Shopping: how it works in India — first-hand

From real experience

• Black bread is available in some stores in Goa (India), typically costing around 200 INR. Availability is higher in North Goa compared to South Goa. Quality and taste often differ from traditional Russian bread varieties like Borodinsky.
• When considering gifts for people in India, popular choices include sweets such as chocolates (especially 'Alenka'), marshmallows, pastila, honey, and condensed milk. Dried fruits like cranberries and prunes are also well-received. Some individuals specifically request preserved meats like canned meat, pâté, or smoked mackerel. Additionally, vodka and menthol cigarettes (like Vogue or Esse) are sometimes requested, though availability and preference for specific brands can vary. It's important to note that Indian honey can differ significantly from Western varieties in consistency and taste due to local flora and beekeeping practices. Some specialty items like thinly sliced salmon and black bread may be appreciated but are often expensive or difficult to find.
• Registration for Amazon.in requires an Indian phone number for account verification. Creating an account using only email is possible, but delivery of certain shipments requires OTP verification via SMS. Foreign phone numbers are not supported for account registration or updating. Use a local Indian SIM card number for reliable courier delivery and OTP reception.
• In Kolkata, various types of bread similar to European/Russian styles are available. Specifically, the delivery service Blinkit offers options like white bread and olive bread. Local bakeries also produce regular bread.
• In Chennai, for local Indian designer clothing, consider visiting large universal shopping malls that often have websites detailing their stores. Specific multi-story department stores to check include Zudio, Cotton House, Chennai Silk, Shobha, and Westside.
• Online shopping in India via Amazon or Flipkart requires caution. Major tips: Use Cash on Delivery (CoD) to avoid scams or delivery issues, check seller ratings carefully, and be aware that international bank cards may have trouble linking to UPI platforms like PhonePe.

Related topics