Do's and don'ts in India

If you are male introduced to a lady or a grown-up girl, don't take the initiative of offering a handshake. If she extends her
hand, you must reciprocate, but don't be the first to extend your hand. If you are female and are being introduced to a
male: it is up to you – the female – to take the initiative for a handshake. The rule of thumb is: the female extends her
hand first, and the male reciprocates.

Do try and remember the names of the people you meet and address them by name – most of the
Indian businesspeople I met used my first name (and expected me to use theirs) right away.

Do study up on the companies you visit before you get there – they’re likely to make a big effort to
prepare for your visit and it’s only reasonable for you to learn about them in advance.

Do dress modestly if you are female and professionally (not in shorts, even when it’s hot) if you’re male.
Indian ladies have a wonderful and colorful look with their loose bright sarees, but these garments are
designed to cover a lot of the body. Form-fitting clothes on women just aren’t seen (except perhaps in
Western-style nightclubs). In the cities, men don’t wear shorts, t-shirts, baseball caps, or sandals.
Although the dress code is casual, it’s also modest and businesslike.