Business trip to Bangalore, India
In quite a short timespan, Bangalore has come into view as the knowledge and technology capital of the country. And Bangalore is making rapid progress in the new economy as well. The city’s economy largely depends on trade and industries. The local economic structure is constituted by mainly small and medium enterprises. The mid and outermost zones concentrate 70% of all the industries, almost all in smaller privately created industrial estates or in mixed use residential areas.
Bangalore’s per capita income of € 4.350 is higher than in any other Indian city. As of 2001 Bangalore’s share of € 2,5 billion in Foreign Direct Investment was the 3rd highest for an Indian city. The Bangalore Stock Exchange is the largest in the Southern part of India.
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Biotechnology is one of the rapidly expanding field in the city. Bangalore accounts for 47 percent or a total of 127 of the approximately 265 biotechnology companies in India. Biocon, the country’s most advanced biotechnology company and ranked 16th in the world, is located in the city.
With an economic growth of just over 10 percent, Bangalore is the fastest growing major metropolis in India. Additionally, Bangalore is India’s fourth largest fast moving consumer goods market. The city is the third largest hub for high net worth individuals and is home to over 10.000 US$ millionaires and about 60.000 very wealthy people.
In the 1940s,people like Sir Mirza Ismail and Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya played an important role in the development of Bangalore’s strong manufacturing and industrial infrastructure. The headquarters of India’s second largest IT company, Infosys, is located in Bangalore.
Also the headquarters of several public sector undertakings are located in Bangalore. Making it a city with a high demand on a highly educted workforce.
Bangalore is sometimes also called the "Silicon Valley" of India because of the large number of information technology companies located in the city which contributed for about 33% to India’s IT exports. Bangalore’s IT industry is divided into three location zones — Software Technology Parks of India, International Tech Park, Bangalore and Electronics City.
The growth of IT has presented the city with unparalleled challenges. Ideological struggles are common between the city’s IT industry, who demand an ambitious improvement in the city’s infrastructure, and the state government, whose electoral base is primarily the people in rural Karnataka and sees less importancy in the improvement of the city’s infrastructure.
For more in-depth information I suggest you buy and read the "Global Business Etiquettes" book.
- Communication:
The official language of India is Hindi with English as a secondary official language. Most of the schools have English as medium of instruction.
The Indians are very hierarchical, so greet the eldest or most senior person first. Use formal names, professional and academic titles.
Indians are not direct, they prefer subtlety to directness. Also they don’t like the word "no". When you get an affirmative answer but they stay vague about the specific details, the result be a "no".
Never interrupt somebody.
Dress formal and conservative. - Meetings and negotiations:
When making appointments use the 24-hour clock time format to avoid misunderstandings.
Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
Never cancel a meeting at the last minute. But except that your meeting can be cancelled or postponed at the last minute.
Shake hands with everyone of the same gender upon arriving at the meeting and leaving.
Remain standing until invited to sit down or others do so.
Agenda’s are strictly followed.
Agenda’s are not strictly followed and a meeting can take much longer then planned.
First appointments are mainly socially oriented, Indians would like to know you a bit better at first. A third party introduction could be good to get trust.
Keep your presentation as short as possible, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate.
Follow up a meeting with a letter or an e-mail with all agreements outlined. - Table manners:
If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
Wait until you are appointed a seat.
Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little. Remember that muslims do not drink alcohol.
If making a toast, stand up.
Keep your hands above the table when eating.
There is a possibility that you have to eat with your hands. You always eat with your right hand, with or without utensils.
After finishing eating, leave some food on your plate to indicate that you are full.
Thank your host at the end of the meal.
India is a land of economic growth and opportunity. India’s sustained growth of around 8% in 2008 and growing dynamism in several of its regional markets have created wide and diverse business prospects for exporters and investors. Multinationals are sold on India and are expanding and deepening their market penetration. Multiple firms with advanced and niche-market products and services are entering the market for the first time, or are replacing legacy distributors appointed in the slow-growth past with more capable and aggressive representatives.
Many smaller companies have begun to view India as a top anchor market for their products and services as well. The marked rise of import into India, the daily business press announcements, the rapidly expanding demand for Commercial Service India matchmaking programs and due diligence services, and the many business development trade missions visiting India all point to India being open for business.
Economic expansion in India today is being rewritten by India’s highly entrepreneurial and rapidly globalizing private sector. Indian firms are investing in infrastructure projects, growing their advanced manufacturing capabilities, and inventing in new volume-based business models that results into rising incomes and consumption in towns and rural economies across the country. Whether it is consumer goods and services, high technology and industrial goods, healthcare, r infrastructure development, Indian firms are commanding about their economy and are eager for commercial and joint venture partnerships, technologies, brands, services, and know-how.
