Cultural Etiquette in Mumbai: What Not to Do (2026)

steffie · 2026-08-17T16:01:18+02:00

**🙏 Greetings and Gestures** When meeting someone, a simple 'Namaste' with palms pressed together is always respectful, especially for elders. Handshakes are common in business settings, but avoid a left-hand handshake or touching someone with your left hand, as it's considered unclean. Always use your right hand for giving or receiving money, cards, or gifts. **🛕 Temple and Religious Sites** Before entering any temple, mosque, or church, remove your shoes and cover your head if required. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees; for women, carrying a scarf is handy. Photography is often prohibited inside sanctums, so look for signs or ask a priest. At the Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi, expect long queues and a strict no-phone policy inside. **🍽️ Dining Etiquette** Always wash your hands before and after eating, as many traditional meals are eaten with the right hand. Use only your right hand for eating; the left is reserved for other tasks. When dining at a restaurant, a 10% service charge is often added, but leaving an extra 5-10% in cash is appreciated. If invited to someone's home, it's polite to bring sweets or fruit, and always wait for the host to start eating. **👗 Dress Code** Mumbai is relatively liberal, but modest dressing is appreciated, especially in religious areas and local markets. For women, avoid very short shorts or revealing tops; a kurta or jeans with a t-shirt works well. Men should avoid sleeveless vests in public. In upscale clubs or restaurants like the Taj Mahal Palace, smart casual or formal wear is expected. **📵 Public Behavior** Keep your voice low in public spaces; Indians often speak softly, and loud conversations can draw stares. Avoid public displays of affection, as they are considered inappropriate in many areas. When using your phone, use earphones for music or videos, and never play audio out loud on local trains or buses. **📸 Photography Rules** Always ask permission before photographing locals, especially in rural areas or street markets like Colaba Causeway. Many people may expect a small tip for posing, so be prepared. Avoid taking photos of government buildings, military installations, or slum areas without explicit consent, as it can be sensitive. **🚶 Queueing and Crowds** Queues are not always orderly in Mumbai; be assertive but polite when boarding trains or buses. In ticket counters, it's common for people to cluster, so hold your ground firmly. On local trains, let passengers alight before you board, and offer your seat to the elderly, pregnant women, or disabled passengers. **💵 Tipping and Money** Tipping is customary in restaurants, hotels, and for porters or drivers; 10% is standard in restaurants, while a few rupees for helpers is fine. Always carry small change for tips and for street vendors, as they often can't break large notes. When paying, use your right hand and avoid handing money directly to a person if they are seated on the ground; place it on a table or surface instead.