Has anybody had experience hiring unarmed bodyguards in India. I like to know how you manage to contact them.
Also cost involved in hiring for 5 day
Hiring Personal Bodyguards in India, Specifically Bangalore
sunnyc on 23/04/2018 - 19:27
Last edited 24/04/2018 - 10:04 by 1 other user
Last edited 24/04/2018 - 10:04 by 1 other user
Comments
Don't worry..You don't need any bodyguards. Ivan Millat or Bradley John Murdoch didn't prevent women from other parts of the world from visiting Australia.
Username checks out.
says someone named Scrooge McDuck
What a zinger, you got me!!
Soothes Scrooge's ruffled feathers He used to do stand-up you know.
Rajkoothrapalli - and any other Indian expats - can you please explain why India has such a, supposed, high rate of rape & sexual harrasment? Is this all fake-news or is it correct?
I'm truly interested in whether you agree this is an issue in India or not? If so, what drives this thing, is it cultural or an external influence (like watching porn). What do you make of this "eve-teasing"? If you do not agree - why?
I hope you do answer Raj (or others) as I think this dialogue needs to happen to make foreigners consider travel to India.
Genuinely interested in an Indian's take of how India is judged for it's rights & treatment of women.
Perhaps Modi is responsible either way? After being head of Gujarat when the Gujarat riots happened and what occurred with rape of minority civilians by hordes of the majority, methinks not.
@khomeini:
First, the easy questions:- Is this all fake-news or is it correct?
- I'm truly interested in whether you agree this is an issue in India or not?
- What do you make of this "eve-teasing"? If you do not agree - why?
Far from being fake news, these are legitimate concerns being voiced and shared by many Indians, within India and abroad.
Perhaps Modi is responsible either way? After being head of Gujarat when the Gujarat riots happened and what occurred with rape of minority civilians by hordes of the majority, methinks not.
Modi has much to answer for, but in this context he is at best a symptom of the disease, not its cause. Which brings me to the next questions:
- Can you please explain why India has such a, supposed, high rate of rape & sexual harrasment?
- If so, what drives this thing, is it cultural or an external influence (like watching porn).
This is a somewhat simplistic answer, as the causes of rape culture in India are largely multifactorial in nature. The most commonly implicated factors are overpopulation, combined with high rates of unemployment, poverty and illiteracy; female infanticide resulting in a skewed male:female ratio; the lingering effects of the caste system, still perpetuated by many rural communities, and the growing influence of "Western" influences in India, perceived by some to be at odds with traditionally conservative, often prudish, Indian values.
I could elaborate, but I think that will suffice for now.
- I think this dialogue needs to happen to make foreigners consider travel to India.
- Genuinely interested in an Indian's take of how India is judged for it's rights & treatment of women.
As an Indian expat, I consider the increasing level of scrutiny in the national/international media of India to be harsh, but necessary, if it wishes to modernise and keep the best of their citizens in India. Which is why I'm somewhat willing to overlook the odd belittling "shitting-in-the-street" or "gang rape" comments that tend to pop up on comment threads from time to time.
@khomeini:
Excellent answer by Kr0nix.
its good that there is high international interest as it will pull out the government/judiciary and executive from slumber and fix the problem.
I feel its two different cultures (one 19th century and one 21st century) existing side by side due to economic and social mobility for a set of people and other remaining stuck in the old times.It’s all legit. In fact, rape, assault and sexual harassment are very much under reported in India.
Fundamentally, women are relegated to an inferior status in India. The influencing factors are religious, societal and cultural. And these factors go back 100s of years.
Secondly, men believe that they can “get away” with these hideous crimes due to a widespread lack of trust in the police and the backed up judicial system. They will rape “for free” rather than pay via “prostitution”. Mind you, many prostitutes are sexual slaves, some abducted as young children.
Finally, there could be a case to be made about India’s conservatism and sexual repression and it’s impact on this issue. Irrespective, it’s abominable and heinous.
Raj Koothrapalli from Big Bang Theory?
@JediJan:
he'll do really well considering he can't even talk to women
no chance of OP's wife eloping with the bodyguard and disappearing forever!Wife: i want to go to this place at 9pm
bodyguard: shakes headWife: ok, what about this attraction?
bodyguard: shakes headWife: are you telling me its unsafe or is it just not worth the visit??
bodyguard: shakes head@payton:
😃
Sheldon may be more useful:
Knock knock knock … Penny!
Knock knock knock … Penny!
Knock knock knock …@JediJan:
Sheldon would already be in a plane form India returning to the US even before OP's wife landed in India
lel
Sorry, I've only hired body guards in Melbourne and they're usually armed, wouldn't know about Bangalore.
They're sacked!
I think you are probably being a bit paranoid, however I recommend talking to some Indians who live here in Australia - there's a lot here with IT jobs who either come from, or have lived in, Bangalore so you'll probably be able to find some who have actually lived there and can give you much better advice than the absurd "advice" I see some giving here.
