When travelling in India it is important to consider the culture in which you are travelling particularly if it is a culture susceptible to outside influence such as a developing nation. Parts of India are immersed in the 21st century and others are still well and truly and happily surviving in conditions last seen in the 1800’s in Europe. With this in mind you must remember just because you see couple in Delhi together holding hands doesn’t mean you should believe it is acceptable do this everywhere. It is important to do what is appropriate in the local area. For that reason travel in India requires special consideration and preparation here are some cultural issues that you need to take into account when you arrive in the country.
DRESS CODE FOR INDIA Shoulders and knees must be covered at all times. Shorts are not acceptable dress in India. Swimming outside of hotel pools must be done fully clothed.
PUBLIC SHOWS OF AFFECTION between opposite sexes is frowned upon in India, so no holding hands or kissing in public.
TOILET PAPER AND THE LEFT HAND if during your stay in India you are not able to live with out toilet paper please make sure you do not at any time put it down the toilet in public toilets, please put in bins most of which are provided. The plumbing system is not able to deal with the extra work this is demonstrated by the fact that every western toilet in every railway station waiting room is blocked. It is customary in India to use soap and water and the left hand. So whether you use toilet paper or not do not pass anything or touch anyone with your left hand.
HEAD AND FEET In Asia the head is the seat of the soul and so touching others heads especially children’s is a grave insult. The feet are the unclean part of the body; it is an insult to point at or touch anyone or anything with your feet. On the other hand if a person touches your feet they are showing you great respect.
TIPPING As a general rule in Asia tipping is known as Baksheesh it is the oil that works the system and covers a multitude of things. You normally are not rewarding good service but paying to get things done.
This is a minimum guide if you would like to give a bit more feel free. Some hotels have tipping boxes. Those that don’t it is better to give directly to the person you intend it to go too.
Bags taken to room – 10 INR per bag.
Hotel room boys – 30 INR PP per night
Afternoon sightseeing driver – 50 INR
Dropping to station or airport – 50 INR
Guides all sites on top of the guiding fee. 1-4 pax 50-100 INR, 5-10 pax 100-150 INR, 11-15 pax 150-200 INR
Train station porter – 30 – 50INR per bag.
Restaurant – 10% to max 300 INR in fancy restaurants.
Driver (per 1 medium day driving) – 100-200 INR
Toilet lady/man – 5 INR
Company rep/tour escort – 200-400 INR per day.
It is not necessary to tip rickshaw drivers simply pay the amount agreed.
PHOTOGRAPHY Please be respectful of other people ask before photographing them you should avoid giving money as it encourages a begging society. It is disrespectful to take photos of people bathing.
BEGGING, this is something you will see a lot of, you will have to make your own mind up on how you feel, but as a rule please don’t give to beggars when the whole group is around. Please bear in mind that begging in India is organised. Children are sent out to beg and people are even maimed to increase their earning power. In towns where tourists don’t visit, children don’t ask for pens and chocolate or 1 rupee they are happy and excited to meet you.
HAGGLING, this is an important part of the culture. It is a way of establishing the best possible price for both parties. Never offer a price if you are not prepared to buy at that price. Don’t put the seller into a position of loosing face by accepting your price to quickly. Think of it as a game. Make it light hearted. When entering a shop show interest in something for which you are not interested ask how much then put it back down, as you search for your desired piece keep going back to it. You will get a much better price for something if you don’t appear too keen. After asking how much your best price, decide what you want to pay and half it. Offer this price work up slowly if you are close to the amount you want to pay and the vendor will not move, accept the price remember that small amount of money to you may feed his family. A price may drastically reduce if you walk out of the shop.
