 Do greet people with a Namaste.

To show respect towards the Indian customs greet them with a namaste,
which is a slight bow with both hands placed together.
 Do be polite, but persistent when dealing with business. Indian business is slow and difficult, but instead of
becoming angry, firmly restate your proposal with a smile. Count on several visits before an agreement is finally
made.
 Do allow hosts to serve you. Hosts feel obligated to keep your plate full, but it is not required for you to finish all
of it.
 Do ask permission to smoke. It is considered rude to smoke in front of the elderly.
 Do negotiate prices. As a foreigner you may be quoted a price much higher than that Indians would normally
pay. Never accept the price, even at markets.
 Do point with your chin, whole hand, or thumb. Pointing with only one or two fingers is improper and only used
when communicating with inferiors.
 Do arrive to a gatherings 15-30 minutes late.
 Do politely turn down offers of beverages and snacks if you don't want them. Generally you will be offered these
numerous times once you have accepted it.

 Don't wear tight or revealing clothing. Indians have adopted a very conservative way of dressing where men are
rarely seen wearing shorts and women don't wear skirts exposing their ankles. Covering shoulders and legs
when visiting temples in India are extremely important, and you will gain respect if you do so.
 Don't wear your shoes inside. It is good manners to remove shoes when going into someone's house, certain
shops, a temple, or mosque. There are special shoes designated to be worn inside of a house, but never outside.
 Don't kiss or hug in public. These are looked on as acts of sex, even holding hands is often frowned upon,
although some Indian men may hold hands to show "brotherliness".
 Don't stand too close to Indians. They value their personal space and generally allow an arm's length from
themselves and others.
 •Don't point your feet at people. Feet are considered unclean, so it is important to avoid pointing them or
touching objects and people with them. If you do so, you must apologize right away. On the other hand, it is a
symbol of respect to bend down and touch an elderly person's feet.
 •Don't eat or pass objects with your left hand. The left hand is considered unclean, just like feet, because it is
used to perform matters associated with going to the bathroom.
 •Don't be offended by intrusive questions. Indian people often don't "mind their own business", due to the lack
of privacy and personal space in India. As a result avoid being surprised or offended if someone asks how much
your salary is. Instead engage in conversation and feel free to ask them similar questions.

With more than 1.2 billion people, India is a country of thousands of ethnic groups, language dialects, and diverse
traditions. Taking into consideration this array of cultural practices and beliefs, there is some general etiquette to follow
when traveling to this dynamic country