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," commented one expat who made the move to Mussoorie.

"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 in India.

"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," explained one expat living in Pune, 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," said 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," replied a member 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," commented one expat who made the move to Mussoorie.

"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 in Pune, India.

"We live in a flat. Which works perfect for us. A few other expats live in flats as well but for the most part they live in bungalows. But one thing we all have in common is we all live in gated secured communities," said one expat in Ahmedabad, India.

"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 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," commented one expat who made the move to India.

"Brought: 1. steak/more food 2. Better converters 3. boots Left: 1. Jacket 2. Sonicare toothbrush (doesn't work here with the brown electricity) 3. skirts," said one expat who made the move to Ahmedabad, India.

"When moving to India, it is important to pack both warm and cool weather clothing, appropriate for the different climates of India. For standing up to the heat, make sure to bring light-colored, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. For the colder months, pack jackets, sweaters, and scarves. A variety of umbrellas and sunglasses are also recommended. Make sure to bring personal items you won't find in India, like any must-have skin-care products, toiletries, and your favorite snacks. Lastly, be sure to pack all necessary supplies for your religion, such as prayer rugs and books," explained one expat living in India.

"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," said one in Pune.

"Probably. But none that stick out for us and our hosts were probably too polite to mention them," remarked one expat who made the move to Pune.

"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," stated one expat who made the move 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.

"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 living in Pondicherry.

"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 who moved to India.