What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Mumbai?

We asked people in Mumbai if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...

"It is important to be mindful of cultural norms when visiting Mumbai. It is considered impolite to point with your finger, so it is best to gesture with your whole hand. It is also important to dress modestly, as revealing clothing is considered inappropriate. Additionally, it is important to be respectful of religious sites and to avoid taking photographs without permission. It is also important to be aware of the local customs and to avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics or religion. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking English in public," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Mumbai, India.

"I asked if our neighbor's daughter would want to babysit some evenings to earn some money (thinking she's right across the hall--her parents home in case of emergency etc). She was keen, but her mother was horrified and said her daughter was too lazy to do that! When I told my friend, she laughed and said child minding at is a very low level job and I probably insulted them. I apologized and made cookies the next day," commented one expat who made the move to Mumbai, India.

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