Tips for visitors to India
10 October 2008
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India's dazzling extremes and diverse nature create the perfect travel adventure. |
India is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to experience a true culture awakening. Its dazzling extremes and diverse nature help to create the perfect travel adventure. Follow these guidelines to ensure you avoid any embarrassing situations.
- Indians are extremely generous and will consider themselves obliged to go out of the way to fulfill a friend or guest's request. Therefore, try to take extra care not to be too much of a burden.
- It is best to avoid general displays of physical affection in public.
- It is considered rude to say "NO" directly, unless it is a crucial issue. Therefore, if someone seems reluctant to do something take it probably means they do not really want to do it.
- When invited to a person's home for dinner, take some small gift, like a box of chocolates/sweets or flowers.
- Never use your left hand for eating, serving or taking food or accepting things as it is considered unclean.
- Generally Muslims don't eat pork and Hindus avoid beef so it's best to choose a vegetarian restaurant if dining out with new local friends.
- Avoid feeling uncomfortable or creating a confrontation if people are staring at you, it is fairly common for local people to stare at foreigners.
- Conservative clothes should be worn as a sign of respect for local customs.
- Although India's locals are not always punctual themselves, they expect foreigners to arrive close to the appointed time.
- Remove your shoes when entering a mosque or visiting someone's home.
- Remote places may have their own distinct cultures; be sure to enquire about these before you visit any villages to avoid impoliteness.
Contact: Mandy Sacher
Phone: 02 911-40622
