India
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in India?
We asked people in India if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...
"When in India, it is important to be respectful of the local culture and customs. To avoid any cultural faux pas, it is prudent to listen to the local community and be mindful of religious and cultural sensitivities in order to foster inter-cultural understanding. It is also important to dress respectfully, meaning that shoulders and knees should be covered. Public displays of affection are also not accepted, and visitors shouldn't point their feet at religious statues or images. Additionally, visitors should request permission before taking pictures of people or religious buildings," explained one expat living in India.
GeoBlueGet Quote
GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
GeoBlueGeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote
"Probably. But none that stick out for us and our hosts were probably too polite to mention them," said another expat in Pune, India.
Please login to continue reading this article.
Not a member? Join Today (it's free).
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in India?
- How do I meet people in India?
- What is life like in India?
- Is there a lot of crime in India?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in India accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in India like?
- Is the cost of living in India high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in India?
- What are healthcare services like in India?
- Is the cost of living in India high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in India?
- What is the weather like in India?
- Are there good restaurants in India?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in India?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in India?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in India?
- What do I need to know when buying property in India?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in India?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in India?
If you live in India, newcomers to India would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
