Page 40 - india
P. 40
gain. Do some comparison shopping first to assess
going prices. When you start bargaining, offer 50 to
75 percent below the asking price. You may have to
walk away to pull prices down. As a rule, don’t begin
bargaining unless you’re really interested in buying;
it’s bad form to waste a shopkeeper’s time and effort.
As part of a tour, your driver or guide may take you
to certain merchants. Be aware that he or she may
get a commission for bringing you there. Let them
know in advance if you’re not interested in shopping
or would like to see specific goods.
Communication: India has a relatively sophisticat-
ed telephone and Internet system and most hotels
have decent WIFI systems. T-Mobile offers a month-
to-month program that allows unlimited web access
and reasonable phone rates for $50 a month. Most
hotels also have business centers and executive
lounges with Internet connectivity.
Accommodations: From opulent suites fit for Sul-
tans to spare hostiles for the back packers– all are
available in India. Icon Tours booked us into mostly
five-star which equal the best hotels in the States
40 Wine Dine & Travel Spring 2014
