Can I use my regular tourist visa for business meetings?

No. Business activities require a business visa. Using a tourist visa for business meetings can result in deportation and future entry bans. Apply for the correct visa type from the start.

How formal should I dress for business meetings?

Very formal. Men should wear suits with ties, women should wear business suits or conservative dresses with sleeves. Avoid showing shoulders, cleavage, or legs above the knee. Your appearance reflects your company's respect for the partnership.

Should I bring cash or rely on cards?

Bring both. While major hotels and restaurants accept cards, you'll need cash for taxis, tips, and smaller vendors. Withdraw from ATMs once you arrive rather than carrying large amounts of foreign cash through airports.

How much time should I allow between meetings?

Minimum 2 hours in major cities, 3-4 hours if crossing town. Traffic is unpredictable and meetings often run long as relationship-building is prioritized over strict schedules. Always have backup transportation options.

How to prepare for your first business trip to India

Start visa applications 4-6 weeks early, pack lightweight formal clothing that covers arms and legs, and research local business customs around meetings and hierarchy. Most business trips require 7-10 days minimum to account for jet lag and relationship building.

Apply for your business visa. Submit your e-visa application online 4-6 weeks before travel. You'll need an invitation letter from your Indian business contact, passport photos, and proof of business registration. Business visas are valid for 1 year with multiple entries of up to 180 days each.
Plan around Indian business culture. Schedule meetings between 10 AM and 5 PM, avoiding lunch hours (12:30-1:30 PM). Plan extra time for relationship building - your first meeting will likely focus on getting to know each other rather than business details. Bring business cards and small gifts from your home country.
Book accommodations near your meetings. Choose hotels within 5 km of your meeting locations. Traffic in major cities can add 45-90 minutes to any journey. Business hotels typically offer airport pickup, which saves significant hassle with negotiations and directions.
Get necessary health preparations. Visit a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure. Most doctors recommend hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis vaccines. Bring hand sanitizer and stick to bottled or filtered water for the first week while your stomach adjusts.
Prepare your business wardrobe. Pack lightweight, breathable formal clothing that covers arms and legs. Dark colors hide stains better in dusty cities. Bring 2x more shirts than usual - you'll sweat more and want to change for evening meetings. Include one traditional kurta for cultural events.

Can I use my regular tourist visa for business meetings?: No. Business activities require a business visa. Using a tourist visa for business meetings can result in deportation and future entry bans. Apply for the correct visa type from the start.
How formal should I dress for business meetings?: Very formal. Men should wear suits with ties, women should wear business suits or conservative dresses with sleeves. Avoid showing shoulders, cleavage, or legs above the knee. Your appearance reflects your company's respect for the partnership.
Should I bring cash or rely on cards?: Bring both. While major hotels and restaurants accept cards, you'll need cash for taxis, tips, and smaller vendors. Withdraw from ATMs once you arrive rather than carrying large amounts of foreign cash through airports.
How much time should I allow between meetings?: Minimum 2 hours in major cities, 3-4 hours if crossing town. Traffic is unpredictable and meetings often run long as relationship-building is prioritized over strict schedules. Always have backup transportation options.