10 Things to Know Before Moving to India

Welcome to the vibrant and diverse tapestry that is India! As you consider joining the ranks of expatriates in this historic land, it's essential to prepare yourself for the adventure ahead. India is a country that can both enchant and overwhelm, offering experiences as varied as its many cultures, languages, and landscapes. To help you navigate the transition, here are ten crucial things to know before you pack your bags and embark on your Indian journey.

1. Embrace the Cultural Diversity

India is a melting pot of cultures, religions, and languages. With over 1,600 languages spoken and multiple religions practiced, it's important to approach life here with an open mind and respect for the local customs. You might find yourself celebrating colorful festivals like Diwali or Holi, regardless of your own cultural background. Each region has its own unique traditions and festivals, so be prepared to join in and enjoy the rich tapestry of Indian culture.

2. Understand the Visa Requirements

Securing the correct visa is crucial for a smooth transition to India. The country offers various types of visas, including employment, business, and tourist visas, each with its own set of rules and durations. For long-term stays, an employment visa is typically required, which necessitates a job offer from an Indian company. It's advisable to consult with the Indian embassy or consulate in your home country to ensure you have the right documentation and to understand the process for registration with local authorities upon arrival.

3. Prepare for the Climate

India's climate varies dramatically from the snow-capped Himalayas in the north to the tropical beaches in the south. Depending on where you're moving, you'll need to prepare for the local weather conditions. For instance, if you're relocating to Mumbai, expect a hot and humid climate with a significant monsoon season. Conversely, Delhi experiences extreme temperatures, with scorching summers and chilly winters. Acclimatizing to the local weather will take time, so pack accordingly and stay hydrated, especially during the summer months.

4. Get Ready for the Bustle

Life in India's cities is fast-paced and can be chaotic for newcomers. Traffic congestion, honking horns, and bustling markets are part of the daily experience. Cities like Bangalore and Hyderabad are known for their burgeoning tech industries and can be as busy as Silicon Valley during rush hour. Embracing the hustle and bustle rather than resisting it is key to enjoying the dynamic energy of India's urban centers.

5. Learn the Art of Negotiation

Negotiation is a way of life in India, whether you're shopping in local markets or finalizing your rent. Prices are often not fixed, and bargaining is expected. It's a skill that can save you a significant amount of money and also serves as a way to interact with locals. Start by observing how others negotiate and don't be afraid to quote a lower price—you'll get the hang of it with practice!

6. Explore the Cuisine

Indian cuisine is much more than just curry and naan. Each region boasts its own specialties, from the biryanis of Hyderabad to the street food of Mumbai. Be adventurous and try local dishes; you might find a new favorite. However, be cautious with street food initially, as your stomach may need time to adjust to the spices and preparation methods. And remember, many Indians are vegetarian or vegan, so there's a plethora of options for those with dietary restrictions.

7. Health Precautions are a Must

Before moving, ensure you're up to date with vaccinations recommended for India, such as Hepatitis A and Typhoid. It's also wise to have comprehensive health insurance that covers medical treatment in India or, if necessary, medical evacuation. Once you're in India, drink bottled or filtered water to avoid waterborne illnesses, and be mindful of air quality, especially in cities like Delhi, where pollution levels can be high.

8. Housing Can Vary Greatly

The quality and style of housing in India can vary widely from modern apartments in metropolitan areas to more traditional homes in rural settings. Many expats choose to live in gated communities or compounds that offer additional amenities and security. It's beneficial to work with a reputable real estate agent who understands the needs of expatriates and can guide you through the process of finding a suitable home.

9. The Importance of Networking

Building a network can be invaluable for settling into your new life. Connect with other expats through social media groups, clubs, or organizations. These connections can provide support, advice, and friendship as you navigate your new surroundings. Additionally, engaging with your local community can enrich your experience and help you understand the nuances of Indian life.

10. Patience is Key

Adjusting to life in a new country takes time, and India is no exception. You may encounter bureaucratic hurdles, cultural misunderstandings, or simply the day-to-day challenges of living in a different environment. Patience is not just a virtue but a necessity. Embrace the slower pace of certain processes and use the time to observe, learn, and grow within the diverse and complex fabric of Indian society.

Moving to India is an adventure that promises growth, learning, and a wealth of new experiences. With these ten tips in mind, you'll be better prepared to embrace the challenges and joys that come with becoming an expat in this dynamic country. Welcome to India, a land of contrasts and a place that, for many, quickly becomes home.

Expats talk about Moving to India

"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," said one expat living in Mussoorie.

"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," wrote a member in Pune.

"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.