10 Things to Know Before Moving to India

Welcome to the vibrant and diverse tapestry that is India! moving to a new country is always an adventure, and India promises a rich palette of experiences, cultures, and challenges. Whether you're relocating for work, seeking spiritual growth, or simply looking for a change of scenery, there are certain things you should know before packing your bags. Here are 10 essential tips to help you prepare for your move to this incredible nation.

1. Understanding the Visa Requirements

Before you can soak in the sights and sounds of India, you'll need the right visa. India offers various types of visas, including employment, business, tourist, and student visas. Each has its own set of requirements and validity periods. For long-term stays, an employment visa is typically necessary, which requires a job offer from an Indian company. It's crucial to start this process well in advance of your move, as bureaucratic hurdles can cause delays. Remember, your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival in India.

2. Embracing the Cultural Diversity

India is a melting pot of languages, religions, and traditions. Each state has its own identity, with distinct cuisines, festivals, and art forms. For instance, while Hindi is the official language, there are over 19,500 mother tongues spoken across the country. As an expat, embracing this diversity will enrich your experience. Try attending local festivals like Diwali or Holi, and don't shy away from learning a few phrases in the local language—it can go a long way in building connections with your new neighbors.

3. Preparing for the Climate

India's climate varies from the snow-capped Himalayas in the north to the tropical beaches in the south. Most of the country experiences three major seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter. The heat can be intense, especially from April to June, while the monsoon season brings heavy rains from July to September. Depending on where you're moving, you'll need to prepare accordingly—whether that means buying an umbrella sturdy enough to withstand monsoon rains in Mumbai or warm clothing for chilly winters in Delhi.

4. Navigating the Housing Market

Finding the right place to live is crucial. In major cities like Bangalore or Mumbai, the housing market can be competitive and expensive. It's often helpful to work with a reputable real estate agent who understands the needs of expatriates. Furnished apartments are common, which can ease the transition. Additionally, many expats choose to live in gated communities for added security and amenities. Be prepared to negotiate on rent and understand that a lease agreement may require a substantial security deposit.

5. Adjusting to the Pace of Life

Life in India can be chaotic and fast-paced, especially in its bustling cities. Traffic congestion is a reality, and the concept of time may be more fluid than what you're used to. This adjustment can be both exhilarating and exhausting. To cope, many expats find it helpful to adopt a more flexible mindset and to embrace the local concept of 'Indian Standard Time'—a humorous reference to the frequent delays and relaxed attitudes towards punctuality.

6. healthcare Considerations

India has a mix of public and private healthcare facilities. While private hospitals in urban areas offer high-quality care, it's advisable to have comprehensive health insurance to cover these services, as they can be costly. It's also wise to get vaccinations recommended for travelers and to be cautious with food and water to avoid common illnesses. Carrying a small hand sanitizer and avoiding street food until your stomach has adjusted can help you stay healthy.

7. Understanding the Cost of Living

The in India can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and location. While it's possible to live economically, imported goods and certain services aimed at expats can be expensive. Local markets offer fresh produce at lower prices than supermarkets, and eating local cuisine rather than Western food can also help keep costs down. However, if you're looking for a lifestyle similar to what you're accustomed to back home, be prepared for a higher budget.

8. The Importance of Networking

Building a social and professional network can be a lifeline for expats. There are numerous expat groups and clubs that can provide support and friendship. Networking can also open doors to new career opportunities and help you navigate the complexities of living in a new country. For example, joining an expat club in New Delhi helped a recent transplant find a reliable mechanic and understand the nuances of local business etiquette.

9. Transportation Options

Getting around in India can be an adventure in itself. Public transportation options like rickshaws, taxis, buses, and trains are widely available but can be crowded. Many expats choose to hire a driver, which can be a safer and more comfortable option. Ride-sharing apps are also popular in larger cities. If you decide to drive yourself, be prepared for a driving style that may be more aggressive than what you're used to, and always be vigilant on the roads.

