Cope

• Power outages and water shortages happen not just every day, but often several times on the same day, with summers being particularly bad. Better places have water tanks and generators to alleviate the pain, but keep a flashlight handy at night and do your part by not wasting too much water. But again, these will impact you only if you stay somewhere in Paharganj. Easier to stay at a slightly better hotel and let money solve these minor problems.
• Laundry service is offered in most hotels, even budget accommodations. If you would rather save the money and do it yourself, buckets are found in almost all bathrooms - but perhaps wash it out well first.
• Exercising outdoors is not recommended due to the level of pollution and swimming in rivers is also not recommended. You'll want to look for a hotel with a gym or a pool (many offer day passes). Or a evening/morning walk can be taken in the parks.
• Tourist Agency Warning Several tourist agencies (specifically Merrygo Travel in Connaught Place, near H Block) have been known to swindle tourists, change their travel plans, and quietly charge them forty-five percent commission. If you do use the services of a travel agency, try to book train tickets. Do not take a personal car. The agency will most likely charge you ridiculous prices, for example, 7 rupees/km of the trip. The driver will most likely take you to sites that you did not request to see in order to pull more money out of your pockets. Try to navigate through the India Rail website and book your own tickets. Otherwise, prepare to spend a good hour sorting through the charges that the tourist agency will rack up, most likely several hundred dollars in convenience charges, or unspecified taxes.