Do Not:
Most people here are polite by the Indian standard. That means that no one says please or thank you. Everyone eats with their hands, but those who offer a cordial smile are usually met with a smile in return.
The best smiles here are the big, toothy grins you get from small children.
Other things that are totally normal:
Belching is not only common, but no one bats an eyelash. People will do it all the time. If someone belches at a restaurant, they may not even break eye contact with you and continue the conversation. Get used to it.
You will be offered many things-- food, jewelry, a place to stay, phone numbers, safety tips-- simply because everyone can tell that you are foreign. Be sure to know who among these new friends expect you to pay, and who wish to convey only a kind gesture.
There will be a day when you look down at your feet and see a catfish flopping toward you. Do not convey fear, surprise, or dismay. The locals will laugh.
If you are foreign, you will be stared at.
Staring is not only acceptable, it is normal. Sometimes, I play the staring game right back. Occasionally, I even win.
Beggars here will hit you. Don't react-- it is better for both of you to keep walking.
If you do react, use any word with clear diction. You do not need to raise your voice, but be firm. This is for your safety.
The most obnoxious panhandlers are children. They WILL hold onto you and your clothing
for blocks.
If you are engaged by a particularly adamant panhandler, find a crowd to join. Shopkeepers and other visitors will not stand for this kind of assault.
Things to Mention Simply Because I have Noticed (and am not amused):
Do not be bothered if, when traveling with a male, other males speak almost exclusively to your male companion. This is the norm.
If female, males will not shake your hand unless you offer it to them. They will, however, shake your male companion's hand.
Because I do not like being left out, I will offer my hand to shake anyway. I will also introduce myself as an individual deserving of respect, and to include myself in male conversations.
Most males will not ask for your name unless they are flirting.
Most young men will flirt with you.
Only if not in the company of a male companion.
The men here either laugh and enjoy my forwardness or choose to exclude me more clearly.
I dig the dudes who include me because I subtly demand to be included.
- touch anyone/thing with your shoes or feet.
- especially other feet.
- point your feet at anyone.
- point your feet at anything sacred.
- have dirty feet.
- use your left hand to accept, exchange, or pass items.
- use your left hand for basically anything.
- begin one dish before finishing your first.
- say thank you needlessly.
- say please at all.
- refuse a gift.
- barter badly.
- pet the dogs.
- pet the cats.
- smile at the wrong time.
- smile at male strangers.
- If female, do not travel after dark.
- If female, do not travel alone.
- If female, do not travel to anywhere exciting or dangerous.
- unless you have the company of your husband or brother.
- basically, avoid adventures unless in broad daylight with female friends or male companions.
Most people here are polite by the Indian standard. That means that no one says please or thank you. Everyone eats with their hands, but those who offer a cordial smile are usually met with a smile in return.
The best smiles here are the big, toothy grins you get from small children.
Other things that are totally normal:
Belching is not only common, but no one bats an eyelash. People will do it all the time. If someone belches at a restaurant, they may not even break eye contact with you and continue the conversation. Get used to it.
 | |
| An empty street in Pune |
There will be a day when you look down at your feet and see a catfish flopping toward you. Do not convey fear, surprise, or dismay. The locals will laugh.
If you are foreign, you will be stared at.
Staring is not only acceptable, it is normal. Sometimes, I play the staring game right back. Occasionally, I even win.
Beggars here will hit you. Don't react-- it is better for both of you to keep walking.
If you do react, use any word with clear diction. You do not need to raise your voice, but be firm. This is for your safety.
The most obnoxious panhandlers are children. They WILL hold onto you and your clothing
for blocks.
If you are engaged by a particularly adamant panhandler, find a crowd to join. Shopkeepers and other visitors will not stand for this kind of assault.
Things to Mention Simply Because I have Noticed (and am not amused):
Do not be bothered if, when traveling with a male, other males speak almost exclusively to your male companion. This is the norm.
If female, males will not shake your hand unless you offer it to them. They will, however, shake your male companion's hand.
Because I do not like being left out, I will offer my hand to shake anyway. I will also introduce myself as an individual deserving of respect, and to include myself in male conversations.
Most males will not ask for your name unless they are flirting.
Most young men will flirt with you.
Only if not in the company of a male companion.
The men here either laugh and enjoy my forwardness or choose to exclude me more clearly.
I dig the dudes who include me because I subtly demand to be included.
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