Hi,

I answered a lot of these issues in posts to Vuolle on this same forum. I've just finished a 6month assignment in Bangalore, I'm from the UK, and I don't regret a thing, except perhaps the stereotypical misconceptions that I arrived with. So, let me help you avoid the same thing....

-- could I bring my dog & cat safely (no kids just pets)
>> See my answer to Vuolle's posting. Technically yes, but stressful journey from the US and you won't be able to let them out on the street or off the leash safely, so if you have a big dog that could be an issue.

-- is the medical care good should I get sick
>> Very good - again, see my answer to Vuolle's posting. If you're worried about Delhi belly, as long as you're careful it shouldn't be a rpoblem, if it is, every corner pharmacist is geared up to help you. it's cheap and reliable. Before I go back I have booked in for a full healthcheck at one of the hospitals because it's so much cheaper than the UK

-- I've read that most people have helpers like cooks, people to clean, sometimes a driver -- is that true and what is the cost?
>> True, they are there if you want them, most people have a daily maid. A maid for 2 hours a day, 6 days a week, cook breakfast and dinner, clean, wash pots, etc will cost you around $20 per month (yes, that does say twenty dollars per month). Don't plan on driving yoursefl, traffic is too scary for westerners. Dead easy and cheap to get around in taxis or auto-rickshaws. If you buy a car, you can get a driver to come for 2 hours a day to drive you around in it, clean it, etc, and that will be around $40pcm.

-- is it expensive/difficult to buy a used car?
>> not expensive, no, difficult, maybe - everything is negotiable, so find a friendly local and get them to do the haggling for you. But really don't suggest driving it yourself. a 2 wheeler is more practical if you really need your independence.

-- is the pollution/dust bad?
>> yes, another reason you need a cleaner - dust settles everywhere

-- what is monsoon season like? does it rain constantly every day and flood constantly?
>> (Speaking of the past 6 months) In BLR during july-ish and october-ish it rains hard for around an hour at 5pm every other day or so. Yes it floods, but people deal with it and carry on as normal. Generally BLR has the nicest climate in India, not too hot, not too cold, fairly predictable rains but not too much of them.

- I read that there are lots of pubs with good beer -- is that true?
YES!!! BLR is a top town for nightlife, was really pleasantly surprised! PLaces like Cosmo village, Spinn, I-bar, etc are great, safe, friendly, very cosmopolitan and also get plenty of ex-pats (if that's what you're after).

-- what is the water situation -- meaning can I a long shower?
>> no supply problem, but most homes have a geyser to heat the water which wil mean a limited supply of hot water before you have to heat it again, can get about 15mins out of my geyser.

-- how often does the power go out -- frequently?
>> Yes, but get an appt with 100% backup and you won't even notice. Most expats will be able to afford a nice appt with such facilities. e.g. I live in a nice part of town, 2 bedfurnished flat, security, 100%backup, elevator, etc - about $400 pcm.

My advice, FWIW... If you are the type of person who enjoys a challenge, likes meeting people and seeing different things, you will have the time of your life! India is wonderful, choatic, scary and fascinating all at once. You'll experience things you couldn't even imagine in the US, both good and bad.
If you prefer a clean regulated environment with everything in it's place and running on time, if you prefer things to be predictable and orderly, sterile and 'nice' then you will probably feel uncomfrotable here. Western food is available, but you should be prepared to change your diet somewhat. South Indian food is flavourful, but not hot, but will def be more spicy than you'd get at home (think tex-mex if you're not experienced Indian).

hope this helps with your decision. if you have any other questoins, glad to help.

Ali

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thank you so much for answering all my questions and adding the food info too -- I actually like really spicey/hot food and like pretty much any type of food, so would enjoy trying new things.

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- I have been in Bangalore for four years... We got an Irish Setter while here, but we won't be bringing her back to the states with us - You can easily bring a pet from America to India, but going the other way, your dog has to be in quarantine for several months... we didn't want to put our dog through that, so when we go back, she'll be staying with friends in India.... Meanwhile, also, having a 'domesticated' dog is a lot of work... The street type dogs don't take kindly to a 'different' dog, and so you need to be a little careful while out walking the dog. Also, dog food is pretty expensive and only sold in one place that I know of, otherwise the local vets recommend cooking for the dog. We have a cook who does it for us, but its still a pain making sure there is enough ground beef in the fridge for the dog every day.... I lived in Richmond town right downtown in a flat and almost no place that I looked at had any rules about pets... its much easier to have a pet and try and rent a place in India than it is in America!

