India: Shopping

India is a shopper's paradise, particularly for silks, brassware, carpets, jewellery and a wide range of locally produced handicrafts. Indian bazaars are an exciting place to shop where you can exercise your bargaining skills or you may prefer the fixed price state run handicraft emporia.

When making an expensive purchase always check the level of duty payable on your import. Please remember VAT is payable on all goods above the value of £145 per person, even if an item is exempt from other import duties. Most hand woven carpets used to be exempt from import duty; this is no longer the case.

Be prepared for the occasional pressure selling from some guides/drivers. Although they will generally take you to respectable establishments offering quality, it is likely that they have a vested interest. If you are not interested, and if the guide/driver is particularly insistent, do not hesitate to refuse and bring it to the attention of our associate offices/agents. Please note that we are not responsible for any shopping or related problems, although we assure you of any help that we can provide.