Stretching from Pakistan to the Indian Ocean with over 4,500 miles of coastline and a population of 1.2 billion, visiting India can be a culture shock. It’s a huge and diverse country containing a number of different religions, languages and cultures. India’s recent economic boom also means more people are travelling to the country for business.
Our Travel Managers have extensive knowledge of India and are able to arrange enjoyable and well-organised trips. We can also help our clients to understand and be comfortable with the country’s customs and culture so their trip can be a success.
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Travelling to India
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When travelling to India it is important to remember that the British Government currently advises against travelling to certain areas and regions. We would recommend regularly checking the Foreign Travel Advice website for up-to-date information.
India has a large number of international airports, and travel to major cities, including Mumbai and Delhi, is easy to arrange from the UK.
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Customs and Culture
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India consists of 29 states and 7 territories, meaning its customs and cultures can vary enormously.
Business in India is generally conducted in English and many Indian people have a basic level of the language, however learning some basic phrases in Hindi (the country’s most popular language) can be helpful.
Our Travel Managers will be able to provide comprehensive advice ahead of your trip specific to the region you are travelling to and the purpose of your visit.
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Dress
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Both sexes should dress conservatively in loose ankle length trousers and tops that cover the arms. We would recommend that women carry a lightweight scarf, which will allow them to enter mosques, gurdwaras and Hindu temples.
Both sexes should be prepared to remove their shoes when visiting Indian houses and at some places of worship.
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Prohibited Goods
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During elections, bans on the sale of alcohol are often imposed.
You may need prior permission from the Indian authorities to bring equipment like listening or recording devices, powerful cameras or binoculars into the country. Seek advice from the Indian High Commission in London or one of our Travel Managers ahead of your journey.
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Religious Festivals
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Religion is a big part of life in India. The most popular religion is Hinduism but there are also large numbers of Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and Buddhists. You will need to arrange business meetings around the religious practices of your hosts, this can vary from region to region, so we would advise checking ahead of travel.
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Greeting
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When meeting someone for business you can either shake their hand or say Namaste, which means “I bow to the divine in you”.
Men tend to shake hands with other men, but not with women. Indian women may shake hands with foreign women but not with men, if you are uncertain wait for the woman to extend her hand first.
Namaste is a respectful Hindi greeting, traditionally both palms are bought together at chest level and the head is slightly inclined when the word is spoken.
Travelling with Simplexity means you don’t need to worry about any aspect of your trip. From flights and transport, hotels and accommodation and a complete itinerary, we’ll provide an unforgettable visit to one of the word’s most exciting and diverse countries.
Contact us today on 0203 535 9390 or email info@simplexitytravel.com.