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.

"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 in Pune.

"1. It is important to research cultural etiquette and customs specific to India before arriving, as many religious and social customs are specific to the region. 2. Expats should read up on the local laws and customs of the place they are planning to live in. 3. Expats should plan carefully when it comes to accommodation and research potential areas to live in. For example, cities like Delhi and Mumbai can be crowded and expensive. 4. Travelling in India can involve a lot of paperwork, which should be taken care of before expats arrive. This can include visas, medical insurance, etc. 5. Expats should also be familiar with the costs of everyday things, such as food, bills, transportation, etc. 6.Knowing how to speak at least one of the many official languages of India is highly recommended; English is widely spoken in the cities, however over two dozen other languages are spoken throughout the region. 7. Indians are known for their hospitality, and learning about the gift-giving culture is useful for expats who plan on taking part in social events or activities. 8. Expats should be aware of potential health risks in India, including mosquito-borne diseases, and be sure to get all the necessary vaccinations before travelling to the country," remarked one expat who made the move to 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.

"Expat homes or apartments in India often have a modern design and come equipped with the latest amenities. They typically come with impressive views and generous terraces, balconies, or gardens. Expat residences are also often air conditioned and come with high-speed Wi-Fi, which is a great advantage. Expat homes and apartments usually offer luxury living with desirable amenities such as gourmet kitchen spaces, swimming pools, gym facilities, and concierge services. Furthermore, these dwellings usually provide extensive security measures to ensure the safety of their tenants," explained one expat living in 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.

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

"I have not been in the US in nearly 2 years so I do not know is housing is more expensive. But, I do know housing cost here are on the rise. Most expats I know pay at least $1,000 per month for rent. But our flat is a bit smaller (there is only 3 of us) but still is 4 bedrooms and we pay a little more than $500. The best part is we are in a great location. I take the smaller flat vs. the big bungalow for the location any day," said one expat in Ahmedabad, India.

"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," said one expat who made the move to 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," remarked one expat who made the move to Mussoorie.

"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," explained one expat living in Mumbai, 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," commented one expat who moved 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," 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," commented one expat who moved 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," 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.," commented one expat who moved to Pondicherry, India.