10. Legal and Financial Matters

Understanding India's legal and financial systems is essential. This includes knowing the tax implications of working in India, setting up a local bank account, and complying with any visa-related requirements. It's advisable to consult with a legal or financial expert who can guide you through these processes. For instance, an expat in India may need to file taxes both locally and in their home country, depending on their residency status and income sources.

Moving to India is not just a change of address; it's a journey into a world of new experiences. With these tips in mind, you'll be better prepared to navigate the complexities and enjoy the rich rewards that come with living in this dynamic country. Welcome to your new adventure!

Expats talk about Moving to India

"For the move itself, don't bring too much. Most domestic items can be found very cheaply here, so long as you steer away from the malls. Bear in mind that unfurnished here means not just no furniture but no air conditioners, appliances and so forth. Make sure you know exactly what is included. Don't be shy about asking for things such as new mattresses and also new furniture if it looks well used! Power blackouts are common. Make sure you have generator back-up or at least an inverter (battery back up) or you'll spend a lot of time in the dark. Don't expect an oven, very few places have them. We only saw one apartment with an oven (which we now live in, but that wasn't the deciding factor). Microwaves are smaller than in the US but you can get combination microwaves that also double as a convection oven. You won't be cooking big turkeys so a small oven shouldn't be too troublesome. Insist on a water purifier. When you arrive start out with bottled water and after several weeks convert to the purifed water and your stomach should adapt pretty well. Decide before packing whether you will choose to live in unfurnished, partially furnished or furnished. A colleague packed assuming he'd find an unfurnished apartment but wasn't able to find one (mostly furnished here) and now he and his wife are having to try and store furniture that they brought from the US. No easy task. For neighborhood, I can't comment on areas that we don't live in but we really like where we live in the Boat Club Road area as there is plenty to do within easy walking distance. Don't try to wait it out until you dream home turns up. It won't and it is better, in our view, to get settled quickly. Nothing ever seems to be quite finished, so expect teething problems and don't get hot under the collar about them as you'll waste a lot of emotional energy to no avail. It's different here! Get to know your neighbors, especially the locals as we have found them to be unfailingly friendly and helpful - our immediate neighbor arranged a dinner party to welcome us and introduce us to some other neighbors within a week of arrival. The little tips they can help you with can make life much easier - such as one of the local grocery type stores delivers and so our neighbor took our list and called them and we had all the cleaning stuff we needed, you know mops, brooms, trashcans, and so on within an hour of moving in without the hassle of having to shop for them and far cheaper than had we bought them at one of the supermarkets that expats tend to gravitate towards, at least in their early days in country. Find your nearest little photo store and get a couple of dozen passport photos done as soon as you arrive. You'll need them as they are obligatory for even routine stuff like getting a contract to deliver propane (which your cooker works on), cellphone, aircard, lease registration and so many other things. Carry your passport. You'll need it for ID purposes a lot in the early days. In Pune, shop on MG Road (Mahatma Gandhi Road). There are some great little stores and you'll get most of what you need at much less cost than in the malls and it's a lot more fun too. Don't be afraid to buy your groceries from the markets. Sure the vegetables have a shorter shelf life than in the US, but Indians buy every day and many don't have fridges. You'll need to wash them thoroughly (using purified water) before use, but then you should back home too! The most important advice? Don't fight the place, you'll have gone home again before it changes that much. Relax, get into the flow and enjoy India and if you do it's an adventure and a wonderful place to live," said one expat living in Pune.

"Mussoorie is a hill station--and because of that, most directions include "up from" or "down past", and they're meant in the vertical sense. Be ready and able to walk, or get yourself a driver's license for a car, motorbike or scooter if you're not going to want to walk. Except for the monsoon, the climate is pretty mild. You can buy just about everything you'll need here or down the mountain in Dehradun, so pack your personal sentimental things - furniture, clothing, pots and pans, etc. are all readily available," wrote a member in Mussoorie.

"To get in touch with someone who has been or knows somebody in that city, before and after coming, as Indians are generally very hospitable and like to help others, The fact is that almost every second household has someone from the family settled abroad ( Worldwide )," said one expat living in Hyderabad.