India

Your taxi/rickshaw driver tells you your hotel has closed, burned down, or is full. He takes you to another hotel where he gets a commission. Your hotel is still open.

Especially in Delhi (around Paharganj and New Delhi Railway Station), fake tourism offices sell overpriced tours or non-existent train tickets.

Many sites and services have dual pricing: a local price and a tourist price (sometimes x10 or x20). It's legal for public monuments, but some shops take advantage too.

You're sold "pure Kashmiri saffron" at an "exceptional" price. Most of the time it's low-grade Iranian saffron or food coloring on safflower stigmas.

Photographing military bases, airports, strategic bridges, or sensitive installations is a criminal offense punishable by prison. Some government buildings are also off-limits.

Indian law allows up to the death penalty for drug trafficking. Even possession of small amounts of cannabis (except at authorized bhang shops) can lead to 10 years in prison.

Cover your head in Sikh temples (gurudwaras), remove shoes in all temples and mosques. Shorts and tank tops are refused at many places of worship.

Don't give anything, eat, or greet anyone with your left hand. It's considered impure (used for personal hygiene).

The sideways head movement (neither yes nor no) is typically Indian and can mean yes, ok, I understand, or thank you. It is NOT a no.

Cows roam freely in cities and are sacred in Hinduism. Don't hit them, push them, or honk aggressively. Beef is banned in most states.

The namaste (hands joined in front of your chest) is the standard greeting. Avoid handshakes unless initiated by the other person, especially with women.

NEVER drink tap water in India. Buy sealed water bottles (check the cap cracks when opened). Also avoid ice in small restaurants.

Train tickets sell out fast, especially in sleeper/AC class. Book on IRCTC.co.in as soon as your itinerary is set.

Prices in markets, for rickshaws, and souvenirs are always negotiable. Start at 30-40% of the quoted price. Government shops (Cottage Emporium) have fixed prices and are reliable.

The Ola and Uber apps are reliable and far less stressful than street rickshaws and taxis. Price set in advance, GPS-tracked ride, no bargaining.