You can find me in the club… (in Mumbai, India)
by Bernard Ablola
Sep 24, 2009 India 2009, MBA
We head out to the Blue Frog, a night club in Mumbai. As we walk through the shady alley way towards the night club we see tons of the young Indian party goers. It is a hot Friday night and the guys and girls are dressed to impress. 500 Rupees gets you in.
At one point I think I’m in the states because the live cover band is playing U.S. music. I immediately head to the bar, “Glenlevit neat!” The bill comes out and I hand over my credit card. I quickly calculate the exchange rate in my head and notice I just signed off for triple of what I should have paid. I demand to see the menu and notice that I was being ripped off.
“This is not the U.S.”
I get the bartender’s attention and explain that this drink is more expensive than U.S. prices. He responds with “This is not the U.S.” and slightly smiles to mock me. The bartender overcharged me and I’m getting upset. After a number of verbal exchanges, I point at him and loudly say “DON’T SCREW ME MAN” “I brought 30 friends with me tonight and you are trying to RIP ME OFF…” He senses my anger as well as well as the other bar patrons and quickly signals for the manager. I show the manager the receipt and the menu price and he quickly apologizes and offers a refund. I demand additional drinks to settle it even.
LESSON: Anytime you travel in another country be aware of getting taken advantage of. This happens everywhere, just make sure you are watching your money at all times.
New culture shock
Night clubs in India is a new concept. There is plenty of red tape in order to obtain a liquor license so you won’t find too many bars or clubs in India. The dance club culture is fairly new concept. The bumping and grinding that happens in the states, does not happen here. Indians love the Bollywood and Akon but dance more conservative. So as a group we conservatively dance to the loud music trying not to brush up against each other. 
My advice: “Keep your eyes open but also, respect the culture of the environment.
B
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