Visitors from the U.S.?

Question

I am curious - Are there any matters of etiquette and culture that I should be aware of so that I don't offend my hosts (or anyone else?)

I've not been to India before, have traveled a bit in Europe and all over the U.S.

Also, would like to know what Indians think of Americans. Should I tell people I'm from Canada? :-)

I'll be visiting Rajasthan in January or February.

Answer 1

No be proud that you are an American, but don't flaunt it. Remember that India has a past with the British, and Canadians honor the queen.

Answer 2

Depends on who you are going as. If you are visiting as th host's son's girlfriend / wife (I am suuming you are meeting them for the first time) there might be some resistance. Indian society still is very tight knit and looks at outsiders coming in suspiciously.

On the other hand it is an Indian traditon to treat guests the best they can. Unless it is the above case you'll be given the best room in the house and great treatment.

As far as customs go it varies from region to region. Walking with shoes inside the house might be a taboo in many traditional households and places of worship. Also it is considered rude if you decline food at the dinner table. So if you have dietery preferences let people know in advance

Answer 3

I can't answer as to etiquette in India, I just want to say--pretty please, tell everyone you're an American. Be a good ambassador for all of us Americans--goodness knows we need as many as we can get--and maybe help in some small way to change the stereotype. The best of luck, and have a wonderful trip.

Answer 4

People are same all over. They speak different language, and are reflection of their heritage and culture. But they are same.

Be normal. Most important is to not imitate them, bad imitation is a big no no, good imitation is flattery.

Dress conservative, dress in skit-shirt. Avoid mini or halter and very long dress(chance of tripping and falling, avoid sari for same reason,unless you are use to), have a dress shoes and a dress for any good occasion handy. Ware well fitting, comfortable sturdy shoes so you do not have to get them fixed. try the local dresses from time to time but be care full you do not want to get injured.

Take lomotive(for stomach problem) tablet, in your wallet at all the time, buy it in USA. or Canada. Avoid water use well know brand of bottle water. If not have host boil it for you, say doctors order, it is a problem with you and not their problem. Keep that water with you. Try to consume local yogurt, it will kill most bacteria.
You wrote "Should I tell people I'm from Canada"? This is up to you, depends on the conversation you engage in and with who or whom.

General caution is good advise. India is very safe country, but you do have bad apples in any barrel.

Answer 5

We love Americans. so do not worry. be your own self and do not hide your identity. Take normal precautions you would take in any part of the world. avoid talking to strangers, and always inform someone about your next plan.
I am sure you would love India like I loved your country couple of years ago.
and one more thing, we will not embarass you at the airport like your authorities are doing with Indians.

Answer 6

Take pride in saying you are from America. Take your shoes of before entering into a house. Wait for older people to sit down before you do. Do not turn down any offers of food or drink even if you are full. If you are the only guest, leave couple of snacks in the plate - do not finish it.
If any one in the house is older than you, learn the names used in punjabi to salute them. Older people might get offended if you call them their names.

Answer 7

you just have to be polite when you are in India. Indians strongly belive that guest is equal to god. you will be safe and you dont need to hide any thing. they are very sweet people and the are always ready to help any 1 who is in need. go to india without any worries

Answer 8

Why would you lie about where you come from? Just try to be respectful of their customs. I don't think Indians hate Americans.

Answer 9

No idea, it doesn't matter to me. Just try and do everything they say, and check out the following sights on India customs:

http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/india/family_customs.htm

http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&keywords=India+customs&tag=sendmetoindia-20&index=books&link_code=qs&page=1

http://stylusinc.com/business/india/cultural_tip1.htm

Answer 10

Act as any person would, with sincerity and concern for others.