Understand cultural differences

Dos / Donts

• One of the first recommendations is to completely change your way of thinking. The art of travel is to let yourself be transported by discovery and meeting with others.
• Do not kiss the Indians, rather join the palms of the hand in front of the chest and accompany the whole with a "Namaste".
• When eating, use only your right hand. Likewise when you give or receive an object. This habit is similar in many other eastern countries. Remember that the left hand is reserved for personal hygiene.
• Remember to take off your shoes before entering a temple or place of worship. Do the same when you enter people's homes and sometimes certain stores. In view of the ambient dust, it makes good sense to take off your shoes before entering somewhere.
• Pay attention to your dress in the temples but also in the street. Don't walk around in tank tops with off the shoulders, or in mini-skirts or shorts that are too short. Proper dress will come naturally to you if you don't want to be all eyes on you.
• Live happily, live in hiding: if you are traveling as a couple, do not show too much affection in public. Stay modest and keep your momentum for your moments of privacy.
• Never refuse to cellar!
• As on your other trips, be respectful of people when photographing them. Ask them for permission and then show them the result on your screen.
• Understand the differences
• In the same idea of ​​respecting local customs, you will learn to adapt to a new environment, far from everything you already know. To understand the famous shock of India, take things with a little distance and especially with a smile. The horns, the constant noise, the barking dogs, get used to this sound environment and observe this disorganized effervescence.
• The curiosity of Indians is perhaps one of the most characteristic traits of their personality. Whether you are shy or take the first step, India will shake you up with its meetings. Prepare for common questions about your country, your family, and your beliefs in such and such gods. In India, humour and self-deprecation are as present as the divine, that is to say everywhere. Insist glances, tough negotiations, lies, everything is ultimately a game without any aggression. At the end of your stay you will appreciate this taste for resourcefulness where everything is possible and where there is always a solution. You will also be charmed by the nodding of the head, typically Indian mimicry which means "yes ok maybe" but without being able to guarantee it 100%.
• Finally, concerning begging, especially present in large Indian cities, we do not recommend giving money and participating in this vicious circle. Your travel advisor can also provide you with information on various solidarity projects depending on the region visited.

To understand India:

Questions about India? Ask them at our local travel agency in India.