- About healthcare, I went to India as a single mom with a 7-year-old son, and we have spent our share of time with the doctor. I would rather go to the doctor in Bangalore any day than in America and the same goes for the hospital... We use Mallya, and I loved being able pay the bill when I left the hospital! I was in for one week after a motorcycle accident that required me to have surgery on my foot, under general anesthesia, and the care was awesome. My son's pediatrician practiced in London for many years and came back to Bangalore, and he was fantastic. My son also had a playground accident where he was hit with a cricket bat in the face. He split his lip and had a tooth knocked out. He was fixed up by a plastic surgeon, and you can't even tell that ever happened to him... so I have nothing but good to say about medical care in Bangalore...

- I have a driver, gardener to look after my plants and all, a cook, a nanny, and a housekeeper. I preferred no live-ins, and its definitely a challenge - you need good people management skills, and you need to be a little tough - Else you find yourself trying to solve the problems of the world - one housekeeper at a time....

- I bought a new SUV. It was less than half the price of a similar vehicle in America. I sold it for very little under what I bought it for. Considering the cost of a rental car that came with a driver (about $400 a month) versus driving and buying my own car, I came out WAY ahead.... a driver is necessary though else you'll spend all your time trying to find a parking spot when you need to run errands... I drive myself for some stuff, and use a driver for others...

- It can be dusty between rains, but it really all depends on what you are used to - I get hayfever in Michigan, but didn't have a single sinus headache in India, for whatever thats worth...

- No floods in Bangalore - Bangalore is on the Deccan plateau and its pretty high above sea level it rains hard during monsoons, but I lived in Florida, and thought that Florida got it much worse.... I've been in Mumbai during monsoons and that is where the rain really comes down ....

- Kingfisher is the BEST BEER IN THE WORLD... I hated beer til I moved to Bangalore...

- You can take a long shower if you want - you won't have steaming hot water necessarily the whole time, but you don't mind - its sort of refreshing - especially when the weather is warm.

- The power goes off alot, but most nicer apartment buildings have backup generators and your power goes uninterrupted...

- As for the ex-pat community, depending on what business you are going there in, its not that easy to 'break into'... I was originally here on work so I was too busy to to the "Foreign Wives Club" and I didn't meet any Americans there in four years, other than a few missionaries, although I know they had to be there somewhere... I just made lots of friends locally and stayed out of that stuff. I met great Bangaloreans who really helped me figure out where to shop and do what I had to do... I had it all down in a very short time. Incidentally, I got married in Bangalore too - I found my soulmate there - so all around, Bangalore was an incredible experience for me!

-

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Hi Buffy,

Speaking of plastic surgery, would you recommend doing a minor intervention (like a knee surgery) in India? And if so how much do you think it should cost?

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Hi,
Welcome to India I shall try and answer most of your question and hope it helps.

You can easily bring in your pets dog or cat

You can get the best medical care in India and there are very good hospital up to international standards

Cooks and drivers cost between US$ 100.0o for maid and cook and US$ 150 to US$ 200.00 for Drivers

Its easy to buy a good used car, you also have options of leasing which comes with a driver and fuel and can cost you about US$ 800 to 1000 for a good car.

There is more beer than water in Bangalore and more pubs than restaurants.

Most good accommodations have power back up and constant water supply, you can bath for as long as you wish.

Bangalore is the garden city and its not as bad as some of the other cities, you shall not have a problem.

Monsoon is only 3 months and would not bother you muck.

Please note that you need to register within 14 days of your arrival into India, please come on employment visa that is valid for one year.

If you need assistance in moving your pert or household goods, feel free to email me on sales@indiarelocation.com

for further clarification please provide me with a number that you can be reached.

please visit www.indiarelocation.com for additional information.

Regards

India relocation
www.indiarelocation.com

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Choosing an expat health insurance provider is an important decision. Get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA. With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family.

do you have any company from canada for moving to bangalore

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Hi, This is Jheet from Raffles Relocations, be rest assured that your transit into Bangalore along with your pets will be smooth flow, leave the pet relocation, housing etc worries to a professional company like ours and we can offer you these services at nominal cost and peace of mind, just go ahead and take up the assignment and just write a mail to us and we will hand hold you as needed to settle in in your new City Bangalore reach me at: jheet@rafmover.com

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You will find all the type of food over there and hope that you will enjoy the life.

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You will find all the type of food over there and hope that you will enjoy the life.

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