Digital Nomad Life in Pune, India
Summary: Pune, India is a popular destination for digital nomads due to its low cost of living, vibrant culture, and easy access to the rest of India. The approximate population of Pune, India is 6.5 million. The monthly cost of living for a digital nomad in Pune is around $500 USD. To rent a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment with high-speed internet access in Pune, it would cost around $400 USD per month. The best neighborhood to live in Pune is Koregaon Park, as it is close to the city center and has plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars. The weather in Pune, India is generally hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-90s Fahrenheit.
How do I meet people in Pune?
When we asked people living in Pune about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in Pune often join clubs and activities such as book clubs, language classes, and sports teams. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, as well as attending networking events and meetups. Finally, expats can also meet people by simply exploring the city and talking to locals," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Pune.
What is life like in Pune?
When we asked people living in Pune what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"For the working partner, life revolves around work and related socalizing. However, there is plenty to do in terms of sport clubs, Movie Clubs, Toast Masters Club, etc..," remarked one member in Pune.
"Pune is an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads due to its vibrant culture, low cost of living, and easy access to the rest of the country. Expats and digital nomads in Pune can enjoy a wide variety of activities, from exploring the city's many historical sites to taking part in its vibrant nightlife. The city also offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury apartments. Expats and digital nomads in Pune can also benefit from the city's excellent transportation network, which makes it easy to get around. Additionally, the city is home to a large expat community, making it easy to make friends and find support," explained one expat living in Pune, India.
Where should I live in Pune?
We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"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 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 foreigner living in Pune, India.
What do I need to know before moving to Pune?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Pune, they said:
"I would recommend it highly. The weather is amazing. Infrastructure is something that needs improvement, but overall its a thumbs up," said one person in Pune.
"Before retiring in Pune, expats should research the cost of living in the city and the availability of healthcare 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 availability of recreational activities in the area. Finally, it is important to research the visa requirements for long-term stays in India," said one expat who made the move to Pune.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Pune?
"Shopping at the smaller shops is fun. Mostly prices are marked and we often go with friends who also make sure we don't get unduly ripped off. We food shop at a variety of places. If we are hungry for some home-style food then high priced supermarkets that cater for expats have to be used. Mostly, we use the smaller supermarkets that locals use (often with helpful tips from neighbors who tell us what time fresh veg is delivered so we can time our visits. We also often buy from markets and street vendors. Naturally, we wash the produce thoroughly. We always buy flowers from street stalls. We find that quality and life of the flowers is invariably better than from the supermarket back home. The people are mostly very friendly and also openly curious. That's different to westerners but also enjoyable," explained one person living in Pune, India.
"Expats in Pune appreciate the city's vibrant culture, which is a mix of traditional and modern influences. They enjoy the city's rich history, which dates back to the 16th century, and its many cultural attractions, such as the Aga Khan Palace and the Pataleshwar Cave Temple. Expats also appreciate the city's diverse cuisine, which includes both traditional Indian dishes and international fare. Additionally, Pune is known for its vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore. Finally, expats appreciate the city's friendly and welcoming people, who are always willing to help out newcomers," said one expat in Pune.
What do people find most challenging about the culture in Pune?
"Language. Having to plan quite carefully for evenings and weekends. We (and most expats) have a driver and once he has gone home we are restricted to the local neighborhood. We are fortunate insofar as a lot of restaurants and shops are within walking distance but we have colleagues who are pretty isolated once their driver goes home. We miss being able to be spontaneous and just go for a drive later in the day, or just go to a restaurant the other side of town or have an evening drive to the hills to watch the sunset. We miss that quite a lot," remarked one member in Pune.
"Expats in Pune often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the cultural norms and expectations can be difficult to navigate, as they are often quite different from those of the expat's home country. Furthermore, the climate can be difficult to adjust to, as the summers are hot and humid and the winters are cool and dry. Finally, the traffic and transportation system can be overwhelming, as it is often congested and chaotic," explained one expat living in Pune, India.
What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Pune for a while?
"If you plan to stay in Pune for a while, you will need to obtain a valid Indian visa. 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 Research Visa. Additionally, you may need to apply for a Residence Permit or Registration Certificate from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in India," said one person in Pune.
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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Pune?
We asked people in Pune if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:
"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," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Pune.
"Probably. But none that stick out for us and our hosts were probably too polite to mention them," explained one person living in Pune, India.
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What are healthcare services like in Pune?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Pune, they replied:
"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 digital nomad in Pune.
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What are the pros and cons of living in Pune?
"Expats and digital nomads living in Pune often appreciate the city's vibrant culture, diverse cuisine, and low cost of living. They also enjoy the city's proximity to other major cities in India, such as Mumbai and Bangalore, as well as its easy access to international airports. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the city's traffic and pollution levels to be a bit overwhelming. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who are not familiar with the local language," remarked one member in Pune.
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About the Author
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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