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," remarked one expat in Mussoorie, India.

"One way to find a place to live in India is to use online resources such as real estate websites and rental listings. Additionally, you could consider utilizing local networks and contacting real estate agents directly. You can also look to newspapers and magazines in your area or utilize social media, such as Twitter and Facebook, to get an idea of what areas are popular and suitable for your needs. To narrow your search, consider what type of housing you are looking for (e.g., flat, house, apartment, villa, etc.) and the area that you want to live in. Additionally, have an idea of what you’re looking for in terms of price and amenities, such as access to markets, hospitals, and other services. Finally, don't forget to chat with locals who can often give valuable advice and can provide resources that would be harder to find online," remarked one expat in India.

"We had the services of a relocation firm who lined up a lot of places to look at. We didn't plan it, but we lucked out as unlike a lot of the usual expat colonies in Pune, once our driver has gone for the day we aren't confined at home or relying on autorickshaws. It is a short stroll to some very good restaurants, and a couple of blocks to the local supermarket and plenty of other stores whilst still being a quiet neighborhood," said one expat in Pune.

"We live in an apartment that is part of an older house. Many expats in the area seem to do something similar, renting from locals or residing in guesthouses, long term," replied a member in Mussoorie.

"Property rental here is expensive, we pay nearly $2,000 a month for our 3 bed, 3 bath apartment. Undoubtedly, expats pay more than locals and rental amounts are increasing quite quickly due to an influx of expats. Agents tell us that suitable properties are increasingly hard to find," said one expat who made the move to Pune.

"The cost of housing in India varies widely depending on the region and type of accommodation, however the average cost of housing in India is relatively lower than many other countries. The cost of buying or renting a house or flat in a city often tends to be higher than what you would find in a small town or village. Additionally, housing costs can also be influenced by a variety of factors such as the size, age and condition of the property, the location, local amenities, and the market demand," explained one expat living in India.

"Buying a home in India can be a great investment, as properties tend to appreciate quite quickly. However, it is important to consider several factors before making the decision, including your budget, the length of time you plan to stay in India, and the type of neighborhood you would like to live in. It may be more cost-efficient to rent a home in India if you are only looking for a temporary residence with low overhead costs. However, if you intend to make India your permanent residence, investing in a home may be the better option. Ultimately, the best decision will depend on your particular situation and needs," said one expat who made the move to India.

"Three things I wish I had brought: a good pair of winter slippers, because houses here are uninsulated, so the winters can be cooler inside than out; another set of good kitchen knives, since ones we have found here are not of very good quality; another pair of indestructible sandals from some of the big name brands, since here you can get cheap sandals custom-made...but they also require resoling, and have no arch support! Thee things I wish I had left at home: electric blanket, because even despite a transformer & converter, it still blew and now the fancy function doesn't work; our queen-size fitted sheets that we were told to bring, because you can't get fitted sheets here--only to find out that 'queen size' is really closer to king, it being two single beds pushed together; my winter coats, because you can manage just fine with a sweater and t-shirt, silk underwear and normal clothes, and so on - winter coats are a waste of space and it's not cold enough," remarked one expat who made the move to Mussoorie.

"When moving to India, it is important to pack both warm and cool weather clothing, appropriate for the different climates of India. For standing up to the heat, make sure to bring light-colored, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. For the colder months, pack jackets, sweaters, and scarves. A variety of umbrellas and sunglasses are also recommended. Make sure to bring personal items you won't find in India, like any must-have skin-care products, toiletries, and your favorite snacks. Lastly, be sure to pack all necessary supplies for your religion, such as prayer rugs and books," explained one expat living in India.

"Brought: 1. steak/more food 2. Better converters 3. boots Left: 1. Jacket 2. Sonicare toothbrush (doesn't work here with the brown electricity) 3. skirts," said one expat in Ahmedabad, India.

"I asked if our neighbor's daughter would want to babysit some evenings to earn some money (thinking she's right across the hall--her parents home in case of emergency etc). She was keen, but her mother was horrified and said her daughter was too lazy to do that! When I told my friend, she laughed and said child minding at is a very low level job and I probably insulted them. I apologized and made cookies the next day," remarked one expat who made the move to Mumbai.

"It's all been language based hilarity - the words for /very/ and /ghost/ can be pretty similar," explained one expat living in Mussoorie, India.

"One factor that attracts expats to move to India is the cultural diversity of the country, with its rich history and heritage. India also offers an array of exciting career opportunities and is home to many of the world’s leading tech innovators. India has a vibrant economy and is considered one of the fastest-growing markets in the world, attracting a wide range of professionals. Additionally, expats are often drawn to India’s vibrant atmosphere and the cost of living is relatively low, in comparison to other places in the world. The country is steeped in both modern and traditional culture, ensuring expats have access to a plethora of entertainment options. India also offers a range of outdoor activities like trekking and wildlife safaris, making it an exciting destination for expats to explore," replied one expat when asked about moving to India.

"You can get elective surgery and other non-critical non-emergency medical treatment in India. The medical care is good and affordable to a US citizen. Of course you have to be selective which hospital and whcih doctor you may want to seek help from. Quality varies," replied one expat when asked about moving to India.

"Healthcare services in India are provided by both public and private sectors. The public healthcare system in India is largely funded by the government and provides basic healthcare services to citizens at a low cost. The quality of public healthcare in India varies from state to state, with some states providing better quality services than others. Foreign residents in India have access to the public healthcare system, but the quality of care may not be as good as in their home countries. Expats in India may use the public healthcare system, but they may also opt for private healthcare services, which are generally of higher quality," stated one expat who made the move to India.

"Medical services in India are generally of a high standard, with a wide range of specialties available. Many hospitals in India are well-equipped with modern medical technology and offer a range of treatments and procedures. India also has a large number of qualified medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. Additionally, India has a number of medical research centers and universities that are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and providing quality healthcare," said one expat.

"I can't wait to return to the delicious French Indian fusion food and regional Indian specialities that is found in Pondicherry.," said one expat living in Pondicherry, India.