I was warned... I know, our adorable 'vacation friends' (whom we met a few years ago in France and went to visit just before the new year) gave me a heads-up... Kolkata is no fun. You get there and think: "No!! This is not how a vacation should feel! I'm not liking this!" But then, you go to where ever it is you intended to stay and enjoy the beautiful 'India Experience' that travel guides rave about....
Well... The preps were not quite enough LOL...
Getting off the plane there was no information counter, no place to exchange your money, and the little ATM machine was defect...
So was the ATM across the road. To reach that ATM, we were asked at least 8 times if we wanted a cab, with no respect for personal boundaries, and a frustrating understanding that No Thank You was no reason to leave us be, but only an invite to ask where we needed to go or repeat the first question... Without RPS there was no way to get a cab anyway, so plan A was, find an ATM that works, or someone who can help us change our money...
Who knew... Once you leave the airport, you're on your own... They don't let you back in! Stuck outside Kolkata Airport with no RPS, a broken ATM and stalking cabdrivers XD