Moving to Pune, 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 in Pune, India.

"Pune is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and a growing economy. Expats should be aware that the cost of living in Pune is relatively low compared to other cities in India. It is important to research the local laws and regulations before moving to Pune, as well as the availability of healthcare and other services. Additionally, expats should be aware of the local climate, which can be hot and humid during the summer months. Finally, it is important to familiarize yourself with the local language, Marathi, as it is widely spoken in Pune," said one expat in 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," remarked one expat who made the move to Pune.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Pune is to use online resources such as rental websites, classifieds, and real estate agents. You can also search for local newspapers and magazines for rental listings. Additionally, you can ask friends and family who live in the area for recommendations. Once you have narrowed down your search, it is important to visit the property in person to ensure it meets your needs," explained one expat living in Pune, India.

"Expat homes and apartments in Pune are typically modern and spacious, with large windows and balconies that offer stunning views of the city. Many expat homes and apartments come with amenities such as air conditioning, high-speed internet, and modern appliances. Expat homes and apartments in Pune are often located in gated communities, providing a safe and secure environment for expats to live in," said one expat in Pune.

"We live in a 3 bed apartment with a roof terrace. There is a variety of housing available including bungalows and townhouse type homes. Most expats will live in apartments," remarked one expat who made the move to Pune.

"The cost of housing in Pune varies depending on the area and type of property. Generally, the average cost of housing in Pune is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in India. Prices for apartments and houses range from mid-range to luxury, with the average cost of a two-bedroom apartment in a mid-range area being around ?25,000 to ?30,000 per month," remarked one expat who made the move to Pune.

"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.

"Buying a home in Pune can be a great investment, as the city is growing rapidly and property values are increasing. However, it is important to consider the cost of buying a home in Pune, as well as the cost of maintaining it. Renting a home in Pune can be a more cost-effective option, as it allows you to enjoy the city without the long-term commitment of buying a home. Additionally, renting a home in Pune can give you the flexibility to move to a different area if your needs change. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Pune should be based on your individual needs and financial situation," remarked one expat who made the move to Pune.

"When moving to Pune, it is important to pack items that will help you adjust to the climate and culture. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing that is appropriate for the hot and humid climate. Bring a few items of clothing that can be layered for cooler evenings. Make sure to bring a good pair of walking shoes, as well as a hat and sunglasses to protect you from the sun. Additionally, pack any necessary medications, toiletries, and personal items. It is also a good idea to bring a few items that will help you feel at home, such as photos, books, and music," said one expat who made the move to Pune.

"Brought: 1. TV (Yeah, I know it's a different system (PAL not NTSC) but there are good converters and it wouldn't have mattered for our DVDs) and a good 40 inch TV is astonishingly expensive here. 2. Photo Printing Paper - strangely hard to find here. 3. Branston Pickle Left at home: 1. Our second computer 2. Coats 3. Wii (Unlike our computer and Playstation, the Wii transformer only works on 110 volts and I managed to blow it up by assuming it would work with 220 volts," explained one expat living in Pune, India.

"Probably. But none that stick out for us and our hosts were probably too polite to mention them," explained one expat living in Pune, India.

"It is important to be mindful of cultural norms when visiting Pune. It is important to dress modestly and to avoid public displays of affection. It is also important to be respectful of religious customs and to avoid taking photographs of people without their permission. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to avoid using offensive language or gestures. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local customs and to avoid making assumptions about people based on their appearance or beliefs," said one expat in Pune.

"Pune is an attractive destination for expats due to its vibrant culture, diverse population, and excellent job opportunities. The city is known for its excellent educational institutions, making it a great place for expats to pursue higher education. Additionally, Pune is home to a number of multinational companies, providing expats with the opportunity to work in a variety of industries. The city also offers a low cost of living, making it an ideal place for expats to settle down. Finally, Pune is known for its pleasant climate, making it a great place to enjoy outdoor activities year-round," wrote one expat living in Pune.

"Pune is home to a wide variety of healthcare services, ranging from traditional Ayurvedic treatments to modern medical facilities. The city is home to a number of hospitals, clinics, and specialty centers that provide a range of services, including primary care, emergency care, and specialty care. Additionally, Pune is home to a number of medical research centers and universities that offer advanced medical training and research opportunities. The city also has a number of private healthcare providers, such as nursing homes, home health care services, and medical tourism companies. In addition, Pune is home to a number of charitable organizations that provide free or low-cost healthcare services to those in need," said one expat living in Pune, India.

"Pune offers a wide range of medical services, including both public and private hospitals. The city is home to some of the best medical facilities in the country, with highly trained and experienced medical professionals providing quality care. Patients can access a variety of treatments, ranging from general medical care to specialized treatments such as cardiology, neurology, and oncology. Additionally, Pune has a number of medical research centers and institutes, which are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and providing innovative treatments," commented one expat who moved to Pune.