Amritsar, India Travel Tips

Traveling to Amritsar, India: Cultural Etiquette and Tips

Table of Contents

  1. Dress Code and Modesty
  2. Removing Shoes
  3. Eating with Right Hand
  4. Respecting Religious Sites
  5. Goldsmith Market Bargaining
  6. Tipping
  7. Photography Etiquette
  8. Street Food Safety
  9. Traffic Rules and Road Safety
  10. Language and Greetings

1. Dress Code and Modesty

  • Cover your legs and shoulders when visiting religious sites (e.g., the Golden Temple).
  • Remove footwear before entering places of worship, as appropriate.
  • Avoid wearing revealing clothing in public.

2. Removing Shoes

  • Always remove shoes before entering homes, temples, or mosques.
  • In some cases, you may be provided with slippers; otherwise, carry a pair of socks to put on before walking barefoot.

3. Eating with Right Hand

  • Indians traditionally eat using their right hand as the left hand is considered unclean.
  • If offered food by a local, accept with your right hand and eat with care and respect.

4. Respecting Religious Sites

  • Remove your shoes before entering religious sites.
  • Dress modestly to show respect.
  • Be mindful of prayer times and avoid disrupting worshippers.
  • Ask permission before taking photographs within places of worship.

5. Goldsmith Market Bargaining

  • Haggling is expected in markets like Hall Bazaar.
  • Start by offering a lower price than your intended final offer, and let the seller respond.
  • Be polite and friendly during negotiations.

6. Tipping

  • In restaurants, round up your bill or leave around a 10% tip.
  • For services like taxi rides, round up the fare or give a small tip if you feel the service was good.
  • Tip tour guides according to their services (usually around $5-$10 per day).

7. Photography Etiquette

  • Always ask permission before taking someone’s photo.
  • Some sites prohibit photography, so be aware of signs and follow rules.
  • When photographing people, show them the picture as a gesture of goodwill.

8. Street Food Safety

  • Stick to busy, well-known food stalls where turnover is high.
  • Avoid ice, raw produce, or undercooked food.
  • Choose fried and cooked dishes over salads and cold foods.
  • Be cautious when consuming dairy products.

9. Traffic Rules and Road Safety

  • In India, traffic moves on the left side of the road.
  • Pedestrians should always cross streets at designated crossing areas or wait for a break in traffic before crossing.
  • Ride motorbikes or rickshaws with caution and wear protective gear if available.
  • Always follow local traffic signs and signals.

10. Language and Greetings

  • The official language of Amritsar is Punjabi, but many residents also speak Hindi and English.
  • Common greetings include “Namaste” (hands pressed together in front of the chest) or a handshake.
  • Learn a few basic phrases to show respect for local culture and make connections with locals during your visit.