Do I really need a suit in India?

It depends on the industry, but business culture in India is formal. A lightweight blazer is usually sufficient for most meetings unless you are in banking or law.

Is it easy to do laundry in India?

Yes, most business hotels offer 24-hour laundry services. It is efficient and reasonably priced, which helps keep your carry-on light.

What is the best way to handle water?

Never drink tap water. Always use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer easily accessible in your bag.

Packing a Carry-On for a One-Week Business Trip to India

Stick to a professional capsule wardrobe in neutral colors and maximize vertical space with compression cubes. Carry all critical documents, electronics, and a change of clothes in your carry-on to mitigate the risk of lost luggage.

Select the right bag. Use a soft-sided carry-on spinner that adheres to international airline limits (usually 22x14x9 inches). India-bound flights often have strict weight limits for carry-ons, so keep the bag under 7kg (15 lbs).
Curate the capsule wardrobe. Bring 3 pairs of dress trousers, 5 button-down shirts, and 1 lightweight blazer. Stick to breathable fabrics like linen-cotton blends or merino wool to handle the heat. Coordinate everything so every top matches every bottom.
Optimize space with cubes. Use compression packing cubes. Roll your clothes tightly to save space and reduce wrinkles. Place heavier items like shoes (wear your bulkiest pair on the plane) at the bottom near the wheels.
Organize your tech and docs. Keep your passport, visa copy, and hotel address in a dedicated document folder in your personal item. Pack all power adapters (Type C, D, and M are common in India) and chargers in a separate electronics pouch.
Prepare the medical kit. Include a small pharmacy bag with Imodium, rehydration salts, hand sanitizer, and a mild antibiotic. You don't want to be searching for a pharmacy if you get a stomach bug.

Do I really need a suit in India?: It depends on the industry, but business culture in India is formal. A lightweight blazer is usually sufficient for most meetings unless you are in banking or law.
Is it easy to do laundry in India?: Yes, most business hotels offer 24-hour laundry services. It is efficient and reasonably priced, which helps keep your carry-on light.
What is the best way to handle water?: Never drink tap water. Always use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer easily accessible in your bag.