Practical information : Treat yourself (& others) North India
Timetable
There are no real rules. In the most frequented places, the shops live at the rhythm of the tourists. In more remote areas, the sun (from 6am to 6pm) sets the pace. As far as the big cities and department stores are concerned, the opening hours are comparable to those in Europe.
Budget & Tips
Remain vigilant when entrusting your credit card to a merchant. No matter how friendly and honest they may seem, don't take your eyes off your card.
To start your stay in the country, you'd be well advised to stop by your hotel reception desk and ask for change for a few 10 and 20 rupee bills, for any tips you may need...
Keep small denominations and coins handy to pay for local transport and small everyday purchases, as shopkeepers are often short of change. What's more, if you're haggling, it's not a good idea to pay with a large bill...
Sales
There is no official sales period in India. Traditionally, stores clear their stock at the end of the year, after the Diwali festival. Small shops never have sales.
What's very local
Bargaining. All prices, with the exception of official prices in government-run establishments and department stores, are subject to negotiation in one way or another. Almost everywhere, haggling is a well-accepted practice, and often, depending on location and merchandise, you can expect a price to drop by around 30%. Sometimes, you should not hesitate to ask for a 50-70% reduction on the retailer's price right from the start. Whatever the case, it's always a good idea to shop around and compare prices. You can also ask other buyers how much they paid for a particular item. Another tip is that the first sale of the day is seen as an opportunity by shopkeepers, so it's early in the morning that the best bargains are likely to be found.
While haggling is an integral part of local customs, it is above all a matter of common sense: trying to get prices down is normal and even necessary for adapting to the country, but bargaining bitterly for a few rupees is indecent and inappropriate. Keep in mind that haggling is not a battle, but a kind of social game played in good spirits. Finally, if you want to negotiate well, show limited interest and be prepared to leave your item in the hands of the seller. Every other time, he'll catch up with you by accepting the price you last set.
Begging. While there's no denying the presence of beggars in India, don't expect to be constantly surrounded by imploring crowds. As far as giving is concerned, each person will do according to his or her conscience and what he or she feels is right. Bear in mind, however, that it's probably better to give to a school or charity than to encourage children to beg by handing out money on the street.
Tourist traps
Many shopkeepers take advantage of tourists' naiveté by trying to sell them fakes at the price of the real thing, new for the price of old. There are countless fake pashminas and cashmeres on offer at gold prices. Scarves may be soft to the touch, but they're not pashmina. Pashmina is not a soft wool, which is why it is mixed with silk. Beware, too, of fake antiques, which are aged by leaving new objects in the open air and sandblasting them. For handicrafts, nothing beats buying directly from the artisan. In Jaipur, India's gem capital, fake or inferior stones are commonplace. Some jewelers will even produce false certificates of origin. Unless you're an expert yourself, don't hesitate to have stones appraised by an independent laboratory before you buy. Scams in the souvenir and handicraft trade are commonplace, and Indians don't see the harm in acting in bad faith. They consider that if you buy their bullshit, you're in charge.
Common sense is all it takes to avoid scams. Of course, if someone offers to buy jewelry, gold, silver or precious stones at rock-bottom prices, beware!
In India, you'll find many brand-name clothes on the market at unbeatable prices... They're counterfeit! You could run into serious problems at French customs if you bring any back from your trip...