In fact, the pace of the foreign trade and investment relationship with India is accelerating. Advanced technologies, including aerospace, specialized materials, information and communications technologies, electronics and flexible manufacturing systems underpinned this growth.
In terms of long-range economic forecasts, some major consultancies project that more than 400 million people, a full 40% of the population, will enter India’s middle class over the next 15 to 20 years. One noted firm expects India to have and sustain the fastest growth rate in the world by 2011. Another well-known consultancy believes that India will become the 3rd largest economy in the world in 2032. India’s "demographic dividend" (71% of the population is under the age of 35, and the avarage age is 25) will ensure that that India retains strong production and knowledge-based competitiveness for many years to come.
Though these numbers are impressive, barriers to trade and investment remain in India. Thanks to economic reforms introduced in the early 1990’s, Indian tariffs have been progressively reduced. However, additional reform is widely recognized as necessary for continued economic growth at recent levels in India, and it is anticipated. While poor infrastructure and high tariffs present the biggest obstacles to foreign investment and growth, India’s infrastructure requirements also present trade and investment opportunities for American companies. Strategic planning, due diligence, consistent follow-up, and perhaps most importantly, patience and commitment are all prerequisites to successful business. The Indian sub-continent necessitates multiple marketing efforts that address differing regional opportunities, standards, languages, cultural differences, and levels of economic development. Gaining access to India’s markets requires careful analysis of consumer preferences, existing sales channels, and changes in distribution and marketing practices, all of which are continually evolving.
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The Bengaluru International Airport is a medium size international airport, serving major airlines like Air France, Malaysia Air, Lufthansa and British Airlines.
The airport is located about 40 km from the central business district of Bangalore.
The airport was originally designed to handle 3.5 million passengers a year, but later it was redesigned to accomodate 12 million passengers per year.
Address
Bengaluru International Airport
Devanahalli 560 300
India.
Tel: +91 (80) 6678 2425
Fax: +91 (80) 6678 3366
24 hrs General Enquiry & Flight Enquiry: +91 (80) 66782251
www.bengaluruairport.com
Airport codes
IATA airport code: BLR
ICAO airport code: VBOL
Lost property
In case of baggage lost on arrival at the Airport will have to be reported to the respective airlines at the “baggage services” centre in the Arrival Hall. However, cases of bags or personal articles misplaced at the Passenger Terminal Building can be reported to the Airport Information Desk or “Lost and Found” counter of BIAL. Cases of baggage lost on arrival at the Airport will have to be reported to the respective airlines at the “baggage services” centre in the Arrival Hall. However, cases of bags or personal articles misplaced at the Passenger Terminal Building can be reported to the Airport Information Desk or “Lost and Found” counter of BIAL.
Terminal info
The passenger terminal is a fully air-conditioned, four-level building, capable of handling international and domestic operations. The Bengaluru International Airport has a total of 20 gates, 8 aero-bridges and 19 remote bus bays.
Connectivity from the airport
Bus
The airport shuttle service connects various locations in the city with the airport. This service provided by the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) ensures a comfortable travel by an air-conditioned Volvo bus at reasonable rates. The service connects the airport with the city at a frequency of 30 minutes approximately.
Taxi
Meru Cabs, Easy Cabs and Karnataka Taxi are the official taxi operators at the Bengaluru International Airport. They provide convenient, safe, easily accessible and cost effective travel in a standard air conditioned Sedan to passengers. Airport taxi service can be availed at the airport for travel to Bengaluru city and vice versa.
Hiring Taxi to Bengaluru International Airport
- You may dial the respective call centre numbers and book a taxi
- Your details will be stored in the system, enabling a quicker response next time you avail the service
- The driver will make sure that no baggage is left out by counting them at the time of alighting and disembarking
Rates for Airport Taxi Service
Flag Down fare (first 4km) : Rs. 60
Every subsequent KM: 15 Rs.
Waiting charges : First 20 mins: No charge.
For next every 15 min. or part thereof Rs. 10/-
Night charge : Upto 50% extra on above from 10 p.m to 6 a.m
- Payment for the services should be made on the end of the journey in exchange for a printed electronic receipt.
- You may sent the feedback via email at feedback @bialairport.com
Meru Cabs: Tel: 4422 4422
Easy Cabs: Tel: 4343 4343
Karnataka Taxi: Tel: 080 – 4346 4346.
