In Kolkata January 14-27 2020, staying within 10 blocks of the Park Street area. . I was enchanted. The juxtaposition of old and new, rich and poor, high-end retail and street fare was something to see. Apparently one of the cheapest places to rent in India, although I fell back on a hotel (I know, not very nomad).... Still, it was not bad. Internet was fast enough for research and posting work, but there are filters on access in various places in India, so for example I couldn't get my Tunnel to function here (may have just been my chosen access points filtered it). There are internet cafes (Starbucks, etc) in the Park Street area that I could use. English is widely (but NOT universally) understood, but you will also run up against Bengali, Hindi, and Urdu. The food is fabulous, with every possibility you can imagine (oh yeah, nice brewpubs and pizza for the unadventurous). Even if you are not a vegetarian, trust me, these folks can cook in ways that you won't miss meat (and this from a guy who likes BBQ). Currency exchange is best done at a bank, don't trust the ATM's that are stuck to the side of a building. Although the NomadList says otherwise, I was able to use my plastic for a lot of purchases- India is pretty progressive depending on where you are. Use a "Prepaid taxi" to get from the airport to town, which you can get from a booth inside the main terminal... Don't use UBER at the airport as the crazy insanity of the pickup area makes getting your ride nearly impossible (otherwise UBER in Kolkata is fine). I miss Kolkata, I will be back.
4 years ago