>getting mugged, pickpocketed or swindled Those at least are direct threats which you would at least be conscious of (and may be avoid learning some self defen

>getting mugged, pickpocketed or swindled Those at least are direct threats which you would at least be conscious of (and may be avoid learning some self defence and having some 'tools'). But there's a lot of silent thieving that's going either unnoticed or ignored. From shopkeepers to rented auto-rickshaw owners, everyone charges an American 5x to 10x more (some even start charging for something that's supposed to be free). Since they do not know the actual rates, they end up paying the (relatively) huge amounts without even knowing they are being ripped off. If you're an American considering visiting India (or probably any third world country for that matter), make sure you befriend someone there and learn the prices and rates of common necessities. If you make people realize you know the actual price and perhaps negotiate a little, they'll give in very soon. You'll be saving a lot of money that way.