Appropriate dressing helps you gain entry to a few sacred places which would be difficult otherwise. Respecting the beliefs and behavior of the people and places will make you admire the city’s beauty better.

Keep this Jaipur travel tips in mind and remember that traveling in Jaipur is totally safe. Being extremely cautious about the surroundings and staying alert while exploring the architectural wonders of the city is all it takes to make your trip a memorable one.