Practical Information: Punjab

Staying Connected

Airtel and Jio are dominant mobile service providers in Punjab, with good network coverage. Vodafone Idea (Vi) also operates.

SIM Card Acquisition

Purchase SIM cards at authorized stores in cities. A passport copy, visa copy, and passport-sized photo are necessary.
Activation takes a few hours to a full day (24 hours).
Foreigners provide proof of address; a hotel booking confirmation suffices.

Internet & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, guesthouses, and many cafes in urban areas. Quality and speed vary.

Connectivity Options

Local SIM cards present affordable data plans, giving reliable internet access on your phone.
India Post operates statewide. A reliable service for sending postcards and parcels.
Portable Wi-Fi devices are an alternative for consistent access.

Language Insights

Language Barriers

Punjabi is the official state language. Hindi is widely understood.
English is understood in tourist areas, hotels, and by educated individuals.
The Google Translate app with offline language packs is highly useful.

Important Phrases

Learning a few basic phrases finds appreciation from locals.

Expressions

Hello (general/formal): Namaste (Hindi) / Sat Sri Akal (Punjabi)
Thank you: Dhanyawad (Hindi) / Dhanvaad (Punjabi)
Yes: Haan (Hindi/Punjabi) / No: Nahin (Hindi/Punjabi)

Additional Communication Aids

Translation Tools

Voice translation features on apps.
Phrasebooks for quick reference.
Online language learning platforms for preparation.
Consider Rosetta Stone for comprehensive language learning.

Connectivity Devices

ESIM providers offer flexible data plans for modern smartphones.
Portable Wi-Fi devices provide consistent internet access.
Public Wi-Fi hot spots are available in some urban areas.
International roaming plans (though often pricier than local SIMs).

Communication Tip:

A local SIM card and translation app improve your communication ease during your stay.

Business Hours & Schedules

Understand typical operating hours for planning activities.

Shops

Generally open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM. Smaller shops and local markets may open earlier and close later.

Restaurants

Open for lunch (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM) and dinner (7:00 PM - 11:00 PM or later). Many street food stalls operate long hours.

Offices/Banks

Typically open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday, with shorter Saturday hours. Closed Sundays.

Banking & ATMs

Bank services and cash access points are widely distributed.

Financial Access

Banks: Generally open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM weekdays and 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Saturdays.
ATMs: Widely available in urban areas, often 24/7. Look for bank branches or standalone ATM kiosks.
Consider Priority Pass for airport lounge access if traveling frequently.

Public Holidays

India observes numerous public and religious holidays where services may be closed.

Holiday Considerations

Transport may be busier during holiday periods.
Punjab holidays: Lohri (Jan), Baisakhi (Apr), Diwali (Oct/Nov), Gurpurabs (various).
No widespread seasonal closures in Punjab tourism, though smaller businesses may reduce hours.

Seasonal Schedules

Summer April-June

Focus on indoor activities.
Plan sightseeing for early mornings and late evenings.
Some smaller businesses might have reduced hours during extreme summer heat.

Monsoon July-September

The landscape becomes lush and green with fewer tourists.
Be prepared for rain and humidity with appropriate gear.
You might experience local festivals that occur during this period.

Planning Pointer:

Check a calendar for specific holiday dates, as they may shape your travel plans and service availability.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Interact respectfully with locals and their traditions.

Greeting Customs

Respectful greetings make for positive interactions.

Common Greetings

Namaste (Hindi) / Sat Sri Akal (Punjabi) are common, often with a slight bow or joined palms.
Shaking hands occurs with men, especially in business. With women, wait for them to extend their hand or opt for Namaste.
A warm smile accompanies any greeting.

Appropriate Attire

Modest dress is advisable across various settings.

Dress Guidelines

General: Modest clothing for both men and women, covering shoulders and knees. Avoid overly revealing attire.
Religious Sites: Mandatory head covering (for Sikhs), covered shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entry.
Rural Areas: More conservative dress is appreciated and displays respect.

Dining & Tipping

Dining Practices

Eat with your right hand; the left is considered unclean.
Avoid food waste.
Sharing dishes is common.
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service. Refer to section 2.3 for detailed tipping expectations.

Religious Site Etiquette

Observe customs for a respectful experience in sacred places.

Guidelines for Sacred Places

Remove your shoes before entering any religious place.
Cover your head (mandatory in gurdwaras for Sikhs, and advisable elsewhere).
Maintain silence and reverence.

Cultural Sensitivities

Photography Ethics

Photography is generally permitted at most tourist sites. Avoid flash in religious places.
Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially women and children.
Photography is strictly prohibited in military installations and border areas like Wagah Border prior to security checkpoints. Follow all signs.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Left Hand: Considered unclean; avoid using for eating, giving, or receiving anything.
Religious/Political Discussions: Approach with sensitivity or avoid them unless knowing your interlocutor well.
Public Displays of Affection are generally not well-received.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Notes

Gender Considerations

India presents a generally conservative society. Public interactions between unrelated men and women may be formal.
Solo female travelers exercise extra caution, dress modestly, and avoid isolated areas, especially after dark.
Modest dress reduces unwanted attention.

LGBTQ+ Information

While homosexuality is decriminalized, public displays of affection by same-sex couples are generally not socially accepted.
Discretion is advisable for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Social norms evolve, but public display remains sensitive.

Harmony in Travel:

Respect local customs and traditions for a harmonious experience.

Accessibility Information

Travelers with mobility challenges may find infrastructure in Punjab limited.

Infrastructure Barriers

Accessibility infrastructure generally has limits outside new, high-end hotels and modern airport terminals.

Public Spaces

Public transport (buses, trains) and historical sites are largely not wheelchair-friendly.
Older city areas and pavements often appear uneven or absent.
Ramps and elevators are rare outside modern buildings.

Accessible Options

Some facilities do make efforts toward access.

Travel & Stay

Newer airport terminals may have some accessible features and restrooms.
Larger, modern hotels may present accessible rooms and facilities; confirm when booking.
Hiring a private car with a driver presents the most feasible transport option.

Sensory Impairments Support

Specialized services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments have limits.

Limited Provisions

Sign language interpreters are rare.
Information mainly presents visually or auditorily.
Few dedicated resources for hearing aids or tactile guidance exist.

Planning Resources

Direct engagement with local providers yields the most current information.

Direct Inquiries

Contact specific hotels or tour operators beforehand to confirm their accessibility features.
Local NGOs may hold information, but specialized tourism resources for accessibility have few.
Plan your itinerary carefully, focusing on accessible choices.

Airport Services & Protections

Lounge AccessPriority Pass

Flight CompensationCompensair

Language LearningRosetta Stone

ESIM ProviderAiralo eSIMs

Portable Wi-FiSolis Wi-Fi

Travel AssistanceLocal support networks.

Accessibility Recommendation:

Confirm accessibility features directly with providers for a smoother journey.

Practical Information