Indian business trip: Some crucial points to keep in mind while visiting India

India is considered a safe destination, but just like visiting any other place, it is ideal to follow some safety rules. Once you have acquired your Indian visa online, booked your tickets, and are all set to go ahead, go through the list of important points mentioned below. There is nothing to worry, but just to make sure that your business trip goes worry-free, follow some minor precautions.

Points to keep in mind when visiting India

Secure all the documents:

• Don’t forget to carry all your important and necessary documents like identity proof, passport, visa, etc.
  
• Make a photocopy of all the important documents. This will prove to be extremely helpful in case you lose the originals.
  
• Make sure to keep all your valuables and confidential documents in the hotel locker.

Take care of your health:

• Before travelling to India, it is recommended to receive vaccines for hepatitis, tetanus, typhoid, and other contagious diseases. If possible carry suitable pills for diarrhea and malaria along.
  
• Always carry a pack of hand sanitiser while you are travelling to India. Sanitising your hands frequently will help avoid infection.
  
• Never take ice in your drinking water or soda. You can never be sure how pure the water is.
  
• India is moreover a hot country, unless you are visiting during peak winter. So, carry light cotton clothes instead of synthetic ones to avoid skin allergies. Make sure to wear sunscreen whenever you are out.

General safety precautions:

• Always meet your vendor in public places.
  
• Don’t roam around in the unfamiliar parts of the city at night. It is always recommended to inform someone about your whereabouts before leaving the hotel.
  
• Hire only licensed and reputed transportation services, or simply ask the hotel authorities to make the arrangements.
  
• Don’t discuss your travel plans with strangers, not even your vendor, unless they are making arrangements for you.
  
• India is a developing country and therefore the majority of the population is still poor. So, it is recommended that you don’t discuss how much money you are carrying, don’t make a public display of your wealth, and carry debit/credit card instead of cash.
  
• Don’t fall for any deals or offers when it comes to accommodation. Simply stick to the hotel which you have researched well and reserved.
  
• Don’t leave your luggage with a complete stranger.
  
• Don’t allow any stranger in your hotel room.

Other points to keep in mind:

• Don’t forget to carry some special food packets that you like. You will surely find many food options in India, but it is not always possible to find the same brand.
  
• Keep in mind that many Indians only eat vegetarian food. So, if you are going out for food with someone, let them pick the place.
  
• Don’t expect that your outsourcing vendor in India will have a drink with you while discussing the deal.
  
• Indian traffic is extremely unpredictable. So, when you have a meeting to attend, it is recommended that you leave your hotel at least 30 to 45 minutes before the meeting time.
  
• Don’t forget to carry chargers, cords, converters, etc. required to recharge your cell phone, laptop, camera, etc.

Lastly, don’t start discussing the business deal right away. Take some time in talking to your vendor and knowing them well. Start by casual introduction and gradually get to the point. This will help in building a personal rapport and a lasting business relation.