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Digital Nomad Guide to Mumbai, India | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Digital Nomad Life in Mumbai, India

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By Betsy Burlingame

Summary: Digital nomads like living in Mumbai, India because of its vibrant culture, diverse cuisine, and low cost of living. The population of Mumbai is approximately 20.7 million people. The monthly cost of living for a digital nomad in Mumbai is estimated to be around $500-$1000 USD. The cost to rent a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment with high-speed internet access in Mumbai is around $400-$600 USD per month. The best neighborhood to live in Mumbai is Bandra West, as it is close to the city center and has a variety of restaurants, bars, and shopping centers. The weather in Mumbai, India is typically hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit.

How do I meet people in Mumbai?

When we asked people living in Mumbai about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Mumbai often join clubs and activities such as sports teams, book clubs, and language classes. These activities provide a great way to meet people and make friends. Expats can also meet people by attending events such as art exhibitions, music concerts, and film screenings. Additionally, many expats join online forums and social media groups to connect with other expats living in Mumbai. Finally, expats can also meet people by attending networking events, such as business conferences and seminars," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Mumbai.

What is life like in Mumbai?

When we asked people living in Mumbai what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Mumbai can be both exciting and challenging. The city is a vibrant and bustling metropolis, offering a wide range of cultural experiences, from traditional Indian cuisine to modern shopping malls. Expats and digital nomads can find plenty of opportunities to network and collaborate with other professionals in the city. The cost of living in Mumbai is relatively low compared to other major cities, making it an attractive destination for those looking to live and work abroad. However, the city can be overwhelming for newcomers, with its chaotic traffic and crowded streets. Expats and digital nomads should be prepared to adjust to the local culture and customs, as well as the language barrier. With the right attitude and preparation, however, life in Mumbai can be an incredibly rewarding experience," remarked one member in Mumbai.

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Where should I live in Mumbai?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Mumbai is to use online resources such as rental websites, classifieds, and real estate agents. You can also search for local newspapers and magazines that list available properties. 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," said one expat in Mumbai.

"We live in Powai; I chose the area by finding the middle spot on the map between my husband's office commute and my kids' school bus ride," remarked one member in Mumbai.

What do I need to know before moving to Mumbai?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Mumbai, they said:

"Mumbai is a vibrant and bustling city, and it can be an exciting place to retire. Before retiring in Mumbai, expats should research the cost of living and the availability of healthcare and other services. It is also important to familiarize oneself with the local culture and customs, as well as the language. Additionally, expats should consider the climate and the air quality, as Mumbai can be quite hot and humid, and air pollution can be a problem. Finally, expats should look into the visa requirements and the process for obtaining a residence permit," said one person in Mumbai.

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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Mumbai?

"The food. The food. The food. The amazing things you can get in the markets/shops from scarves to carvings to jewelry. People are very friendly if you smile when asking for help. My friends who helped us adjust that became the closest we've ever had. Oh, and Bollywood. Its absurdity/dancing is just a lot of fun and I bought a few movies and will keep up with the celebrities," remarked one member in Mumbai.

"Expats in Mumbai appreciate the city's vibrant culture, which is a mix of traditional Indian values and modern influences. They also enjoy the city's diverse cuisine, which offers a variety of flavors and dishes from all over India. Additionally, expats appreciate the city's friendly and welcoming people, who are always willing to help out newcomers. Finally, expats enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife, which offers a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore," explained one expat living in Mumbai, India.

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What do people find most challenging about the culture in Mumbai?

"I work from home and this helps. I do miss being part of a small community and family," said one expat who made the move to Mumbai.

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What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Mumbai for a while?

"If you plan to stay in Mumbai for a while, you will need to obtain a valid visa from the Indian Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to apply for a long-term visa such as a Student Visa, Business Visa, Employment Visa, or Tourist Visa. Additionally, you may need to apply for a Residence Permit or Registration Certificate from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in India," explained one person living in Mumbai, India.

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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Mumbai?

We asked people in Mumbai if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"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 person living in Mumbai, India.

"It is important to be mindful of cultural norms when visiting Mumbai. It is considered impolite to point with your finger, so it is best to gesture with your whole hand. It is also important to dress modestly, as revealing clothing is considered inappropriate. Additionally, it is important to be respectful of religious sites and to avoid taking photographs without permission. It is also important to be aware of the local customs and to avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics or religion. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking English in public," said one expat in Mumbai.

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What are healthcare services like in Mumbai?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Mumbai, they replied:

"Mumbai is home to a wide variety of healthcare services. The city has a number of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide a range of medical services, including primary care, specialty care, and emergency care. In addition, there are a number of diagnostic centers, laboratories, and pharmacies that provide diagnostic and therapeutic services. Mumbai also has a number of nursing homes and rehabilitation centers that provide long-term care for patients with chronic illnesses. The city also has a number of home health care services that provide medical care in the comfort of the patient's home. Mumbai also has a number of medical tourism companies that provide medical services to international patients," said one foreigner in Mumbai.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Mumbai?

"Expats and digital nomads living in Mumbai often appreciate the city's vibrant culture, diverse cuisine, and bustling nightlife. They also enjoy the city's convenient transportation system, which makes it easy to get around. On the other hand, expats and digital nomads may find the city's high cost of living and traffic congestion to be challenging. Additionally, the city's hot and humid climate can be difficult to adjust to," commented a person living in Mumbai, India.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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