Keep the following tips in mind if you need to order a taxi during your business trip to Bangalore.
Taxi transport in Bangalore has a good reputation and most of the city’s many taxis are modern, comfortable and reasonably priced. In most cases you will need to order a taxi in advance by telephone and hotels will usually be happy to assist with this.
| Company name | Phone number |
| Sun City Taxi | +91 80 41200200 |
| Star City Taxi | +91 80 23133333 |
| City Safari | +91 80 25534276 |
| Spot Taxis | +91 80 25510000 |
| RK City Taxi | +91 80 23128888 |
Tangerine
A multi-cuisine restaurant that caters to all kinds of tastes with a myriad of cuisines.
Angsana Oasis Resort & Spa
Northwest Country Main Doddaballapur Road Rajkunte
Yelahanka Bazaar
Bangalore -560064
080-28468892
www.angsana.com
Ebony
Ebony threw open its doors in the summer of ’93 to Bangalore’s discerning gourmand. With a view to celebrate food that is basic in its nature, unpretentious in its preparation, and yet timeless in its appeal. The menu features an eclectic mix of cuisine styles that have since withstood and vagaries of fashion and the travails of time.
84, Hotel Ivory Tower
M.G. Road
Bangalore G.P.O.
Bangalore -560001
Tel: 4178 3344 www.hotelivorytower.com
Szechwan Court
This award winning restaurant. The restrained Oriental elegance of Szechwan Court offers an authentic Chinese Szechwan style menu with a few Cantonese specialities. If you are on a business trip to Bangalore, this is a great restaurant for entertaining your hosts.
37, 39, The Oberoi
M.G. Road
Bangalore G.P.O
.Bangalore -56000
080-25585858
www.oberoihotels.com
Tips to save money on hotel costs during your business trip to Bangalore.
To get the best price for a good hotel room during your business trip to Bangalore it's not only important to compare the prices the hotel charges for a room, but also compare the prices of the different booking agencies.
This can save you, or your company, a lot of money!
- Go to this hotel listing for Bangalore.
- Select the "Check-in" and "Check-out" date.
- Select filters like: "Hotel brand", "Ratings", "Location" and "Price ranges".
- Select the hotel you like.
- You will get an overview of the prices from up to 24 booking sites
- Select the best offer in the list and book the room!
We have selected the following established business hotels for your convenience:
Mark Boulevard Hotel Bangalore
The Mark Boulevard Hotel Bangalore is located near the business district, and guests will find that reaching popular attractions in the city is very easy. Those staying at this Bangalore accommodation will also find places to shop and dine in the area. The international airport is 56 km from the hotel, and it can be reached with public transportation.
No.23 Epip Zone
Opp Back Of Igate
Whitefield, Bangalore, India
More info about Mark Boulevard Hotel Bangalore
Gold Finch Hotel Bangalore
This is a boutique hotel par excellence that combines the sheer luxury, extravagance and class of an elegant hotel. The dAccor, ambience and personalised service all create a genuine sense of intimacy and warmth, something that the guests will appreciate from their very first stay. The hotel features on-site dining facilities.
32/3, Crescent Road
High Grounds, Race Course Road
Bangalore, India
More info about Gold Finch Hotel Bangalore
Savannah Sarovar Premiere Hotel Bangalore
This hotel is situated in the business district of the city, which is very convenient during your business trip to Bangalore. The Savannah Sarovar Premiere Hotel Bangalore is within walking distance of the area’s IT parks, including the ITPL building, the International Technology Park, and the Tech Park Mall. Lal Bagh Gardens are within minutes of the hotel as well. The international airport is less than forty miles from the hotel.
43/3 Whitefield Main Road
Bangalore, India
More info about Savannah Sarovar Premiere Hotel Bangalore
Shopping at Bangalore can be real funs for those who love to explore various markets and shopping places. From pure silk saris to Swaroski crystals, you can find anything that you fancy on the streets and shops of Bangalore.
Commercial Street is one of the busiest and crowded shopping areas in Bangalore. The shops are filled with shoes, jewelry, art decors, stationery, novelties, travel kits and sports goods. The South Parade of the British Period is nowadays known as the MG Road. The road still breaths the colonial charm even after far-reaching development and advancement which has been made. This the place for shopping for electronic equipments, books and magazines, silk saris, textiles, antiques and photography equipments. The shops and emporiums to explore while shopping here are Barton Court, Cauvery Arts and Crafts Emporium, Coir Board Showroom, Kids Kemp, Natesan’s Antiquarts, Public utility Building, Saree Kemp, Shringar Shopping Complex and Spencer’s Super Market.
