Pros and Cons of Living in India
Last updated on Feb 01, 2023
Summary: The pros of living in India include the rich cultural heritage, the diverse range of languages and religions, the vibrant cities, and the delicious cuisine. On the other hand, the cons of living in India include the high levels of poverty, the lack of access to basic amenities in some areas, the pollution, and the overcrowding in some cities.
What are the pros and cons of living in India?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in India responded:
"Pondicherry is a wonderful city.. you can do as much or as little as you like.. the French institute offers activities and social events and the city is easy to get around.. White Town is the nicer area to live and many home and apartments have a sea view.. keep in mind it is very hot and humid in their summers.," said another expat in Pondicherry.

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What do expats in India appreciate most about the local culture?
"Expats in India often appreciate the diversity of culture, religions, and customs. They are fascinated by the colorful festivals, the richness of art and music and the many architectural wonders, including the Taj Mahal. They also appreciate the country's deep spiritual tradition and the warm hospitality of the Indian people. Many expats find India's cuisine to be incredibly flavorful and savory with a great variety of dishes and ingredients. Furthermore, expats often cite the low cost of living, the rich cultural experience and the abundance of job opportunities as major advantages of living in India," said another person in India.
"Delivery service for everything. My dog got sick and a vet came to the house. I order almost all my groceries. With the help of my Indian friends, I got a cook and maid at current rates instead of expat rates. My Mumbai dentist has equipment better than my dentist did at home. Once I figured out how to get around, I now ride rickshaws everywhere," remarked another expat in Mumbai.
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What do expats find most challenging?
"Expats often find acclimating to the local culture and customs the most challenging part of living abroad. They may also struggle with learning the language, navigating unfamiliar public transport systems, and adjusting to a different climate. Other difficulties may include dealing with bureaucracy, finding employment, and overcoming cultural barriers. Additionally, expats may also find it difficult to establish an active social life and maintain relationships with family and friends back home," said another expat in India.
"Indians aim to please...my husband. My husband's British accent is easier to understand than my Texas accent so I have to be a bit in their face. India is a cash society and don't accept credit cards readily so we had a bit of cash flow issues at first. Being fashionable 30 minutes to hour late to an event is expected," added another person living in Mumbai.
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat 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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