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Tipping is often a complex transaction wherever you go—how much should you tip, should you even be tipping or not, what if your bill already has a service charge, etc. These are some of the things that you might find yourself thinking about after eating a meal at a restaurant. If you are going to India then things will not differ when it comes to tipping. Just like in most places, tipping rules vary on a case-to-case basis.

However, the general rule would be to tip if you had an exceptionally good experience. Otherwise, you can just pay the bill. There are also some people who like to hand a few bills to their waiter even before the meal so they can be sure that they get some good service.

Tipping is often done when you eat in restaurants. The “10% of the bill” rule is often a good advice to follow but you don’t need to apply it each time. If you’re dining in a restaurant with a big name then it’s usually good to leave a 10% tip. However, if it’s a smaller restaurant then some change would be enough. If your service is not particularly good then you don’t need to tip at all.

You might also give tips to hotel providers such as the bellman, room service employees and such. 20 to 50 Rupees is often enough. Although you don’t need to tip cab drivers and other transportation workers, you may also do so if you feel the service is exceptional.

One of the best ways to get to know a country’s culture is to get to know its food. If you are planning to visit India, make a resolution not just to order room service or eat in five-star restaurants. If you really want to get to know Indian cuisine, you should learn to go out into the streets and learn how real Indians dine. Here are several popular snacks that locals love to munch on. Not only do you get to sample tasty Indian food but you also get to save a lot.

If exploring the hot streets of India has made you tired and hungry then the Pay Bhaji is a roadside snack that will certainly fill you up. These snacks are made by topping buns of bread with cubes of butter. They are then served with a variety of cooked vegetables. You can also add a bit of radish, onions and lime juice depending on your taste. This snack is so filling that you will probably skip your next meal.

If you are staying in the southern part of India then you will certainly come across the street food Vada Pay. In fact, this street food is a popular breakfast among many of the region’s locals. It is made by deep frying mashed potatoes. This cooked potato, called vada, is then wrapped in bread. It is best served with some Indian sauces and a hot drink.

Food is certainly one of the things that a foreigner needs to indulge in if he wants to know a country’s culture better. If you are planning a trip to India then you will certainly have a lot on your plate—quite literally. Even though it’s a good and safe idea to have your meals in the hotel or in big restaurants, you won’t get the full taste of Indian culture without perusing the famed roadside food stalls that have been featured in many international food shows. Here are some of the Indian treats that you should be sure not to miss.

Chaat is a very popular snack that you will surely find around the streets of North India. They are basically small and salted pancakes cooked to a crisp. Next, they are laden with Indian sauces, sprinkled with masala powder and topped with a bit of yogurt. They also taste best with a bit of dressing on the side, which is made from pomegranate seeds and ginger. You can also purchase chaat with slices of fruits.

Another popular snack around India is called Bhel Puri. Depending on the region of the country where you are visiting, you may find that the preparation of this snack varies from other parts. However, the ingredients pretty much remain the same—cooked rice, boiled potatoes, sliced tomatoes and onions plus coriander and green chilies for a richer flavor. Bhel Puri also features “sev”, noodle-like strips of flour which are a snack on their own. Because of their many ingredients and high amount of carbs, this snack can be considered as meal and can really give you the energy you need for a busy day in India.

When it comes to traveling to another country, one of the aspects that you need to get used to is the traffic rules. If you are planning to visit India but do not know what to expect, then it’s best to prepare yourself for heavy traffic jams thanks to the urban region’s increasing demands for vehicles. If you are planning to rent a car so you can travel around the region then it’s best to familiarize yourself with the traffic rules in India to make sure that you drive safely and to make sure that you are conforming to the local rules.
The first thing you need to know is that India uses the left hand side when driving. If you are used to a country that follows right hand side driving and you feel like you won’t be able to adapt to this traffic custom then you might opt to use public transportation instead.
If you are stuck in a traffic jam and the car keeps on honking behind you, don’t think that the driver is trying to get on your nerves. Honking is a common practice in the streets of India, even when the light is red.
In the unfortunate situation where you become involved in a vehicular accident, be sure to call the police so you can file a report. However, if anyone is injured, it’s best to send for the ambulance right away. If you are not sure what to do, ask locals for assistance.
If you would rather avoid the stress and trouble of familiarizing yourself with new traffic rules, it’s advisable to simply hire an Indian driver who will know the rules and will be familiar around the city.

Just like in many Asian countries that are suffering from poverty, India’s streets are often flocked with beggars. If you are a tourist coming from the West, you may find yourself surrounded with a dozen adults and children begging for money. If you are not used to dealing with beggars then this can be an intimidating experience. So what are the right things that you should do when you are stopped by beggars on the street?
When it comes to beggars, it’s a general tip that instead of giving money, give food instead. When traveling through the streets of India, stock your pocket or bags with handy eatables like crackers, bread of candy. Food is particularly more useful for handicapped beggars, old beggars and female beggars who are carrying their babies with them. However, watch out for some beggars who use fake crutches or other beggars’ babies to illicit more sympathy.
The best time to hand out alms to beggars is when you are about to get off the streets—before entering a vehicle or getting inside a building. If you hand out food or money just as you’re getting out of the car, you will be swarmed by other beggars.
One of the most painful scenes that you will see in India is probably the sight of very young children on the streets. For these kids, it’s better to give them sweets and other treats that they can enjoy. If you want to do more for beggars than simply hand them alms, you can also make donations to charities.

