Domestic -
Q- What is the criteria for selection to live at Home Away From Home ?
A- If you are working or studying in South Delhi or Gurgaon, all you have to do is come to us with a valid photo ID (Passport/Ration Card/Driving Licence/Pan Card) in original and 1 photocopy thereof and 5 passport size photographs, and we will have a talk with you. If all is in order, we will issue you a form which you can fill on the spot and sign yourself, if you are over 18, or get signed by your guardian in case you are below 18, and move in immediately upon payment of the refundable security deposit of Rs.5,000/- and proportionately the rent and other charges for the balance of the month.
Q- What if I do not have enough money to cover the Security Deposit and the balance rent for the month right away ?
A- The management reserves the right to allow you a reasonable period of time to deposit the balance amount. But, your failure to do so will result in your allocation of accommodation being canceled with immediate effect, without notice.
Q- When are the accommodation charges payable ? If we cannot pay by that date, what do we do ?
A- Although the charges are payable by the 5th of the month, our policy is to allow any genuine reasons for delay. In case of non-payment by this/allowed date, the management is free to issue you a notice of vacation, if not intimated in advance of probable delay. Please let the administration know of the facts and please follow the instructions given to you strictly.
Q- My parents are out of station and would like to pay for my charges directly ?
A- In such cases, the management will provide you the banking details for direct deposit into our account. Even though we have arrangements with our bankers for zero transaction charges for such deposits, any banking charges, if levied, will be on your account.
Q- How do I pay for internet or other miscellaneous charges ?
A- An account summary is raised at the end of the month detailing all such charges and is payable with the accommodation charges for the proceeding month.
FOREIGNERS -
Q- What documents do I need to stay at Home Away From Home ?
A- You need to have a valid passport with a valid visa covering the entire duration of your stay with us and your occupation with your time here being in consonance with your Visa type.
Q- If I plan to stay for long, do I get a discount/special tariff ?
A- Yes, if you stay for long, our discount automatically kicks in over 7 days of stay, at percentage equal to the number of days stayed, with a maximum of 30%. For example, if you stay 10 days, you get 10% discount on your total bed charges. For a stay of 30 days or more, the discount stays at a flat 30% of the total bed charges. For long stays, we also charge an initial deposit of INRs.5,000/-, which is adjustable only against your final bill.
Q- I plan to travel the country. How can you help me ?
A- We will discuss with you your plans and make suitable suggestions. Accordingly, we will help you make the necessary travel arrangements, taking care of your safety, time availability and budget requirements. It is our continuous endeavour that you make the most of your time in India.
Q- Which is the best mode of travel for a single foreign lady traveling alone in India ?
A- For people who have very little time and a fixed set of places in North India to see, a conducted bus tour on a Volvo AC bus is the best way. We recommend Panicker’s Travel only, as they offer very good packages for all popular tourist attractions, with all stay and tour guide factored in. For longer journeys, we recommend the trains, as they are reasonably efficient and considerably safer than taxis & vans. For journeys upto 300 kms. chair-seats(CC) with armrests, which demarcate your own space are best and above that 3AC Sleeper class, which is 3 tiers of sleeping berths on each side. You can get more space for yourself at the same price by opting for the side-upper or side-lower berths, which, though in the corridor, are only double tiered, even in the 3AC. But, if you are 6 feet or taller, please do not use this option and opt for the regular bottom, middle or upper berths.
Q- I am told that all train tickets are sold out. What do I do ?
A- Please do not believe anybody else except the railway ticket counters. You can check the actual availability situation yourself online at http://www.indianrail.gov.in/inet_metro_trns.html at all hours except from 2330 to 0500. There is a special foreign tourist quota on all major trains, for which you will have to go yourself to the Foreign Tourist Bureau/Counter at the train station. Note that you will be informed by all and sundry that it is right opposite the train station and they will even offer to take you there, but look for it yourself, inside the station. Only the Railway Ticket Reservation Offices for normal tickets are in separate independent buildings near the main entrance of the railway stations, not in private buildings with lots of other shops, restaurants, internet cafe’s etc.
Q- I have not booked any accommodation in advance. What do I do when I get to a new city at odd hours ?
A- There are always small hotels in the vicinity of main railways stations all over India. Just check into any one that appeals to you or the best looking of the lot. Now to ensure that there is no risk to you, just do the following. You can use the following measures all over India and with minor modifications, all over the the world -
Say namaste with folded hands to the clerk at the counter and asking them for their card and where you can make an STD call, even if a sign next door stares you in the face saying PCO/STD/ISD and even if you are carrying your own mobile. Keep your mobile prominent but say that it is very low on battery. Go and make a phone call to anybody you know telling them where you are going to be for the night. If you do not have anybody handy you can disturb at that point of the day/night, I offer myself for the purpose. You are welcome to call me anytime 24/7 at 09350109666 or 09268778688, to leave any details. While going to your room, ask the clerk to forward any calls/messages for you and that you are expecting not one, but two, which are both urgent, even though you know that nobody would be calling. This will surely keep you safe.
Q- As a foreign lady traveling alone, what can I do to stay safe ?
A- All the following, which practised over time will become habits and keep you safe anywhere:-
-Always remember all that your mother told you, I mean just the part about keeping safe right then, otherwise you will drown in information overload.
-Always stay calm, however hard it might be, so that you can keep thinking straight and fast.
-Always be aware of your surroundings and people around you. Take mental notes of anything that strikes you as odd and persistent without cause. Do not hesitate to mention it to people around you if it bothers you, asking their opinion or help if required.
-Travel as light as possible, carrying smaller packs of everything essential. This way you can always be completely in charge of your belongings and carry them conveniently with you everywhere, even inside a washroom.
-Do not share personal information/plans/schedules with strangers.
-Buy all eatables or drinks etc. only in sealed condition, checking for expiry dates.
-Smile at people around you but in a controlled manner, showing people that you are at ease and confident. Any show of lack of confidence is a show of weakness/fear. You cannot allow that.
-When choosing means of transport, always choose one with the biggest group of people. So, the list in order of preference is Aeroplanes, trains, buses, public shared taxis, private taxi from stand and finally private taxi. Private cars are a strict no-no unless you trust the person.
-In buses, always take a window seat towards the middle of the bus, on the opposite side to the driver’s side. The reasons for this I will tell you if we meet.
-In trains, always go for the highest class you can afford/get, but the First Class is not a good option, as then there is just you and somebody else in the compartment.
-Take a flight after checking the reliability/punctuality and the efficiency of the connection. Sometimes, the airport serving an area are not so conveniently located. You could spend more time and money getting to your final destination than if you took the train to a station closer to your destination or maybe a point to point overnight bus. Explore/consider all transport options before deciding on one.
Q. Is booking online totally safe ?
A. Yes, it is if you use time-tested portals and rated properties on them. You can also directly google them and see for yourself. Any property which throws up a good number of “hits” and which also gives its complete address, contact landline numbers and also driving instructions, should be safe.
