Should I tip in business settings?

Tipping is not expected in formal business settings, but tip hotel staff $1-2 per service and restaurant servers 10% if service charge isn't included. Avoid tipping government officials or business contacts.

What's the dress code for business meetings?

Business formal is standard - suits for men, conservative business wear for women. Colors matter: avoid black for initial meetings as it can be associated with mourning. Light colors work well in hot weather.

How do I handle the heat if I'm not used to it?

Most business districts have excellent air conditioning. Carry a light jacket for over-cooled offices. Drink bottled water constantly and avoid alcohol during the day. Schedule outdoor site visits for early morning or late afternoon.

What if my meetings run longer than planned?

This is normal. Build flexibility into your schedule and avoid booking tight connections. Indian business culture values thorough discussion and relationship building over strict time adherence.

How to Plan a Business Trip to India

Business trips to India require 2-3 weeks advance planning for visas, careful scheduling around local holidays, and preparation for extended relationship-building meetings. Book flights 4-6 weeks early and arrange ground transport through your hotel or a reliable app service.

Apply for business visa immediately. Submit your business visa application 3-4 weeks before travel. You'll need a letter from your Indian business contact, proof of funds, and your itinerary. Processing takes 7-14 business days but can be longer during peak seasons.
Check Indian holiday calendar. Avoid scheduling during Diwali (October/November), Holi (March), or regional festivals. Business operates differently during monsoon season (June-September). Banking holidays can affect payments and transfers.
Book flights with buffer time. Arrive 1-2 days before critical meetings. Delhi and Mumbai airports can have significant delays. Book return flights with at least 3-hour layovers if connecting internationally.
Arrange reliable ground transport. Pre-book airport transfers through your hotel. Download Uber and Ola apps as backup. If traveling between cities, book train tickets online through IRCTC or arrange private drivers through your business contacts.
Plan meeting logistics carefully. Schedule 25% more time than you would elsewhere. Relationship building is essential - plan for tea breaks and extended discussions. Confirm meetings 24-48 hours in advance via WhatsApp, which is widely used for business.
Prepare for documentation requirements. Bring multiple copies of contracts and business cards. Many processes still require physical signatures. Have your business registration and tax documents available digitally and in print.

Should I tip in business settings?: Tipping is not expected in formal business settings, but tip hotel staff $1-2 per service and restaurant servers 10% if service charge isn't included. Avoid tipping government officials or business contacts.
What's the dress code for business meetings?: Business formal is standard - suits for men, conservative business wear for women. Colors matter: avoid black for initial meetings as it can be associated with mourning. Light colors work well in hot weather.
How do I handle the heat if I'm not used to it?: Most business districts have excellent air conditioning. Carry a light jacket for over-cooled offices. Drink bottled water constantly and avoid alcohol during the day. Schedule outdoor site visits for early morning or late afternoon.
What if my meetings run longer than planned?: This is normal. Build flexibility into your schedule and avoid booking tight connections. Indian business culture values thorough discussion and relationship building over strict time adherence.