Facts to remember on your visit to India

India today stands out as a forerunner among the business avenues of the world. Not only is it a provider of cost-effective back office services, but it also stands out for the quality of its deliverables. India has the youngest pool of qualified professionals, and is giving a tough competition to all other economies, which will be old by the next ten years. So, the baton of future power whether it's in the Business or Knowledge domain will remain with India. Armed with its power of the English Language, India is up and moving!!!! Whether you are visiting India to get to know your service providers face-to-face, or setting up an offshore branch or just visiting the country to evaluate the business climate, you need to be aware of certain facts.

India - A Land of Contradictions"

On the one hand, India is a hot IT destination, has huge foreign reserves and tremendous job opportunities. On the other hand, it also has alarming poverty, a burgeoning population of over one billion people and is very underdeveloped. So, don't be bogged down by these contradictions when you land up in the country. Be focused about your work, and surprisingly, results will be "amazing".

India - A Colonial Heritage

Why is India favoring all kinds of business opportunities? The reason is its colonial legacy. India has the highest English speaking population, the result of over two hundred years of British tutelage, which has fostered English education. Democracy and even the freedom of the press is the brain child of the British rule in India, which has helped bring the country faster into the world forum.

India - Culture Shock

Have enough time at your disposal to gap the huge cultural shock, which is bound to hit you as soon as you touch India. Get to the hotel, sleep, take a shower, have a quiet breakfast or lunch, and spend some time adjusting just relaxing. There is more to India than culture shock; there is "tremendous opportunity". Go on steadily about your work. You will be surprised at the country's "professionalism and work ethics".

Packing - Most Important Tip Before You Leave Your Country

In an Indian business setting, men normally wear lightweight suits with ties. If the day is extraordinarily hot, you can dispense with the suit jacket, but start with it on and see how your hosts are dressed. For women, pack light weight pant suits with sandals. No short skirts please! Keep in mind that the air conditioning can be pretty cold so bring a shawl or a jacket.

Urban India

If your trip is purely business, then it's obvious that most of your time will be spent in the cities. India has the highest computer literacy rate. So, you won‘t have any problems in availing of telecommunication or mobile devices. You will be mobile indeed and always "connected".

Complete Ease of Mobile Communication

Getting a cell phone in India is very easy and cost effective. Bangalore streets are lined up with cell phone shops. Just walk into any shop, choose the carrier you prefer, submit the registration form and it's done! Registration requires you to show proof of identity, so make sure you carry copies of your passport and a couple of passport size photographs for the registration. It is advisable to take an Indian along with you to make the process simpler and faster.

Guidelines to Exchange Currencies

All International hotels have a 24 hours money-changing facility. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency or travelers‘ checks a visitor may import, provided a Declaration Form is completed on arrival. This will facilitate the exchange of imported currency as well as the export of unspent currency on departure. Cash, bank notes and travelers‘ checks up to US $2,500 or equivalent need not be declared at the time of entry. Any money in the form of travelers‘ checks, drafts, bills, checks etc. which tourists wish to convert into Indian currency should be exchanged only through authorized money changers. Tourists are warned that changing money through unauthorized persons is not only illegal but also involves the risk of receiving counterfeit currency. To exchange foreign money other than through banks or authorized money changers is an offence.

Expect True Hospitality

India is known for its hospitality. Right from your landing at the airport to your stay in the hotel, everything is sure to be up to the mark. Maximum care will be taken to ensure your utmost comfort and safety.

Yes Does not Always Mean Yes!!!!

Indians are usually not as clear about a YES or NO. There is a general habit of saying "we'll try" in a diplomatic way to try his/her best to get a thing done. But this evasiveness may not be quite successful in the end. You need to be more specific in terms of statements to get the business done.

Always the "Right Hand" Please!

Indians have a firm belief in the taboo of exchanging anything with the left hand. So ingrained is this tradition that they consider exchanging anything with the left hand inauspicious. As the saying goes when in Rome act like a Roman. So in India you have to be particularly careful about this custom. Whether its business dealings or food habits, this custom stays.

Indian Courtesy with Names; Importance of Last Names

In India, it's considered disrespectful to address a person by his name if the person is not familiar. In most of the major Indian languages, stress is laid on showing respect to elders with certain denominations. Usually, the last name is used to show respect. So, do take care in this regard. This is an initial step which will augur well in furthering your business and building strong relationships.

You don't Have to Say ‘Thank You‘ for Everything

In this country, it's the other way round. An excess of "thank you" and "please" could be interpreted as sheepish, manipulative or insincere. A small gesture or slight nod of head or a light smile is enough to convey the message. But formally "thank you" and "Please" still has its importance. Hence, there is a need to adapt as the situation arises. The above tips can help make your journey to India safe, enjoyable and the experience of a lifetime. So enjoy the ride to INDIA!