Technology is fragile. What we expect and what we receive are usually in sync, especially if we have used the technology before. When it gets out of what, that’s when things break down. Today I lost (scrambled) my brand new 2GB SD memory card from Costco the last seven days of pictures have been lost to the corners of my mind. Without warning the card just displayed “Card Error” on the camera and when I was finally able to buy a USB sync cable (another great story) I was confronted with a Macintosh error messages that the “disk volume could not be mounted or repaired.” Oh well, we love it when it works and are shocked when it doesn’t. I am not going to sweat it, I have another card and plenty of time here in India. I’ll have to rely on postcards for a while.
I have traveled to more than fifteen countries in the last six years and with each adventure I learn a little more about trekking the world with technology. Here is my advice as it applies to India. We have a hired car taking us around and we are staying at 2-3 star hotels that by American standards are relatively clean, very loud but have private western toilets and rooms that lock.
1. The power adapters from REI / Frys or other electronics stores do not fit the plugs in India. The shape of the 3 prongs is similar to but not the same as South African travel plugs. But finding simple adapters on the streets is easy. The cost is about 15-25 Rupees, which is about 50 cents. Get more than one. If you need to charge multiple items like a cell phone, laptop and iPod you will have to wait until each is charged to charge the next one. Additionally you cant just leave your gear charging all day because the rooms do not have working power until you lock the door from the inside and put the key into the power box on the wall. This triggers the flow of juice, A/C and lights. No key in the box, no power. So either you leave your room unlocked for the day or you get multiple power adapters. (Yes, I know some people remove the key fob from the key and get around it that way) I however prefer to leave the key at the desk when I head out for the day.
2. Check the power rating of your equipment. Everything that I own has a 120/240 volt power adapter but some things like hairdryers do not. When in doubt ask, a blown breaker at 2am means that you could be sleeping without heat if the front desk is closed.
3. Laptops are fine to bring along. I have the MacBook Pro with the standard Mac power adapter. It is protected with a hard plastic shell and a discreet black laptop backpack. I never take it out at the hotels; I just use it in my room with the doors closed. I also boot it up when the car trip is going to take a few hours and there is open road ahead. Check with your guide, there may be safety reasons not to have it on your lap in certain areas. I have yet to have issues.
4. Handy to have are the little battery boosters for cell phone batteries and iPods. I purchased one with 12 different tips that will charge my cell phone or iPod or even my camera. They cost about $35 and weight almost nothing. A must have item.
5. Walkie-talkies. There are two of us traveling. If we ever get separated at a market or inside a monument we turn it on after a few minutes and figure out where to meet each other. Thank goodness we have not had to use it, but it is worth the peace of mind.
6. If there are critical pieces to make your technology work like cables or connectors. Pack them safely or even consider buying a duplicate cable before you leave. No one wants to be walking the bustling streets of Jaipur looking for a fricken USB cable at 10pm. Been there, Done That.
7. Get a computer lock with a motion alarm. One of my favorite accessories. It allows me to lock up the computer when I am out of the room to a chest of drawers, a pipe or almost anything else. And it has an ultra sensitive motion sensor that starts to shriek after 10 seconds of meager moments. I also use this on the door at night to alert me if someone is opening the door. It cost me about $39 but I use it every single day.
8. Have your cell phone unlocked before you come. I always but a local prepaid card just for emergencies, I also program the tour companies number the guides number into the phone. Test it and makes sure that they have your details as well. SMS’s are big here; you can communicate almost anything with SMS. Like meet me here or please pick us up there. I paid $10 for a prepaid SIM with 100 minutes of talk time; it expires after a year of no use but well worth the price. You will need to have your passport ready to signup for the service. I always have a photocopy at the ready for situations like this.
9. If your provider will not unlock your phone buy a simple phone in a store in India. I have seen phone starting at $35.
10. I use a blackberry from ATT and it took me about a week to get the unlock codes. I ordered the unlimited Blackberry International plan that costs about $65 with a one-year contract. It is $10 more expensive per month than my regular BES plan but well worth it.
11. In dire situations I use my phone via Bluetooth as a modem on my computer. Speeds are not great, but a whole lot better than no Internet connection at all.
12. Don’t be flashy. Your phone or your camera may not be a huge item at home but here, it can be more than half a years earnings. Be wise, and be safe.
13. The Internet is everywhere and so is spyware. Unless you have a business need to have a computer or you just like having all of your own software or whatever you can always get connected to right a quick email or book travel to the next city. The current price is about 60 Rupees per hour, about $1.50.
14. Most hotels are technology friendly; if you need something just ask. It’s not the first time that they have been asked. Most of the time they can arrange for it to be dropped off or picked up or whatever you need. Pay when the work is complete, not before. If they don’t get it right the first time, provide more details and they will get it handled. The people area really amazing. Bring all of your chargers and cables and spares and everything should be fine.