server prices india
Traveling to India - don't want to offend - what should I do / not do?
When traveling to another country I try and blend in as much as possible (tall skinny american - ha) - and try not to offend.
Going to Hyderabad - don't know if that matters or not.
Dress Code - what clothing should I wear, and not wear?
Attitude - I'm normally a very thankful person, is it normal to say things like "excuse me" "thank you" "pardon me"
Tipping - is it normal to tip your server after a meal, if so how much? a percentage? round up to the next dollar (rupee)
Language - what percentage of the population speaks english? Should I learn a few terms, or will speaking the language poorly offend?
Shopping - is it normal to pay a set price for things, or should I barter/haggle/try to get a better deal
Other Cultual Insights - things I might have missed that could be considered rude, or out of place. Things that I might find odd, or strange.
Thanks to all.
Hi,
Spent some time in India...so
Dress code - depends on the season of travel winter is VERY COLD so dress warmly, 1 x very warm Jacket that can be reversable with multi purpose use would be ideal!. Closed in shoes. Summer is VERY HOT so light clothes cottons and T shirts, I would still suggest comfortable, long lasting footwear, keep in mind you can buy most clothes (tailor made and very cheap in India) Also (I know they look funny) but a belt bag for money & valuables (worn in front) as there are pick pockets etc in the markets, and back packs can get tampered with.
Attitude - Very important to be respectful of sacred places and what is general good behaviour especially whilst overseas. Be prepared to Remove shoes in some temples, and basicaly follow others example.
Tipping - I did tip while in India at certain restaurants, make sure the person you are tipping gets the money (they often dont) and the amount is as you feel. I always gave between 5 - 10 rupees. But, that was beacuse the serving ppl where always children who where very poor.
Language - It is ALWAYS a bonus to know the fundamentals of a language, words I suggest you learn, would be 'YES' and 'NO' to start and certainly 'HELLO', ppl tend too not be offended by poor pronounciation and usually will correct you.
Shopping - The BEST part of the visit. Be prepared to come out of your shell because everything is bartered for!....if you dont, you are bound to get ripped off. Never settle on one price (there is bound to be another store near by who will offer it cheaper) dont be affraid to walk away. Often observe sales an see what prices others are paying. Unfortunately due to your (overseas statis) the price will definately go up.
Other cultural insights - Resist the urge to give too beggers (you will get swampped with alot of ppl if you do) DO NOT trust anyone! (sounds a bit nasty I know) but there are a lot of ppl out to distract you while another picks your pockets, I even had money stolen by a police officer!. Guard personal possesions well, never hand over your passport to anyone (some will try) . Be wary of road side food stalls, hygiene is not a top priority here, basic rule ensure it is BOILING hot and recognisable (you dont want too get sick on your travels) try to avoid the drinks (sold on the road side with ICE in them) if you watch any of these stands very carefully and no Indian ppl are buying from them it is a GOOD SIGN NOT TOO!
Water - very hard too judge but there is the real threat of contamination, check that it is from a filter or frezzing cold otherwise streer clear, you could always take with you a small bottle of bleach a tiny amount in the water you are drinking kills most nasties. Also make sure you are up to date on your injections (TB, Maleria, Rabies etc)
As for strange you will see alot of ODD things (its kinda the whole point of travel) takes a while to adjust to the noise, smell and animals but soon it wont seem so strange. Go with the intention of experiencing NEW things and dont expect to find anything familiar.....but above all enjoy the experience!
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