Carrying India Abroad: A Lesson In Travel Etiquette

As I watched the video of an Indian tourist getting arrested for shoplifting in a US Target store, I couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. "Why can't I just pay for it?" she asked, seemingly oblivious to the fact that she was caught red-handed. Her shopping spree turned into a costly mistake, and one can't help but wonder what was going through her mind. 

As a tourist, you're basically a walking billboard for your country. One tries to be a global citizen, not a global embarrassment. We are representing 1.46 billion people, after all. This isn’t just about one person’s blunder; it’s a reminder of how quickly actions can ripple into broader stereotypes, as seen in other incidents abroad. 

The desi 'decorum' drama

This incident echoes a similar controversy surrounding Hotel Arc-en-ciel in Gstaad, Switzerland, which issued a notice specifically targeting Indian guests, outlining etiquette guidelines for the breakfast buffet. The notice advised Indian tourists to refrain from taking food for lunch, use provided cutlery and maintain a respectful demeanour in public areas. Industrialist Harsh Goenka's tweet about the notice elicited a range of responses, with some criticising the hotel's approach as discriminatory and others acknowledging the need for cultural sensitivity.

A video of an Indian family caught stealing at a Bali resort further exacerbated the situation. The family's behaviour, including picking up showpieces from the room and hotel balcony, was not only unacceptable but also damaging to the hotel's reputation. Who will bear the intangible cost of a damaged reputation? Of course, cultural slip-ups aren’t unique to any one group - travellers everywhere can misread the room, but the spotlight feels harsher when it’s on your own community.

As I reflect on these incidents, I'm reminded of my own experiences abroad. Twenty years ago, I joined my sister for her secondment in the UK. We were a group of ten people bursting with energy and enthusiasm, ready to take on the English world. Our post in the trendy Canary Wharf apartment was the perfect hub for our escapades. However, there was one weekly visitor who commanded our attention – the cleaning lady. In a hilarious display of cultural sensitivity, we'd frantically tidy up before her arrival, driven by a mix of respect and a dash of anxiety.

The looming question was: what would she think of us? Our scrupulous cleaning routine was a testament to our desire to make a good impression, showcasing our eagerness to adapt and fit in. Twenty years ago, international exposure was limited, so you were very careful about conducting yourself well and being a good citizen or, I would say, a brand ambassador.

The debate highlights the importance of being mindful of one's behaviour when travelling abroad. They are process-driven. Your Indian "jugaad" won't come in handy, and one shouldn't try. The sooner we adapt to local customs, such as respecting queue etiquette, refraining from littering, and being considerate of others' personal space, the better it is for the entire community of people. Next time I’m abroad, I’ll probably double-check my bags at the store, just to avoid starring in my own viral video. Got a travel blunder of your own? I’m all ears.

Written by Radhika Dhingra. Views expressed by the author are their own.