For the record, I am from Bangalore.
Went to school there and grew up there before coming to Australia.
Yes it is a crowded city and as a male, even I got stared at (my skin complexion for some reason made everyone ogle).
I go back there at least once every year, and don't really pay any attention to anyone that's staring.
Groups are the best thing to be in, everyone just stays with each other and looks out for each other.
I know the safe parts of Bangalore.PM if you would like more info, I'd be happy to help. Getting bodyguards is a bit extreme, my missus is also from Bangalore and she doesn't have any problems there at all :)
Skimming through comments, i understand you're inquiring on how to protect a female in mid-20's on her trip to bangalore.
I'm indian, have been to bangalore once but I've lived in other parts of India which are metro, IT hubs and have high crime rates. I suggest you ask the female to
1. stay in a well known five star hotel
2. ensure a hotel provided chauffeur car is used for all transport
3. travel out and return back during daytime
4. travel out late evenings only when in the company of trustworthy peopleI don't claim that this reduces the chances of any incident down to zero. This would be true for any other country.
I don't claim that not following these 4 suggestions will definitely lead to a horrible incident.
This is the same advise I would give to my wife. In fact, I would make sure she followed it by constantly calling her up and checking on her.
The recent crime incidents against children, teenage girls, women, tourists - do point to a problem that has existed for a long time in the country. I don't see it going away, the govt lacks the will to implement laws, there is corruption top down in the system and as the news reports point most of the culprits are religious leaders, part of the government and bureaucracy or men in some sort of power position. Its a shame.
I don't think hiring bodyguards is a common trend for temporary visits to India. You may have a tough time finding reliable security.
- stay in a well known five star hotel
Don't advise the OP to waste money, mate. Forgot your OzBargain ethics? Any 3-star and above hotel should be fine, as long as it is big and safely located. Some hotels often don't have star recognition but are very popular and have great ratings in TripAdvisor, etc. They will work too.
Just rent a cow, walk round with cow close to your side 24/7 . Cows are sacred in India so they won't mess with them. Alternatively, hire a realistic cow suit .
This option looks good on paper. But not feasible.
And free milk
Alternatively, hire a realistic cow suit
That will be fine until a horny bull decides to have a bit of fun.
Also, if you wanted cheap/bargain bodyguard, but not necessarily professional full time bodyguard, you could line something up using Indian students here for contacts. I had a very strong and musclebound Indian student that knows some Indian form of Kung Fu, working as my house assistant and cleaner. If I wanted a bodyguard in India, Im sure my Indian student contacts here could line something up through a friend of a friend or something like that.
I'm a very pretty boy. Should I hire bodyguard?
Dunno… But you definitely should avoid consuming soy products.
just don't go to shithole countries
Yeah, just close eyes and keep living in a bubble.
He is not talking about Trump's USA.
To quote James Wood:
"Defeat of ISIS, burdensome regulatory relief, border integrity, census integrity, denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, immigration sanctity, tax relief, lowest unemployment in years, record black employment, strengthened military, sensible trade agreements. You’re an idiot. https://t.co/x0WzgWNvNq"
(The 'idiot' of course being Joe Scarborough, but equally applies to those who think 'left'.)
Troll thread.
Tell me how exactly I’m trolling people?
I think you are getting worried about your own shadow. If she is going to be in a group she will be safe. Just make sure she's not isolated/inebriated. The local hotel she will be staying at can organise a driver/car or use ola cabs:
https://www.olacabs.com/rentals
Get a Prepaid cab from the airport if needed. Hired goons will only attract attention. She will be fine. We stayed at juSTa MG Road. Excellent hotel with good location. check the reviews on tripadvisor. Theres a good vegetarian restaurant close by called adiga's. Brigade road/Garuda mall is an easy walk or a quick rickshaw trip.It’s not an simple situation. Normally the car driver is enough, they are reliable as they do this as their daily job and will accompany you by car wherever you travel. If you are not planning to hire a car then only I would be looking at this option of bodyguard. Bodyguards are not normally used in India with tourists as they normally with at least 2/3 people and/or translator. Many of my friends that have travelled to India have only hired a car and the car driver stays with them at all times.
What is the primary mode of transport during the stay?
I think any crime reporting can be overblown a bit….
It seems pretty easy stuff to do -
Dress conservatively (no skin, no cleavage, good idea to have hair cover too); Dont wear dresses, wear pants; Don't go out at night unless in group or to an area with security; Don't get drunk; Don't get involved with the locals; Use recommended driver (good idea to book from hotel); stay at good hotel (with security).
Additional steps could be to carry a personal alarm and one of those door stops things.
The most important is not to get drunk or go out alone - doing these things is always risky.
