Pros and Cons of Living in India
Last updated on Aug 13, 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 one member in Pondicherry.
"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the vibrant culture and friendly people of India. They also enjoy the low cost of living, which allows them to stretch their budget further. Additionally, the country offers a wide variety of cuisine, from traditional Indian dishes to international fare. On the other hand, expats and digital nomads may find the heat and humidity of India difficult to adjust to, as well as the language barrier. Additionally, the infrastructure in some parts of the country can be lacking, making it difficult to access certain services," remarked one expat in India.
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What do expats in India appreciate most about the local culture?
"Expatriates in India often appreciate the country's vibrant culture, plentiful customs and traditions, and welcoming hospitality. They are often fascinated by the variety of unique cuisines, languages, and dialects present in India. They are also impressed by the religious diversity and tolerance that exists in India, as well as the country's great history and heritage. Additionally, many expats appreciate the colorful festivals, traditional music, dance and other art forms found in India," said one person in India.
"There is a cheerful religious freedom that I have never seen anywhere else - Sikh gudwaras next to Muslim mosques, Buddhist temples, Christian churches, Hindu temples. The variety of food, particularly vegetable-based, is great: even if you're not vegetarian, it's worth trying and usually tastes better than the meat dishes," remarked one expat in Mussoorie.
"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," explained one expat living in Mumbai.
What do expats find most challenging?
"I work from home and this helps. I do miss being part of a small community and family," remarked one expat in Mumbai.
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.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to India?
- Where should I setup a bank account in India?
- Will I be able to find a job in India?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in India appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in India?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in India accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in India like?
- How are healthcare services in India?
- What are medical services in India like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in India?
- What are emergency services like in India?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in India?
- How are local medical facilities in India?
- As a foreigner living in India, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?