Posted on February 23, 2008 by Amalia Sterescu
- Travelers must obtain an alcohol consumption license to drink alcohol in certain Indian states. Licenses can be obtained for free at the airport.
- Remove shoes before entering an Indian home.
- It is considered impolite to point with your finger, to whistle and to position your feet in the direction of another person.
- Always use your right hand to accept or pass food. Never offer another person food from your plate.
- Because the cow is considered sacred, Hindus do not eat beef.
- Gifts should not be opened in the presence of the giver.
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Business Cultural Tips |
- Men shake hands upon meeting and when departing. Western businesswomen should not initiate handshaking with Indian men.
- The traditional greeting, known as the namaste, may be appropriate when a handshake is not. Do this by putting your palms together, bow slightly and say “namaste”. (This means “I salute the godlike qualities within you”.)
- It is advisable to be punctual to appointments. However, your Indian counterpart may be late. Indian executives prefer late morning or early afternoon appointments.
- Always address Indians by their professional titles or by Mr., Mrs., Miss. Do not use their first names unless invited to do so.
- Hospitality, such as tea and small talk is a part of conducting business.
- Men should wear a suit and tie. (Jackets may be removed in the summer.) Women should wear conservative dresses or suits.
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Business Hours |
- Mon-Sat: 1000-1800 (with lunch between 1300-1400).
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Filed under: Ask the experts | Tagged: business cultural tips, cultural tips, India, Travel to India
I would like to add more:
General Cultural Tips:
1. Don’t share an adult joke with friends circle , some people will not like it.
2. Keep insisting atleast 3 times for something to Indian friend; it is good practice most of the time; Indian people deny the favor because of their shy nature.
3. Never say something about anyone behind their back.
4. Always respect elders as much as possible.
5. Don’t be surprised if someone switch to English even with their Indian friends; even if they can speak Hindi well; language is just a communication tool for Indians.
6. Never discuss about caste system; it may happen someone may not like it.
7. Ask anything you like about Indian culture and you will definetly find different process for the same things. Thats the Indian diversity .
Business Cultural Tips
1. Prefer a formal dress on weekdays.
2. Prefer to switch off the phone while in meeting and be punctual.
3. Don’t try to cross your senior in his/her idea, may be later you both can discuss.
4. Don’t get surprise if someone address you with ’sir’ in a brief meeting; but it is polite if you ask him/her to not to address you that way and remember keep on insisting until they give up unless ofcourse you like to be address that way.
The key is how much you insist the more you insist the more people thinks that you rally care for them.
Cheers,
Shailesh [A True Indian]
Hi Shailesh,
Thank you very much for your input. I will have the chance to be again in Delhi & Bangalore this month so I will use some of your advices.
Regards,
Amalia