Can I use a tourist visa for business meetings?

No, tourist visas cannot be used for business activities, meetings, or conferences. You need a proper business visa even for short business trips.

How much should I tip for business services?

Tip hotel staff ₹50-100 ($1-2), restaurant servers 10%, and drivers ₹100-200 ($1-3) per day. Business lunches typically include service charges.

Is it safe to drink tap water during business travel?

Stick to bottled water, even for brushing teeth. Most business hotels provide complimentary bottled water. Avoid ice in drinks unless you're certain it's made from filtered water.

What's the best way to handle jet lag for business meetings?

Arrive 1-2 days early for important meetings. India is 9.5-12.5 hours ahead of most Western countries. Schedule lighter meetings on arrival day and important ones after you've adjusted.

How to Plan a Business Trip to India

Business trips to India require 60-90 days advance planning for visas and meetings. Focus on Delhi or Mumbai for most corporate activities, budget $80-120 per day, and schedule around monsoon season (June-September) and major holidays.

Get your business visa sorted early. Apply for an Indian business visa 60-90 days before travel. You'll need an invitation letter from your Indian business contact, proof of business registration, and recent bank statements. Processing takes 15-20 business days for most countries.
Choose your business hub. Delhi (government, policy) or Mumbai (finance, entertainment) are the main business centers. Bangalore for tech, Chennai for manufacturing, Pune for automotive. Book hotels in business districts like Connaught Place (Delhi) or Bandra-Kurla Complex (Mumbai).
Schedule around local business culture. Business hours are typically 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM, Monday to Saturday. Avoid Diwali (October/November), Holi (March), and regional festivals. Thursday/Friday departures work well as many businesses have Saturday half-days.
Book flights and accommodation strategically. Fly into Delhi (DEL) or Mumbai (BOM) for best business connections. Book business hotels near metro lines or in business districts. International flights are cheapest Tuesday-Thursday departures, 2-3 weeks advance booking.
Arrange reliable ground transportation. Pre-book airport transfers through your hotel or use Uber/Ola. For business meetings, hire a driver for the day (₹2000-3000/$25-35) or use corporate taxi services. Mumbai locals trains are efficient but crowded during rush hours.
Prepare for business etiquette differences. Business cards are exchanged with both hands. Dress conservatively - suits for men, modest business attire for women. Meetings often start 15-30 minutes late. Building relationships over meals is important - expect lunch invitations.
Handle money and communication. Notify your bank of travel. ATMs are widely available but inform bank of international usage. Get a local SIM card at the airport (₹500-800/$6-10) for reliable business communication. WhatsApp is standard for business messaging.

Can I use a tourist visa for business meetings?: No, tourist visas cannot be used for business activities, meetings, or conferences. You need a proper business visa even for short business trips.
How much should I tip for business services?: Tip hotel staff ₹50-100 ($1-2), restaurant servers 10%, and drivers ₹100-200 ($1-3) per day. Business lunches typically include service charges.
Is it safe to drink tap water during business travel?: Stick to bottled water, even for brushing teeth. Most business hotels provide complimentary bottled water. Avoid ice in drinks unless you're certain it's made from filtered water.
What's the best way to handle jet lag for business meetings?: Arrive 1-2 days early for important meetings. India is 9.5-12.5 hours ahead of most Western countries. Schedule lighter meetings on arrival day and important ones after you've adjusted.