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If you've been around for a while, you know that we are big on providing you with information
on different world countries.
This includes exciting places to visit, what to expect when you visit the countries, things
to look out for, and tips on what to do and what not to do in a particular country.
In this video, I'll teach you the Do's and Don'ts of visiting India.
India is a beautiful and fascinating country rich with charming beauty, fascinating traditions,
and diverse cultural elements.
Any travel enthusiast and adventurer will definitely love it here.
However, Indians are very particular about their customs.
While they are primarily welcoming and tolerant to foreigners and visitors, it still helps
to know some customs and traditions so that you don't get in trouble or offend the locals.
Without further ado, let's get into the Dos and Donts you should follow in India.
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Number 1 Do not wear your shoes inside
In India, wearing shoes that you've worn outside inside someone's house is considered bad manners.
You will want to avoid doing this so you don't offend your hosts.
Indians typically take off their footwear before entering their homes; they wear domestic
shoes or slippers solely reserved for indoors.
Temples, mosques, and even some shops do not allow shoes inside.
So when in India, take note of the environment; if you see a bunch of shoes at the entrance
of a place, you should take yours off too.
If you're worried about your shoes going missing or being stolen.
Don't be.
Temples and mosques usually provide free cloakroom services to help you look after your shoes
until you're done.
Number 2 Do not wear tight or revealing clothes.
While Indians are starting to adopt some of the western cultures, they are still conservative
in many areas.
Wearing tight and revealing clothes is frowned upon, especially if a woman does it.
Sure, nobody likes being told how to dress and what to wear, but as a famous saying goes,
when in Rome, you have to act like the Romans.
Dress conservatively, and avoid tight clothes or revealing certain body areas.
This is not saying you can't wear jeans or any other clothing pieces you're comfortable
with; however, try to be modest with them.
If you can, try as much as possible to wear clothes that cover your legs and shoulders,
and when you're entering the temples, it won't hurt to cover your head.
Number 3 Do not use your left hand to eat or pass objects.
In certain countries, including India, the left hand is considered dirty and unclean.
This is because it is often associated with bathroom and toilet matters.
Passing objects with the left hand is considered bad and dirty manners.
Same with eating with left hands.
It would be best to be mindful of this rule because many dishes in India are eaten with
hands.
However, you can use spoons and other cutleries.
You should also make sure that your hands are thoroughly washed before putting anything
inside your mouth with your hands.
Number 4 Avoid intimate touching with the opposite
sex.
While it is common in the western parts of the world to greet everyone, including the
opposite sex, with a shake or a pat, doing so in India is unusual.
Unless they offer their hand for a shake, you shouldn't shake or pat anyone as a form
of greeting.
Instead, put both of your palms together, bow slightly, and say the general salutation,
Namaste.
Always keep in mind that Indians are conservative.
Number 5 Don't be overly polite to beggars
Seeing kid beggars on the streets of India is something you should get used to.
I understand that you might feel empathetic towards them and might be tempted to be polite
or give them money.
However, do not make this a habit.
This is primarily for your own safety.
Giving excessively to beggars can make you a target for pickpockets and thieves.
It might also get you in a tight corner as other beggars would come rushing at you if
you give one of them.
Also, most of their money goes back to drug lords or thugs, so you are not actually helping
them.
If you want to do a good deed, you should go to a charity and donate or volunteer at
a shelter or orphanage.
Number 6 Don't take unsealed water
You've probably heard of Delhi Belly.
It is a gastrointestinal disturbance many foreigners and visitors face when they get
to India.
The palate in India is not usually conducive to everyone.
One way to avoid getting the Delhi Belly is to stay away from tap water and unsealed water.
The bacteria present in the water might not be compatible with your system.
Even if you are given water at a restaurant, it's better to be on the safer side and order
for sealed water instead.
You should also avoid eating exposed or raw foods, giving you constipation or diarrhea.
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So, these are some of the Donts you would want to observe during your trip to India.
Let's go check out some of the things you should do when you're in India
Number 1 Do make sure you bargain
Indians are notoriously known for inflating the price of goods and products, especially
for tourists and foreigners.
So, make sure you step up your haggling game, or you might end up paying double the price
of a particular product.
However, this rule is mostly applicable to open roadside stalls and shops.
Do not attempt to bargain in proper shops or shops that display "fixed prices."
And remember to be polite in your haggling.
Indians perceive haggling as fun and entertaining, and you should adopt the same mindset and
not be overly stubborn or obstinate.
Number 2 Visit your doctor for immunization and carry
medications for gastrointestinal disturbances.
Before going on your trip to India, make sure you visit your doctor to immunize yourself
against prevalent diseases in India.
Diseases like typhoid, malaria, tetanus, and hepatitis.
Spending the rest of your trip or vacation in a hospital wouldn't be fair, so make sure
you get those shots.
As I previously mentioned, the Delhi belly is an actual ailment, and you are better off
not having it.
You should be careful with what you eat and where you eat them.
You should also carry medications for diarrhea and other stomach-related issues.
Probiotics help improve digestion and immunity, while charcoal pills can adsorb toxins and
pathogens that can cause disease.
You should make sure you carry them along anywhere you go.
Number 3 Accept the cultural and religious differences.
Another thing you should do is to accept the cultural and religious differences.
Even though there might be some things you are not used to, you should still keep an
open mind and try to adjust as much as you can.
It would be best if you got used to the head wobble, the bowing to greet elders, and so
on.
It is also customary to bring a present or gift for your host, so if you're invited somewhere,
make sure you go with a present.
Make sure you try your best to follow their customs so that you will have a fun and pleasant
experience.
Number 4 The following tips we'll be mentioning are
what you should do regarding the food culture in India.
Make sure you stay away from tap water and unsealed water.
You should also avoid eating foods from street vendors, especially those that do not look
very neat.
You should also ensure you do not eat foods sold or offered on public transport, especially
on trains.
If they are not contaminated, they might have been drugged to leave you susceptible to robbery.
Number 5 Exchange money only at authorized banks and
money changers There are a lot of scammers in India, and
you should be on your toes to avoid this.
When you want to exchange money for the local currency, visit authorized banks alone.
Don't follow or believe anyone who claims to be able to help.
Also, guard your personal information like your emails, debit card pin, internet banking
pin, and so on.
Number 6 Keep an open mind and enjoy the experience
One of the key factors to enjoying your stay in India is to keep an open mind and allow
yourself to enjoy the experience.
Don't be in too much of a rush; take your time, interact with the locals, learn the
common lingo, explore and be polite with everyone, and enjoy your stay.
We hope you enjoyed this video.
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