A whole different thrill you will get on Brigade Road when you go shopping in Bangalore. This place is famous for electronic items such as televisions, refrigerators, music systems, computers, washing machines; garments; crockery and footwear. The Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Showroom, Poom Puhar, is also located on the Brigade Road. Residency Road is known for some of the famous emporiums like Gangotri, Uttar Pradesh Government Handicrafts Showroom; Mrignayani, Madhya Pradesh Government Emporium; Utkalika, Orissa Government Handicrafts Emporium and Gurjari, Gujarat State Handicrafts Emporium. At these emporiums, you may like brassware, wooden furniture, antique jewelry, ethnic printed fabrics, saris and decorative items.
There are several other shopping areas at Bangalore. These areas are famous for some special products. For shopping of cutlery, crockery and other household items, you can head towards Richard Square in Russell Market. Chickpet is known for pure silk saris, jewelry in gold and silver and dress material. You should go to Arcot Srinivaschari Street for shopping of brassware, silverware and copperware. Wooden products, plywood, electrical goods and paper can be shopped at Iyengar Road. Avenue Road is the best place for shopping for silver jewelry and stationery items.
Mysore Palace
The Mysore Palace is one of the main tourist attractions of the Bangalore area. It is about a 3-hour drive from Bangalore. The palace is also known as "The Maharaja’s Palace." This palace was originally designed for the Maharaja of Mysore by the British architect Henry Irwin and built in 1897. Although the King once owned it, it is now the property of the Indian government. The architecture style is known as Indo-Saracenic. There are two beautiful Hindu temples on the palace grounds.
The palace is full of beautiful stained-glass windows, glazed tile and impressive art. There are wonderful collections of gifts, once given to the Maharaja, on display. The palace is completely walled on all sides. The interior of the palace is almost indescribable. It is filled with all of the finest India has to offer. The palace still has many of the former King’s belongings. If you have enough time for sightseeing during your business trip to Bangalore, I would recommended you to visit it.
Bull Temple
This temple is a short trip out of Bangalore. After you’ve climbed up the steps, you’ll enter the main temple area. You have to remove your shoes before entering the temple. When you enter the temple, do not step on the raised entryway, as this is considered improper. You’ll circle around the giant Nandi, the giant bull, and exit again. If you feel like it, you can give money or receive darshan (a small gift). When you want to take pictures, please keep in mind that to other visitors this is a place of worship. Don’t disturb those around you.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden
When you are in the mood for just strolling in the park during your business trip, this botanic garden is the place to be. Regarded as one of the most richly diverse Botanical Garden’s in South Asia, Lalbagh in the Southern part of the city, was laid out by Haider Ali in 1740. SMany of its tropical plants were brought here by Haider Ali’s son Tipu Sultan. Later, John Cameron, the Garden’s Superintendent in the 1870s, imported several more rare species from Kew Gardens in London. Cameron was also responsible for initiating work on Lalbagh’s famous Glass House, modelled on London’s Crystal Palace and Conceived as a venue for horticultural shows.
Before you go on your business trip to Bangalore, India you should always get a travel insurance with a complete coverage. Make sure your health care insurance is sufficiently covered. Maybe this is already covered in your regular health care insurance but often you will need to cover this with the travel insurance. Also a good travel insurance should cover the costs of travel for a relative in case of seriously illness or an accident. The business trip travel insurance should also cover the costs of search, rescue and repatriation.
When you go on business trips on a regular basis, the easiest way to get insured is with an annual multi-trip insurance. Keep in mind that you can also use this insurance for your pleasure trips so don’t forget to include to insure your leisure activities.
| Service | Phone number |
| All emergencies from GSM | 112 |
| Police | 100 |
| Medical | 108 |
| Fire | 101 |
For medical emergencies you can contact the Apollo Hospital Bangalore
154/11
pp.IIM,Bannerghatta Road
Bangalore - 560 076
For all appointments call - (080)66 00 1066
For any Emergency call - 1066
More info on www.bangalore.apollohospitals.com
All visitors to India need to obtain visa for India, prior to arrival. The only exceptions are citizens from the neighbouring countries Nepal and Bhutan.
For a business visa the requirements are:
- Guarantee letter from company registered in your country.
- Invitation letters from registered Indian Companies located in India.
The fees for the visa is in Euros:
- € 50 (6 months validity)
- € 80 (1 year validity)
- € 160 (5 years validity)