I've already ask her to take all these precautions. Like not get drunk as well and dressing conservatively. I think if I don't get security, maybe a driver or just some self defence mace spray. I couldn't find any bear repellent which works much better but probably not available in India because there is no bears.
but probably not available in India because there is no bears.
How did you find out?
http://www.wildlifeindia.co.uk/wildlife-species-india/wildli…
As I said earlier, this is a troll thread.
Beware of the SLOTH bears
The most unkept looking bear out of three species found in India is the Sloth Bear
Hmm, especially those rare bears that you only find in India….
A chastity belt would be more economical than hiring a bodyguard.
I thought this thread would be filled with gif animations of Bollywood fighting scenes. disappointed
You think it's funny when OP is serious about the issue. Not done, mate.
Lol cancel that flight and book a new one to tokyo
I tried. I said holiday anywhere else in the world. Wouldn’t. Budge
Then I think she has to take her own risk ….
Personally suggest that she should find an alternative -even Thailand -Chiangmai/Bangkok is relatively safer for a lady travelling alone….
Big time ladyboy and 'cultural' issues in Thailand, but of a different sort. Less harmful.
Also, never seen as many gender-changed people in the world - quite disturbing for the first timers.
Travelled through Thailand alone. I'm female. Zero issues, and zero hints of anything that would become an issue
Is there a reason why she is so adamant to go there? I mean no offence to anyone but theres a wholeee lot of other countries i'd rather go than there
its for work. and she booked her tickets.
That can be said for any country but there are many uniques to India - rich culture, history, palaces/ forts, food, social diversity, hospitality, Himalayas, whitewater rivers, spiritual life, etc to name a few.
India is the rape capital of the world. They even mob rape little kids. Honestly, I would be worried that the body guards will rape your missus.
Seriously consider an alternstive to india. There are some sick deprived people in that country. Definately not a place for a foreign female.
Get my news from a tv screen, please form my opinion for me.
It's a country of 1.3 Billion people. I am sure on a per capita basis it won't be as bad as reported in the news. Tell her to dress modestly and not try to be overly adventurous and she will be fine. When in Rome.
When in Rome…
… avoid islamic no-go zones.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/…
You seem to have a bit of a chip on your shoulder there, Greg.
Seriously - posting an article about Islamic State from 2014? They've had a few setbacks since then.
Who? Rome or its invaders?
It was a joke anyway - as in, a play on words combined with the subject of this thread - worry about foreigners. A bit above your pay grade perhaps.
Its not needed. Millions of women live in India, you just have to be cautious and take necessary precautions.
Necessary precautions…. Such as having body guards?
shes a tourist, she stands out. different ethnicities. nice personality. She will give them the wrong message. Im the exact opposite, people there will definitely know not to approach me but im not going.
Sorry Sunny bro, I wasn't aware she is different ethnicity. Then yes she is gonna get lots of attraction and please inform her staring would be a normal scene there, at least in Delhi I know.
No
Such as wearing proper clothes to cover full legs and hands.
Avoid going out after 7 PM
and there are tons others, you can google for the full list.
Serious answer.
contact controls risks. Based out of London, they have an India office. Tell them your budget and they will direct you to the best organisation, if not themselves.
It's 'Control Risks'. Doh!
mmmmmm, trying to play the "do I know this bloke" now….
dress conservatively, very conservatively to begin with. A good place to start may be with the concierge of the very 1st hotel you booking into or alternatively with the Australian High Commission?
I have the solution.
Show your missus this thread.
You probably won't have a missus afterwards.
Solved.
so she is travelling in a group?
why do you want security then?
the faq that anyone would want to travel around india blows my mind. i do alot of asian countries but india is where i draw the line. if i was a local and saw a white guy with body guards.. id call my friends for back up
Plenty of white people travel to India. You are not special.
im not, u seem like the special one….guess who is also special, white people with bodyguards in third world countries…
i do alot of asian countries but india is where i draw the line
If you are not special, as you claim, then what does the above mean? You are a little too precious to visit India.
@homersimpson:
but i didnt claim i was special? u came up with that…. u know, i only ever use android phones, and i would never ever use an iphone. so i guess that makes me to special for apple, to precious for apple?.. u ok bro? losing it a bit@ego22:
Who cares what phone you use. To me you seem to be a person who thinks that the world owes you something. Guess what, you are a nobody, just like me.
I think you should reconsider India.
If you do the golden triangle dehli, Jaipur and Agra by train (2nd AC class) pretty safe; maybe less safe for a female by herself.
And you will be amazed.
I don't blame you for being concerned for safety. News of late are pretty disturbing.
I grew up in India and been to Bangalore many times. It's silicon Valley of India and there are thousands of exapts who live and work,and thousands more visit for business.
Hiring a bodyguard is way overkill but following general precaution is necessary. Like others have said if you feel paranoid then you shouldn't do it but the fact that it's your wife (and that she won't budge) and she is going for work just ask her to do the following.