Ever since we were children, our parents have always warned us about the dangers of interacting with strangers. As we grow old, most of us have kept this advice in mind wherever we go. If you are traveling to a foreign country like India then it’s important that you learn how to deal with strangers the right way. Even though most of the people you will meet are genuinely friendly and hospitable, all places have their share of people who might try to take advantage of you. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind.

If you are taking the public transportation and a friendly passenger offers you food or drink, say thank you but decline. Even locals have fallen prey to a situation of being drugged then having their belongings stolen while they were out could.

As much as possible, do not trust anyone who offers to help you with your luggage unless you are a hundred percent sure that the person works with the hotel. During your travels around India, you might also come across a friendly individual who strikes up a conversation with you. Gradually, the conversation will turn into how he is suffering from poverty and how he needs money desperately. This might be a scam to get you to cough up some money so beware.

When taking a cab from the airport to your hotel, you might also come across a cab driver who will advise you to change your reservation to a “better” hotel. He might seem to mean well but he’s probably taking a commission for every tourist he brings to that particular hotel. Always stick to your accommodation plans when traveling to another country.

India has a wide variety of drinking sodas. Whether you are looking for a cold beverage to quench your thirst in the hot Indian streets or ordering something while dining in a restaurant, a drinking soda is always one of your options. The sodas that you will taste in India are somehow different from what you may be used to, especially if you are coming from the west. Aside from the usual Coca Colas and Pepsis, you will also see plenty of carbonated and flavored drinks.

For instance, one popular Indian soda is called the Thumbs Up. This drink was pattered after the popular Coke. Like most fizzy drinks in India, Thumbs up is much sweeter than the average soda. This is because Indians prefer to add plenty of sugar on their sodas. However, if you are trying to avoid calories then you can still get a diet coke. Another popular local drink that you can try is Banta which has some salt and lime aside from sugar. You can purchase Banta drinks from pushcart vendors and roadside stalls. Other imported sodas also include Miranda, Fanta, 7Up and Sprite.

If you don’t like carbonated drinks then there are also drinks that are produced from fruit extracts. For instance, Frooti, Maaza and Slice are all derived from mangoes. Be sure to check the expiration date to see that you are buying fresh.

Even though India is one of the most modern countries in the east today, it remains to be a nation that has a strong hold on its culture. Once you’ve arrived at India, you will most likely notice people still observing their traditional customs. Read on if you want to learn a bit more about these local customs.

Indians are known for being hospitable people and for them, welcoming a guest should be no less than an elaborate and special event. You will be given a garland as a drink to welcome your arrival. Vermillion will also be applied to your forehead. With such a warm welcome, any tourist will surely feel like a celebrity.

If you are staying in the home of your host, you might notice that the family lights a lamp daily in the morning or at night. These lamps are called diya and they are placed in front of an altar for a certain god, along with some sticks of incense. Lighting these lamps is also known to protect the house from bad spirits.

If you wish to greet locals in their traditional style, place your palms together in front of your chest. In this prayer position, give a small bow and say “Namaste”. This greeting can be used as a form of saying “hello” or wishing someone “goodbye”.

If you see small children kneeling before their parents, don’t assume that these kids are throwing a tantrum. Prostrating themselves is actually a common way for children to show their respect to elders. The parents or elders in turn touch the heads of these children in order to give their blessings.

India is one of the most modern countries in Asia today. So whether you are going there for a vacation or for a business transaction, communication is one of the things that you won’t have to worry about. Want to update your loved ones back home about your holiday? Want to contact your colleagues or boss? No problem. Here are some of the communication methods that will be available to you.

Public phones are available all throughout India—from hotels and restaurants to street sidewalks. You can use these phones to make local or international calls. If you wish, you can also purchase a mobile phone and a local sim card. With your new sim card, you can make texts or calls to your family and friends back home.

Internet is already widespread in most Indian cities. In fact, almost every home in the urban area is connected to the Internet. Whether you are looking for wi-fi service for your laptop or you would like to use a computer in an Internet café, connecting to the web will not be a problem for you. You can check and send emails, confirm your bookings, create your itinerary and more.

Business travelers will also be glad to know that fax services are also available around the country. If you are looking for 24-hour service, you can go to one of the telegraph offices around the city. There are also some shops that offer these services but these shops might charge more than those in the public offices. Telegraph and postal services are also available in India.

Shopping is one of the many popular activities that tourists enjoy when visiting India. If you are planning a trip to India then shopping is one of the things that you cannot miss. There are many reasons why you need to include shopping in your itinerary. First of all, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the Indian culture, what with the various sights, sounds and smells that you will experience. Next, it’s a great way to look for souvenirs of your trips and presents that you can give to your loved ones back home. So what are the different things that you can shop for in India?

Indian clothing is undoubtedly one of the most distinct in the world. An undeniable part of the country’s strong culture, India’s clothes have unique colors, patterns and designs. Choose among the many brocade, cotton and silk chiffon clothes.

If you are looking for a plush carpet that you can decorate your home with but you have no money to invest then now is the time to shop for a beautiful carpet at an affordable price.

If you love accessories then you will also surely enjoy intricate Indian jewelry which makes use of various precious metals and stones such as gold, silver, gems and more.

No tourist in India should go home without purchasing a couple of the ethnic handicrafts that the country is famous for. Not only are you purchasing authentic handicrafts but you also get to support families’ livelihoods. Other items that you shouldn’t miss are tea, spices and various knick knacks.