On
reaching the city go to a hotel, restaurant, shop or guest house of
your choice.
Avoid
buying goods from shops located close to major tourist spots as they
may be much costlier than available in the city.
At
times drivers and commission agents can tell you that a particular
shop has closed because of a tragedy in the family. Do not swallow
that.
Always
ask for the tariff card in a hotel since the rates vary from season to
season. During the tourist season the tariffs are much higher than
during the lean months. It could well be passed on the tariff of the
peak season during the lean season.
Money changing should be done through authorised dealers only. You may
get tempted to. have it changed from unauthorised persons. It could
turn out to be more expensive and is also illegal.
All
buying transactions should be done in Rupees and ensure that the price
is marked on the article.
Stay
away from private guides and rely on those licensed by the government.
When
using credit cards for shopping have the slip filled in front of you.
You could be told that if you buy the goods, then the shopkeeper will
not send the credit slip for payment until you actually receive them.
But this is not true since no merchant will give you the goods only
after receiving the full payment. In fact the merchant, within 48
hours of signing the slip, wilt have contacted your bank, and the
money would have been credited to his ac count. Another thing that
should be taken care of is when a shop keeper takes your credit card
and then after a while comes with the slip to be signed sometimes, the
shopkeeper will print a few more forms, forge your signature and you
will be billed for items that you never purchased.
While shopping, it pays to bargain as much as you can.
Go to
several shops to see the difference in price structures and buy goods
from genuine dealers. Within a particular product there are a number
of variations in quality and workmanship. And by visiting a number of
shops, you will become familiar with the goods on offer and their
prices apart from being able to sift the genuine from the fake.
The
term government approved has no authenticity as far as shops are
concerned, but apply only to money changers.
While
travelling use the comfortable deluxe or air-conditioned buses.
Avoid
talking to strangers and do not get tempted by their cool talk they
could, steal your money and belongings after spending some money on
you. While travelling by train do not accept any food from strangers.
It could be laced with drugs and you could become unconscious. On
regaining consciousness you will have been deprived of your money and
other belongings.
(Note in case of any complaints you should meet or write to the
Director, Department of Tourism Western Gate, Government Hostel, M.I
Road, ,Jaipur)