Shopping in India

Shopping in India

Shopping in India is one of the most exciting parts of any trip. In 2026, Shopping in India is a mix of old-fashioned street markets and very high-tech payment systems. This guide will help you enjoy Shopping in India, find the best items, Shop like a local.

Where to Shop in India

When shopping in India, aim to purchase items directly from their manufacturing cities for the best price and quality.

• Delhi: Visit Chandni Chowk if you want to see mountains of colorful spices or beautiful wedding clothes. If you want cheap, trendy clothes, go to Sarojini Nagar Market.
• Jaipur: This is the best city for jewelry. Look for Kundan jewelry (traditional gemstones set in gold) and colorful “Bandhani” tie-dye fabrics.
• Mumbai: Walk down Colaba Causeway for fun fashion and jewelry. If you like old things and antiques, Chor Bazaar is a famous place to explore.
• Chennai:  This is the home of the world-famous Kanchipuram silk sarees. It is also a great place to buy high-quality gold jewelry.
• Kashmir: Look for Pashmina shawls, which are made from very soft wool. They are expensive, so make sure they feel soft and not scratchy.

The Best Things to Buy

1. Fabrics and Clothes: India is famous for its textiles. Look for silk from Varanasi or hand-stitched “Chikan” embroidery from Lucknow.
2. Tea and Spices: You can buy the world’s best tea from Darjeeling. For spices like black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon, look for shops that source directly from Kerala.
3. Traditional Art: Buy a Madhubani painting. This is a beautiful style of art from Bihar that uses bright colors and patterns from nature.
4. Eco-Friendly Crafts: India is moving toward sustainable shopping. Look for beautiful home items made from bamboo, jute, or coconut shells.

Smart Shopping Tips for 2026

1. Use Digital Payments (UPI)

India has become a world leader in digital payments. Almost every small street vendor now uses UPI (a system where you scan a QR code with your phone).

• For Tourists: Ask your bank about UPI One World, which is a special version of the payment system just for international travelers. While you should keep some cash for small tips, your phone is now the best way to pay.

2. The Art of Bargaining

In local street markets, the first price a seller tells you is usually too high.

• How to do it: Offer about 40% to 50% of what they ask. Then, go back and forth until you meet in the middle.
• Where NOT to do it: Never bargain in big malls, grocery stores, or shops that have a sign saying “Fixed Price.”

3. Shop Early for “Boni”

Many Indian shopkeepers believe that the first sale of the day brings good luck (this is called “Boni”). If you arrive at a shop right when it opens (usually around 10:00 AM), the owner might give you a better discount just to make sure they get that first lucky sale.

4. How to Avoid Scams

• Ignore “Special” Recommendations: If a taxi or rickshaw driver tells you they know a “special” or “wholesale” shop, politely say no. These shops often charge tourists three times the real price so they can pay the driver a commission.
• Government Stores: If you are buying expensive silk or handmade rugs and you are worried about fakes, go to the Central Cottage Industries Emporium. Government-run stores guarantee quality and offer fair prices.

5. Shipping Items Home

For large items, most major retailers involved in Shopping in India can arrange international shipping. Always ask for a receipt, tracking number, and official website details.

Shopping in India is about the experience as much as the items. Take your time, drink some “Chai” offered by the shopkeeper, and enjoy the hunt for treasures.