What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in India?

We asked people in India if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...

"When in India, it is important to be respectful of the local culture and customs. To avoid any cultural faux pas, it is prudent to listen to the local community and be mindful of religious and cultural sensitivities in order to foster inter-cultural understanding. It is also important to dress respectfully, meaning that shoulders and knees should be covered. Public displays of affection are also not accepted, and visitors shouldn't point their feet at religious statues or images. Additionally, visitors should request permission before taking pictures of people or religious buildings," wrote a member who made the move to India.

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"I asked if our neighbor's daughter would want to babysit some evenings to earn some money (thinking she's right across the hall--her parents home in case of emergency etc). She was keen, but her mother was horrified and said her daughter was too lazy to do that! When I told my friend, she laughed and said child minding at is a very low level job and I probably insulted them. I apologized and made cookies the next day," explained one expat living in Mumbai, India.

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