Business Tips

Dress Code: Business attire in Agra usually consists of suits or long-sleeved shirt and tie for men and dresses and business suits with either trousers or long skirts for the ladies. Saree or Salwar Kameez, for ladies, is also widely accepted - but is mostly worn by locals. Outside business hours, casual clothes are perfectly acceptable (modest attire is more suited) - although, smart clothing is usually worn to exclusive restaurants and clubs. The weather conditions of the day should be taken into consideration when dressing for any occasion.

Greeting Someone: The Indian-Hindu greeting is to bring ones palms together with the fingers pointing up, tilt the head slightly forward and saying ‘Namaste’. Shaking of hands is also acceptable - but as most Indian women do not prefer to shake hands, it is always safest to greet them in the traditional manner or else wait until they offer their hand first.

Business Hours and Banking: Both public and private offices usually work from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday - although, some offices are open on Saturdays. Most shops are open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm from Monday to Saturday. Banking hours are from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 am to 12:00 noon on Saturdays. Restaurants are usually open until 11:00 pm; nightclubs and discos close much later.

Smoking: Smoking, in Agra, is only prohibited in places marked with the non-smoking sign - although, it is considered polite not to smoke in the company of non-smokers.