Do’s and Don’ts When Visiting India

When we planned our wedding in India, there was a lot that we needed to tell friends. Cultural, religious, bureaucratic were just parts of being immersed in a foreign culture.

We put together a do’s and don’ts list when friends and tourists visit India.   The next article will be specifically about Indian wedding traditions and what to do and wear.

DON’ts!

• Don’t wear tight or revealing clothing.
• Don’t wear shoes inside someone’s home.
• Don’t touch someone with your feet. Even playfully kicking someone with your is offensive.
• Don’t eat food or pass objects with your left hand.
• Don’t be offended by intrusive questions.  Eg. “why aren’t you married?”
• “when will you have kids?”
• “how much do you make?”
• Indians like intrusive questions because we are both nosy people and living in close proximity to one another. We just like to know!
• Visiting a temple or mosque – do not wear shoes inside, do not wear tank tops, short shorts, or short skirts. Keep a shawl with you in case you need to cover your head.
• If you are a man, don’t put your hand out to shake hands to an Indian women unless she offers first.
• Do not call people older than you (at least 10+ years), only by their first name; it is disrespectful. Instead, call them “auntie” or “uncle.” You can also call them by their first name followed by auntie/uncle. The exception to this rule is if you’re over 35-40 (as a general rule, “a true adult”), then you can address the person by their first name.
• You may also call some people Mami/Mama, Kaki/Kaka which means Aunt/Uncle respectively.
• Do not show your bra in any way. And definitely not your cleavage! Girls, you know those tops…
• Do not give money to beggers. This is moral call on your side but giving money to beggers usually means dozens more will show up in seconds begging from you. If you want to give something, carry prepackaged biscuits.
• Do not travel around New Delhi by yourself after sunset. Delhi is a dangerous city compared to Mumbai.
• Do not show valuables to strangers, i.e. don’t leave your purse open or phone on a table in public.
• Do not take photos of government property, that includes airports and certain buildings.
• Do not take unmarked taxis or follow people who say they will help you get to your hotel for cheap.
• Do not trust taxi drivers who suggest taking you to the best spot to buy saris, pashmina shawls, clothes. They take to their friends and get a cut from the sale. You don’t get a discount though, even if they say you do.
• Do not drink tap water. Drink double filtered or bottled water.
• Do not visit street stalls unless your stomach is made of iron (you know who you are). Street stalls do not have soaped washed dishes and are low in sanitation of food.

DOs!

• Do mingle and meet new friends.
• Do enjoy and have fun!
• Do ask questions about anything you want to know.
• Do taste the foods. Indian food won’t bite you!
• Do explore your area.
• Do be street smart. Mumbai for a large metropolis (25 million) is a fairly safe city. Pickpocketing will most likely be the worst you will see.
• Do be prepared for poverty like you never seen before.
• Do smile and take lots of photos!