DO'S & DON'TS

• We always recommend visitors to book their tickets in advance. This way you'll be relaxed as regards your journey.
• People in Bangalore eat food with their fingers. While most of the restaurants will serve you with spoons but you can expect food without cutlery as well. Wash your hands at basins available with these restaurants and always remember to use your right hand to have your meals.
• There is no dress restriction observed in Bangalore but always consider weather conditions before choosing a dress.
• Beware of porters at airports and stations. Use the services of those porters who have the official badge on them. Don't pay them more than the price decided by their union. Watch your luggage as they may run away with it.
• Auto rickshaw drivers will make you go mad in the city. They may ask 4-5 times the normal fare. Prefer going by meters. Shorter distances can be traveled in not more than Rs 10/-. Night fares are slightly more than day's fare.
• Always try to eat something cooked. Eating raw, packaged or tinned food will make you fall ill.
• Do not use your left hand to greet or touch anyone. Indians use their left hand for personal hygiene. So greeting someone or eating with your left hand is considered unhygienic.
• Tipping is very important. If you want good services to be rendered to you, always tip Rs.10/- or Rs.20/- in advance.
• Observe the sanctity of religious places anywhere in India. Remove your shoes and if possible cover your head before entering any religious place.
• Respect people's privacy while taking photographs. Always ask for permission before taking somebody's photograph.
• Bargaining is most important while at Bangalore except in a hotel. You can bargain 20-40% while shopping at a local street shop. If you shop at a well-established shop, 10-20% bargain is possible except in Malls or Super markets.

• Always ensure that you have a valid passport to avoid any problems with immigration department.
• Moneychangers available at airports are best place to convert your money otherwise you'll have to stand in long queues in the city. There are private and international banks in the city that will serve you within few minutes. So prefer them to government banks.
• You do not need to carry a lot of cash with you. Your credit cards can help make your travel easy. Just ensure that your bank has a branch in the city. Moreover keep a note of your bank account number as well as your credit card number at a safer place. If you loose your card, you may need them in order to inform your bank about it.
• Avoid traveling in city during office hours as you may get struck in a traffic jam.
• Always buy tickets before entering any tourist place. You can be fined or even prosecuted if found without a ticket.
• You can reduce burden of your luggage by carrying as least as possible. Almost everything is available in India. Various retail outlets as well as international stores will provide you with everything that you may need.