1. A Few Things You Should Know

2. The Lonely Planet travel guide has accurately described
India in this way:
“Chaotic, bamboozling, intoxicating, crazy, exasperating,
squalid, daunting, overwhelming. India is all these
things, and more.
How can you possibly prepare yourself?”

3. Welcome to Indira Gandhi International Airport!

4. Effective communication is an important skill to have
upon arrival in India. From the time you cross the
threshold, your ability to converse successfully will be
tested. As you embark on this amazing adventure, just
remember the popular boy scout motto, “Be Prepared”.
Confidence in your speech and personal presentation is
imperative. You will be quickly spotted as a ‘rookie
traveler’ if you do not convey experience in your
interactions. Timid behaviour may make you an easy
target to be taken advantage of.

5. Unless someone is meeting you at the airport, your first
challenge is to hail a taxi.
The Taxi Walla’s will call out to you “Memsahib”, “Sahib”,
“taxi”, “I take you”!
Be prepared to negotiate the price!

6. It is a well known fact, that even though most taxi’s are
metered, the driver will tell you it is not working.
When this happens, walk away slowly and begin to
look for another taxi. Suddenly, the meter will
mysteriously be repaired. It is an overwhelming
beginning to your journey.
Hiring a driver and car is usually quite affordable and it
is a good way to go where you want, stop when you
want to and see some ‘off the beaten trail’ sights.

7. Shopping is part of the exhilarating experience of
visiting India. Unless money is of no concern to you,
the art of negotiation is an important skill to learn.
Unlike the markets we are used to, the price that you pay
will depend upon your bargaining talent, or lack there
of. One way to knock down the price is to say “no
thank you” or “that’s too much” and slowly walk away.
Never pay the initial price quoted.

8. The art of negotiation is a critical skill in effective
communication while travelling in India. The locals
are proficient in taking advantage of foreigners and
there are no price tags to refer to for a fair price. They
quickly assume that you are American, and all
American’s are wealthy. Aren’t they?

9. Marketplace vendors are expert
communicators!

10. But I don’t know the language!

12. Basic words
Hi or Hello: Namaste or Salam
Please: Please
Thank You: Shukhriya
Sorry: Maaf kijiye
Please: Kripaya
Ok:Theek hai (head shake & hand gesture)
Meeting People
What is your name?: Aapka naam kya hai?
My name is: Mera naam...
I am from Australia: Main Australia se hoon
How are you?: Aap kaise hain?

13. There are 22 official languages in India:
Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Tamil, Sanskrit, and Nepali to
name a few.
Do your best, and use physical clues, or gestures to
assist.
Generally speaking, Indian people are very friendly and
want to please you. They will often promise more than
is possible, just because they don’t want to say no.

14. A few other terms you may hear:
“Ji” – term of respect, general
“Didi” – big sister
“Auntie” – respectful reference to an elder woman
How about non-verbal communication?
Common head shaking (Agreement ‘Teak Hai’) (also
indicates you are interested or listening)
Folded hands in greeting (Namaste)
Walking arm in arm (casual, friendship, buddies)

15. You may hear some English speaking Indians tell you to
"come here," "sit here," "drink this," "bring me that"
which may sound direct and demanding to the point
of being rude to northern Europeans and Americans.
They mean no disrespect and it is in no way meant to
be impolite.
Deciphering verbal and non-verbal communication can
be tricky, confusing and sometimes a highly sensitive
matter. Whenever possible, do not to jump to
conclusions, but remember to ask someone that you
trust for an explanation.

16. What am I going to
eat and drink?

17. Everyone drinks tea when they are in India! It is a staple drink, like rice
and dhal are a staple meal.
Chai is made from loose tea leaves, boiled milk and water, sugar, and the
spiced version adds a mixture of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, black
pepper, and cloves.
It is custom to offer guests a cup of chai. You should respectfully accept.
Customs of hospitality and respect are strong and important cultural
traits in India.
Do not drink the water unless it is from a bottle and the seal is not
broken. Do not accept drinks with ice cubes in it.

18. Food is an important part of the Indian culture. Even in
a place where there is only a little to eat, you will be
encouraged to eat whatever is put before you. Indian
people will offer you the best that he or she has. It is
traditional to refuse the initial offer to eat, and then
you should accept the second or third offer, that rest
assured, you will receive.
Gracefully evading hospitality is tricky business. How
can you say no without insulting your host or hostess?
At the very least, accept a cup of tea and drink it slowly.
To refuse will be seen as ill-mannered and
dishonorable to your host.

19. In India, you eat mostly with your hands. Therefore you
must know a few important tips. Keep your nails short
and trim. Always wash your hands before eating. Most
importantly, never eat with your left hand.
Your left hand is used for basic hygienic purposes,
personal care. To offer your left hand in greeting or to
use it to eat is an offence.
Hospitality is important and you should be prepared to
respond appropriately and respectfully.

20. Show me the sights!

21. Travel within India is an adventure unlike any other. If you
are staying at a good hotel, you can ask for tour information
to popular attractions. Keep in mind that 4 and 5 star
accommodation and transportation may be a little different
than you expect or are used to in Canada.
A little extra ‘baksheesh’ (a sort of commission)will help to
get you a seat on the fully booked air conditioned bus or
first class train berth. This is an expected practice, used
commonly, to get what you need or want and is viewed as
an unofficial acceptable form of communication.
India is full of beautiful buildings and monuments, places of
religious significance and chronicles of historical stories to
learn about.

23. We are very used to rapid paced western culture. This is
not so in India. Today, tomorrow, the next day,…what’s
your hurry? “Han ji, that is not a problem”, “yes, I
understand”. These promises sound genuine, but in
truth, do not mean a lot when it comes to action.
You will most often have a difficult time trying to get
people to hurry up a little. He will usually continue to
move at his own pace.

25. India is such a hot country,
what will I wear?

26. Women need to pay attention to how they are dressed
when traveling in India. Choosing to wear local attire
is the easiest and most comfortable choice of clothing.
It tends to draw the least amount of attention. Salvar
Kamiez is an outfit that western women often choose
to wear because of the light weight fabric and
comfortable fit.
To be safe, you do not wish to display yourself as a ‘loose
western woman’ who is easy. Even casual conversation
with a man can be mistaken as flirtatious and
unacceptable.

27. “But as a woman I have equal rights!”
Yes you do. However, in a country with so many long
standing traditions about men and women and how
they interact, why not play it safe? Do you really wish
to risk your personal safety in order to exercise those
rights? Perhaps not.
Keep direct eye contact to a minimum. Politely, but
firmly, tell men that you don’t feel like talking just
now. Sit next to another woman on the bus or train.
Don’t behave in bold and outlandish ways that attract
attention. These all send negative messages to Indian
men.

29. What else should I know?

34. The City of Joy

35. India is a country of beauty, mystery, strong history,
devoted religious beliefs as well as traditionally and
culturally based behaviours. I have witnessed ultimate
poverty and wealth, sickness and health, drought and
monsoon, all conflicting extremes. The most amazing
consistency amongst all this diversity, is the beautiful
nature of the people who call India home. No matter
their social cast status, you will be welcomed as a
guest.
Learning basic communication techniques is time well
spent in order to experience safe and exciting journey
within India.