Clothing
Travel as light as possible. Its better for women to avoid tank tops or short skirts / shorts. The best & comfortable outfit, especially during the hot summers, apart from Salwar –Kameez', is a T-shirt worn with loose cotton trousers. You can purchase them anywhere in Ludhiana , at very reasonable rates, at any of the shops.
Social Interaction
If you give the impression of being from a different country or State, chances are that you might be stared at, especially in the smaller towns. Don't be offended - they mean no harm, it is just curiosity.
Toilets
In Punjab, public toilet facilities are few and far between. Take every opportunity you can to use a clean toilet in places such as hotels and restaurants. Make this a habit wherever you go.
Beggars
Do not let them hassle you, and do not encourage them by giving them money.
Food And Drink
Drink only bottled water. Many popular brands are available. In restaurants insist that
they bring a sealed bottle to your table.
Eat non-vegetarian food only in good restaurants & popular eating Joints. The meat in
cheaper and smaller places can be of dubious quality.
Good quality vegetarian food is easily available.
Curd or yogurt is served with most meals. It is a natural aid to digestion and helps
temper the spicy food.
Shopping
Before purchasing, check the prices at shopping places before making a choice. Bargaining is standard in most places and is enjoyed by all. You can also shop in government handicraft shops as there the prices are fixed and the quality is certified. Get used to the fact that you will probably be charged more than the locals. If possible, take a local along when you go shopping.
Tipping
In hotels and restaurants, tips are not normally included in the bill.
Some hotels include service charges on their bills. In such cases tipping is not necessary.
The standard tip is 10%. In hotels, porters and room service attendants are normally tipped at the end of the stay, though an early tip is likely to get you better service.
Tipping of taxi drivers is not customary.
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