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," remarked one expat who made the move to Pune.

"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," explained one expat living in Pune, India.

"We actually paid someone before we came to set up our home. But, in my husband's business that is something that we do. Locate and set up housing for foreigners in India. So, we base it on location to malls, stores, and other places we find expats like to frequent. We also, consider the place of employment along with cost," said one expat in Ahmedabad, India.

"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," said one expat in Mussoorie.

"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," commented one expat who made the move to India.

"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," remarked one expat in Pune, 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 in 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," commented 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," remarked one expat in India.

"When in India, it is important to be respectful of the local culture and customs. To avoid any cultural faux pas, it is prudent to listen to the local community and be mindful of religious and cultural sensitivities in order to foster inter-cultural understanding. It is also important to dress respectfully, meaning that shoulders and knees should be covered. Public displays of affection are also not accepted, and visitors shouldn't point their feet at religious statues or images. Additionally, visitors should request permission before taking pictures of people or religious buildings," said one expat in 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," wrote one expat living in 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," wrote one expat living in 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," commented one expat living in India.

"I can't wait to return to the delicious French Indian fusion food and regional Indian specialities that is found in Pondicherry.," replied one expat when asked about moving to Pondicherry.

"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," stated one expat who made the move to India.