India’s greatest travel hack is simple: show respect, and the country opens up with warmth. This guide gives you the practical etiquette that locals appreciate—how to greet, dress, dine, bargain, visit temples and homes, and move through crowds with confidence. Learn the “why” behind the customs and you’ll connect better, avoid awkward moments, and enjoy more genuine conversations, invitations, and smiles.
India blends traditional warmth with modern professionalism. A friendly “Namaste” (palms together at chest level) is universally understood and respectful in both urban and rural settings. Handshakes are common in cities, especially in business, but not mandatory—if someone prefers “Namaste,” mirror them. Many people use titles like “Ji” (a polite suffix), “Sir,” or “Madam,” and you’ll often hear “Bhaiya” (older brother) or “Didi” (older sister) in markets and cafés; these are signs of friendliness, not literal family ties.
Personal space is context dependent. Crowds are normal in stations, markets and festivals—light jostling isn’t meant as rudeness. In conversation, an arm’s length is comfortable. Public displays of affection are more conservative than in the West; holding hands is fine, but prolonged kissing in public can attract attention.
You don’t need traditional clothes to be respectful, but modesty helps. Cover shoulders and knees in temples, mosques, gurudwaras and village settings. Lightweight trousers, long skirts and breathable tops are perfect for the climate. In big cities and beach areas, styles vary from conservative to fashionable—observe the setting and dress accordingly. At many religious places and some homes, you’ll remove shoes at the entrance; clean socks and easy slip-ons make life simpler. If head coverings are provided (e.g., scarves at a gurudwara), accept and use them.
Religious places welcome visitors who behave respectfully. Keep voices low, follow signs, and ask before entering inner sanctums or taking photos. Some shrines restrict non-adherents in certain areas—comply without debate. Do not point your feet toward deities; sit cross-legged or with feet tucked aside. Offerings are optional; if you participate, follow the queue and watch locals for cues. In langar (community kitchen) at Sikh gurudwaras, sit on the floor with everyone and accept food with the right hand.
If you’re invited home, it’s a compliment. Bring a small gift—sweets, fruit, or something from your country. Many households remove shoes at the door; copy what others do. Accept tea or snacks with the right hand (or both hands), and try at least a little of what is offered. Conversation is wide-ranging: family, food, cricket, local sights. Politics or sensitive topics are fine only if your hosts bring them up and the tone feels friendly. Compliment the cooking and say thank you to the host and elders before you leave.
Eating with the right hand is common, especially for breads (roti, naan) and rice-based meals. If you’re new to this, start with small pieces and keep the left hand for passing dishes, holding cups or not used at all. Cutlery is widely available in restaurants; ask politely if you prefer it. Sharing plates is normal within families and close friends, less so with strangers—wait for cues. Street food is delicious; pick busy stalls with high turnover, watch items being cooked fresh, and avoid raw salads if you have a sensitive stomach.
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory everywhere. In mid-range restaurants, 5–10% is common if service charge isn’t already added. For porters and hotel staff, a small note is kind; round up taxi fares or add a modest tip for extra help. Bargaining belongs in many markets—treat it like a friendly game, not a battle. Start at 50–60% of the initial quote for souvenirs, smile, and land somewhere both sides feel good about. Fixed-price stores and malls usually don’t bargain.
Queues exist—but flows can bunch up near counters, ticket windows, and train doors. Stand your ground with a smile, keep your bag zipped, and move at the pace of the crowd. Loud voices are common in busy places; don’t mistake volume for anger. On public transport, seats may be reserved for seniors, persons with disabilities, and women—respect the signs. Headphones are appreciated on overnight trains and buses.
India is photogenic, but people are not props. Ask before photographing individuals, especially women, children, and religious practitioners. A quick gesture to your camera and a smile works well. If someone says no, thank them and move on. Many museums, palaces and performances forbid flash or photography; signs and staff will indicate the rules. When in doubt, seek permission.
Solo women travel widely in India; choose central, well-reviewed stays, use app cabs after dark, and trust your instincts. If unsolicited attention occurs, a firm “No” and moving to a busier spot helps. For LGBTQ+ travelers, major cities have growing, friendly scenes; public displays of affection—regardless of orientation—draw attention in conservative areas, so discretion is wise. As everywhere, respect local laws and norms.
Festivals are India at full volume—music, processions, colors, devotional songs late into the night. Embrace it with earplugs and flexible sleep hours. Dress modestly, wear comfortable footwear, and guard pockets in crowds. If you join Holi (colors), use old clothes and protect your phone; for Diwali (lights), expect fireworks and traffic delays. During Ramadan or religious fast days in some regions, meal times shift—plan ahead with snacks and water.
Hindi and English are widely understood in cities; each state has its own primary language as well. A few phrases go a long way: “Namaste” (hello), “Dhanyavaad” (thank you), “Kripya” (please), “Kitne ka?” (how much), “Shauchalaya?” (toilet?), “Theek hai” (okay). Speak slowly, smile, and keep requests clear. If someone doesn’t understand, try simpler words or show a photo or map.
Choose local guides, crafts, and family-run cafés—your money sustains traditions. Carry a refillable bottle where safe, refuse extra plastic bags, and dress modestly in villages. Negotiate prices fairly without pressuring artisans who quote honest rates. Wildlife trips? Keep distance, no feeding, no playback calls, and follow the ranger’s lead.
Both are fine. In cities and business settings, handshakes are common; in traditional or religious settings, “Namaste” is safest. If you’re unsure, let the other person lead and mirror their greeting.
Cover shoulders and knees, remove footwear at the entrance, and use provided head coverings if required (e.g., in gurudwaras). Keep voices low, follow signs, and avoid photography where restricted.
No—cutlery is widely available. If you try eating with your hand, use the right hand for breads and rice, take small portions, and keep napkins handy. Restaurants are happy to provide a spoon and fork on request.
Not everywhere. Bargaining is typical at souvenir markets and independent stalls; malls and fixed-price shops don’t haggle. Ask “Fixed price or bargaining?” to set expectations, then keep it friendly.
In mid-range restaurants, 5–10% is common if a service charge isn’t already added. Round up taxi fares or offer small tips to porters and hotel staff for extra help. For guided tours, tip relative to length and quality.
Always ask first with a smile or gesture to your camera. Respect a “no.” Avoid photos of worshippers during prayer, military sites, and places with “no photography” signs. Offer to share the picture if possible—it’s a nice touch.
Use gentle language and gratitude: “Thank you, it looks wonderful, but I’m full,” or “I’m honored, but I already have plans.” A warm tone keeps the relationship positive even when you decline.