What do I need to know before moving to India?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to India, they said...
"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," explained one expat living in India.
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"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," said another expat in Mussoorie, India.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in India?
- How do I meet people in India?
- What is life like in India?
- 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?
- Is the cost of living in India high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in India?
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- Is the cost of living in India high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in India?
- What is the weather like in India?
- Are there good restaurants in India?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in India?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in India?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in India?
- What do I need to know when buying property in India?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in India?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do I need to know before moving to India?
If you live in India, newcomers to India would love to hear your answer to this question.
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.