India Business Travel Guide

India Flag

The India Business Travel Guide provides a range of valuable travel information to assist business travellers. The guide contains facts on India, visa information, business customs, useful tips and other useful resources. An appreciation and understanding of other cultures, languages, customs and traditions can be a great advantage to business travellers helping to ensure a successful business trip.

India is the largest country located in south Asia, the country has a fast growing economy with a number of business opportunities. It is the second most populous country and the most populous democracy in the world and once home of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation and historic trade routes and empires throughout its history. India is a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), G20, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and BRICS.

Major trading partners include China, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Germany, Australia and USA. India is a multicultural, multi racial country and home to a number of ethic groups. India shares borders with Pakistan in the west, Bangladesh and Burma to the east, Nepal, China and Bhutan to the north east.

The country has a variety of landscapes including the Himalayas mountains, lakes, highlands and lowland regions, deserts and beaches across the coastline and a range of flora and fauna. Famous attractions include the Taj Mahal, The Red Fort, Agra Fort, Gateway of India, River Ganges, Hawa Mahal, City Palace & Lake Palace in Udaipur, Bannerghatta National Park, Gir Forest National Park, Goa and Shimla.


India Guide

Quick Facts on India
India Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
India Map
India Weather & Climate



Quick Facts on India

Country: India

Capital: New Delhi

Currency: Rupee (1 rupee = 100 paise)

Population: 1.3 Billion (UN, 2012)

Area total: 3,287,600 sq km

Languages: Hindi is the national language (official), there are 18 official languages included among them are, Bengali, Gujarati, Kashmiri, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Punjabi, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, English is the language of business.

Time Zone: GMT +5.5 hours to British Summer Time +4.5 hours.

Electricity: 230-240V 50Hz

Dialling Code: 91

GDP: USD 1.877 trillion (World Bank, 2013)

Religion: Predominately Hindu with Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist and Jain minorities.

Political System: Republic

Internet Domain: .in


India Travel Advice

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers travellers useful advice when travelling to India. You can find more information on entry requirements for India, advice on local laws and customs, health considerations, tips on safety and security and the address and contact details of the British High Commission in India. The information is updated regularly making it a good point of reference when looking for the latest travel advice and information on India for both business and leisure travellers. For more information please see: India Travel Advice


Visa Requirements

Majority of foreign nationals including those from the UK, EU, Canada and the USA require a visa for short term visits. Visa requirements are subject to change with changes in requirements and rules for further information please see: India High Commission UK


Business Customs and Etiquette

Business dress is conservative for both men and women. The usual greeting is with a handshake between men, would need to wait for a woman to extend her hand as she may say 'Namaste' as a greeting without a handshake. Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions. Punctuality is important for meetings however the hosts may be a bit late. There is preference given to people and firms that are trusted and having an established business relationship, this can take some time to build up.

Negotiations are non-confrontational, with decisions being made by senior executives, given the bureaucracy this can be a long decision making process that will require patience. Titles and status are respected and people should be referred to with their correct formal titles and would need to wait before being invited to use first names. Many Indian business people speak English, interpreters are available should they be required.


Travel Advice and Tips

Most trips to India for business visitors and tourists go ahead each year without incident. However you should be aware of pick pockets in crowded areas and bag theft particularly at train stations, do not keep your luggage unattended at any time. Valuables should not be shown in public and put in a safe place. It is wise not to accept food and drink from strangers, there have been cases of drugging and to avoid going to isolated areas at night. You should always remain alert and aware of your surroundings and environment.

Travel Checklist: See our Travellers Checklist containing useful tips and reminders to ensure you have everything you will need on your trip.

Travel Vaccinations: It is recommended you check with your GP for the latest tips and advice on whether you require any travel vaccinations up to eight weeks before you travel. For more information and advice on travel vaccinations please see the NHS Fit for Travel website.


Tipping: If service charge is not included usually around 10%

Hours of Business:

For Businesses:
09.30 to 13.00 then 14.00 to 17.30 Monday to Friday
09.00 to 12.30 Saturdays

For Shops:
10.00 to 19.30 Monday to Saturday

For Banks:
10.00 to 17.00 Monday to Friday (for money transactions hours are 10.00 to 14.00 & up to 17.00 for other banking services)
10.00 to 13.00 Saturdays

NOTE: Some businesses and shops open for longer hours than is the norm shown above.


Public Holidays

Public Holidays (2015):

January 26: Republic Day
April 3: Good Friday
April 6: Easter Monday
August 15: Independence Day
August 8: Eid ul Fitr
September 5: Krishna Jammashtami
October 2: Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday
November 11: Diwali
December 25: Christmas Day
December 26: Boxing Day

Please Note: Holidays vary among states and demographics, with communities observing their religious holidays at various times throughout the year.


India Map

Mumbai Map, India


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India Weather & Climate

India's location and varied geography results in a wide range of climates. India has a number of climatic zones across the country, the tropical wet climate characterised by high temperatures throughout the year with high levels of rainfall in the rainy season this is found in the Malabar Coast and Western Ghats . The tropical dry and semi-arid climate is characterised by hot to very hot dry summers and pleasant mild winters, rainfall comes during the monsoon season usually between July and the start of September this is found in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Subtropical humid climates are characterised by hot summers and dry mild to cool winters. Te mountain/alpine climate is found in the most northern parts of India, characterised by no month during the year having a mean temperature in excess of 10 °C. Much of India enjoys a pleasant climate ensuring it is a destination that can be visited at most times during the year. For visitors a good time t visit is winter and autumn time to avoid the extra heat and humidity of summer time with most of mainland India has more pleasant temperatures.

Lightweight cotton and linen clothing can be warn in the summer months; can get very hot in summer, plenty of hydration, sunscreen and sun hat are needed. Mountain/Alpine wear clothing is required in the mountain regions throughout the year. Additional layers and warmer clothing is required during the autumn and winter months.










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Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
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