Doing Business in India For Dummies®

Mind Your Manners

At some point in time, you may be invited to be a houseguest of one of your Indian colleagues or friends.

If this happens, remember these tips:

✓	Don’t make your own bed, do your laundry, or do the dishes. More than likely, the domestic staff (if they exist) handles these tasks. Just sit back and enjoy being waited on.
✓	Do offer your help. Offer to assist with the kids, running errands, or other Indian routines. Your host may likely decline the help but be happy that you asked.
✓	Do tip the staff of your host. Shoot for between Rs 100 and 500 each, depending on the length of your stay and what each staff member did for you. Remember that the cook is at the top of the pecking order, followed by the driver if you’ve been chauffeured around. You can also give your hostess a round sum and request that she distribute it to her staff. Tips are given in one lump sum, typically on the day of your departure.
✓	Do participate in any festival or ceremony your host family may be celebrating. There are dozens of these festivals in India, you may find yourself right in the thick of one. If there isn’t a festival going on, ask which one may be right around the corner. Take an interest in your host’s interests.
✓	Do take a gift for every family member. If that isn’t possible, take a larger gift that all the family members can share, such as a box of chocolates. In addition, take one ...