For the American Traveller in India...

1. Americans need a visa to enter India. You can apply for the visa at the nearest Indian embassy either in person or online.
2. When in India, stay in a reputed hotel where you can be assured of safety and security, preferably close to your office.
3. Exercise the same caution that you would in any global metropolis. In India, this means both men and women should dress appropriately (no shorts, mini-skirts, sleeveless/ revealing/ tight-fitting clothes), and maintain a low profile (no flashy jewellery/watches, no high-end gadgets on display 24/7, no pulling out a wad of notes, no indiscriminate spread of information about oneself/ hitchhiking with strangers you just met at the bar/ striking up deep conversations with the opposite sex). 
4. You must have a local emergency contact, as well the numbers of the local police/ hospital/ taxi service/ local embassy.
5. Wear comfortable shoes at all times as not all environments will be conducive to walking carelessly.
6. Exercise caution while walking on the road – watch out for crazy traffic.
7. Stick to eating fully cooked dishes at reputed hotels and restaurants, or at your Indian friend’s home, where you can be assured of cleanliness in preparation and freshness of the ingredients. No salads/ fresh juices, or raw meats, no dishes from roadside vendors (including juices/ milkshakes or yogurt drinks/ water/ other cooked foods). Always drink bottled water.
8. Always venture outside with a trusted companion – this goes especially for women – and preferably during the day (6 a.m. – 7 p.m.). Don’t travel so far that returning to the hotel is a problem.
9. Don’t rely on public transport. Always hire a taxi from a recommended service.
10. While shopping – take along an Indian friend to help you bargain. If not, shopkeepers may not give you the best price. Bargaining is acceptable only in markets or with small-time retailers. The upscale and larger retailers don’t compromise on their fixed sales price.
11. Go armed with basic medical supplies for cold/ fever/ stomach flu/ headaches/ etc. If you fall ill, you can always rely on these till you meet an Indian doctor. Most Indian GP’s have a private practice and charge a fee sans insurance. If your case is serious, they will refer you to a hospital where you can seek treatment by paying first and then contacting your American insurance company for reimbursement. Indian doctors are better than world class due to the sheer number and types of cases they treat every day! Indian medicines are generic and most affordable. If you are so inclined, you can also check out ayurvedic (Indian), yunani (Greek), or homeopathy doctors.

Have fun in India :)!