DEPARTURES
FACT FILE TIME GMT +5.5 hours
GETTING A VISA Business visitors to India require a business visa, which is valid for six
months. Applications must be made online at
in.visglobal.co.uk. The cost is £117.20.
TIMING YOUR VISIT The best time for a business trip to India is from late-October to mid-March.
Temperatures are pleasant during this period, averaging above 18C. Summers are very hot and humid.
CURRENCY
The Indian currency is the rupee (INR). £1 = approximately INR102.
LANGUAGE India has 18 major languages; the official ones are Hindi and English.
RELIGION
The predominant religion is Hinduism, which is followed by 80 per cent of the population.
CITYSCAPES DELHI
Travelling downtown: The fastest way of reaching the city is by Delhi Metro.
The train takes 20 minutes for the ten mile trip from Indira Gandhi International Airport, at a cost of INR80 (80p). A pre-paid taxi will set you back from INR350-INR400 (£3.50-£4) for the 30-60-minute journey. There is also a regular bus service into town but, as elsewhere in India, buses are crowded and not really recommended for business visitors. What to see: Red Fort, Jama Masid mosque, Chandni Chouk Street, Humayun’s tomb, Garden of Five Senses.
BANGALORE’S BAGMANE TECH PARK MUMBAI
Mumbai International Airport is 22 miles from the city centre, which is best reached by pre-paid taxi. The fare is INR450-INR600 (£4.50-£6) for the one-hour trip. Most good hotels provide shuttle transfers from level two of the recently renovated airport. What to see: Chowpatty Beach, Elephanta Island, Gateway of India, Siddhivinayak temple, Marine Drive, Colaba Causeway for shopping.
CHENNAI
The best way of travelling the 10.5 miles from Chennai International Airport to the city is by pre-paid taxi, costing INR300-INR350 (£3-3.50) for the 40-minute transfer. There are also bus and train services downtown. A metro system is curently under construction. What to see: Elliot’s Beach, Anna zoological park, Dakshina Chitra centre, San Thome church.
HYDERABAD
Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is located 19 miles from the city, with a pre- paid taxi the best transfer option. The fare is INR300-INR500 (£3-£5) for the 40-minute trip. What to see: Ramoji Film City, Birla Mandir temple, Qutub Shahi tombs, Golconda Fort, Chowmahalla Palace.
BANGALORE MUMBAI’S GATEWAY TO INDIA
Officially known as Bengaluru International Airport, the city’s main gateway is 25 miles from central Bangalore. Authorised taxis charge from INR690-INR820 (£7-£8) for the transfer, which takes over one hour. The BMTC shuttle bus downtown is a popular alternative, charging INR150-INR200 (£1.50-£2). A rail link between the city and airport is planned. What to see: Lal Bagh botanical garden, Cubbon Park, Bull Temple, Bangalore Palace, Tipu Sultan’s Palace & Fort.
Do start meetings with a handshake,
but avoid shaking the hand of a woman unless she initiates it.
Don’t forget to use the appropriate
title when addressing Indian colleagues. Don’t expect business to be speedy.
Be patient and avoid showing frustration. DOS AND DON’TS
Do be courteous and respectful and feel free to indulge in small talk before meetings get underway
Do research each client in advance.
Ascertain whether they are a traditional family-run business or a modern company using western business methodology, and tailor your approach accordingly.
Do remember Indian companies
place great value on inter-personal relationships.
MORE FLYING TO...
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THE BUSINESS TRAVEL MAGAZINE 67
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