Stay in a reputable hotel, ideally close to work or busy part of the city.
Always use hotel provided car/taxi services.
Avoid going to places alone. Go with a group or ask local colleagues to come along (they will be more than happy to do this)Good luck
chastity belt will do.
Hiring bodyguards is a ridiculous idea. Let your wife/sister/gf dress conservatively, and they will be fine. If 2 or more females are travelling, advise them to stay/travel together in India if possible.
Hire me. i'll take care of your mrs. I can do what two men can't. Send me a private message for my rates.
You can't go wrong with him. He is the best we've got in India.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_EwisDTm74We haven’t even begun to talk about the other major risk as a foreign traveller and that is the crazy bugs you can pick up. She should always travel with her group and she will be fine. But she needs to be super careful about what she eats and drinks. 10 years ago, Aussies could go to India, pick up a 1-week stint of gastro, and continue their travels. Now days, the bugs have morphed into crazy super bugs and they can stay with you for life. No joke. Hand hygene, travelan and space in the suitcase for non-perishable food is a must!
Maybe watch this video. This girl knows what she's talking about and she has stayed in India far more days than the posts in this thread.
https://youtu.be/2PGDllwRM6EIs this a joke??
If you are so scared to send your missus alone. Please accompany her or don't send her at all.
Also, Bangalore is quite safe in my opinion. Just avoid the remote dodgy areas and carry a pepper spray to be extra cautious.
Mate, I offered alternatives like luxury holidays anywhere else in the world. Gifts that would cost people’s annual salary and she wouldn’t budge.
Why does she want to go to India?
cos its the only time she can go with friends. I'm not taking her there. She wants to experience it once.
Does she even want bodyguards then?
It's maybe making sure she's aware of the risks of travelling (in general) and has enough street smarts. Eg. what to be aware of, things to look out for, what to do if indeed conflict arises…
I know lots of non-Indians that have gone to India and all have come back - although with varied experiences… but all came back.
That being said, I remember seeing an episode of the Amazing Race and the two woman team were constantly complaining about being on a crowded train and being groped both front and back. Even the wife of one teams was being groped in front of the husband.
Oh by the way, one friend that went there was robbed at knife point,.. but they came back safely in the end..
Issues will arise wherever one goes and I guess it's just about being aware of how to handle it.
@Porker: of course not, who wants to have bodyguards. She doesn't know the risks involved in travelling to India.
My (now) wife (girlfriend at the time) went on a girls trip through south-america and I too was worried. Short of me putting our relationship on the line for her not to go, all I could do was equip her with knowledge on what to do 'IF' something happened.
I made sure we watched 'Taken' in hope that it would convince her not to go.
But as long as she plays it smart, doesn't put herself or friends (and friends do the same) into a compromising situation, then I would expect she'd be fine.
You sound like you have the money so just get something good and it'll help you sleep easier.
bahahahaha i wonder why ;) if you know what i mean..
OP I'd think twice about bodyguards
What if they turn rogue?
Has happened in the pastWhat may I know is your source for your worries?
If that's just the news that you hear from India, then it is time for you to switch off whatever you are reading or watching. There are 100's of news channels in India that run 24X7, in order to increase their rating, they sensationalize and scrap the barrel every 6 hours. There is even a case where the media lighted the match stick so a protestor on the verge on immolation would do it quickly and so they could have a "Breaking news story'. I'm in no way saying that the cases of rape/child molestation should be thrown under the carpet, however in India the media knows that these stories are rating gold and sensationalize to a level that is completely disproportionate.
A few years ago due to a couple of racial attacks in Melbourne on Indian Students, Melbourne and Australia in general was portrayed like it was Nazi Germany by the Indian media to a degree where the visiting Australian prime minister was made to answer and some of so called experts were quickly to point out the white Australia policy for the racial hatred. Parents of some of my friends wanted to know if we could 'escape' from Australia!
Not just India, whichever new country/city you go to, the best bodyguard happens to be your 'common sense'. Avoid certain areas alone and certain times of the day and you should be fine.
Very well said, mtfranklin!
There are countless reports of female travelers in India being harassed by men.
Its quite well known I'm not sure why you are trying to imply nothing happens.
Just to be clear the risk isn't exactly kidnapping/rape/injury, its more sexual assault, verbal harassment and similar.
Its enough to ruin a travel experience and can potentially make some bad memories.
Dont forget app like sosmate.com
You don’t need them.
Just don’t let your wife go out at night or to dodgy or secluded places by herself.
Advice that would hold true when visiting almost all foreign countries.
Edit: oh, you are not going…..ummmm….just educate her and her friends up on the dangers; they’re grownups, they need to make their own decisions.
Just tell her to pack some heat.
How could it not be with all those guns!