Moving to India

Moving to India, an ancient country rich in culture and diversity, will be a veritable feast for your senses if you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone. Few places compare in scale to the world’s most populous country, and the sheer size and sensory richness can be overwhelming. 

Living in India as an expat

There is great pride in diversity here, and local culture is strong, although you are likely to experience some culture shock as customs in India are often vastly different from Western norms. Communicating with locals is generally easy. English is widely spoken and is frequently the language of business in India.

The largest employing sectors in India are textiles and agriculture, but most opportunities for skilled expats come from areas such as IT, financial services, pharmaceuticals, and telecommunications. You likely won't struggle to meet your basic needs in India. The quality of public services like healthcare varies between regions, but if you can afford it, you’ll probably prefer using the private sector.

After applying for visas, finding suitable housing is the biggest challenge you will face. There is a high demand for good quality accommodation, and you should seek your employer’s assistance or else enlist the services of a reputable state agent.

Cost of living in India

Living costs won’t bother you if you earn in a foreign currency. Even if you earn local currency but work in skilled roles, you will live very comfortably. You may find the remarkable wealth gap visible on the streets of teeming cities such as Mumbai, New Delhi, Gurgaon, and Bengaluru uncomfortable. Despite record economic growth for more than two decades, India has one of the world’s starkest wealth gaps.

If your employee does not cover them, accommodation, international school fees, and healthcare are likely to be your largest expenses while living in India. International schools are known for being excellent but expensive, with additional uniform, books, and extracurricular costs. Housing in popular expat areas can also be pricey, so this is something else to consider. 

Families and children in India

India is often overlooked as an expat family destination, but in reality, the country is a wonderful place to raise a family. Although public schools in India lack funding, most expats send their children to one of the many top international schools in Delhi, Gurgaon, or Mumbai. Travelling around India and experiencing the country’s many breathtaking sights, smells, and tastes are also great family activities, while it is also ideally located to explore further east.

Climate in India

India’s vast terrain makes for a variety of climatic conditions. Two climatic subtypes prevail across India: a tropical monsoon climate, particularly in the humid south, and a tropical climate, bringing both wet and dry periods. The southern regions experience their mildest temperatures between January and September, while in the northeast, the months from March to August are more bearable.

Overall, India provides a welcome mixture of high-quality living, adventure and cultural exploration, making it an expat destination with much to offer.

Fast facts

Population: Over 1.4 billion

Capital city: New Delhi

Largest city: Mumbai

Neighbouring countries: India shares borders with China, Bhutan, and Nepal to the northeast, Pakistan to the west, Bangladesh, and Myanmar to the east. It is also bound by a vast coastline, stretching from the Arabian Sea in the southwest to the Indian Ocean in the south and finally to the Bay of Bengal in the southeast.

Geography: India is a large and geographically diverse country. The northern areas of India are largely defined by the Himalayan mountain range, while the Deccan Plateau occupies the western and southern parts of the country.

Political system: Federal parliamentary constitutional republic

Major religion: Hinduism

Main languages: Hindi and English. There are an estimated 447 native languages spoken among smaller minorities.

Money: The official currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). Although these denominations are no longer legal tender, this was divided into 100 paise. It’s relatively easy to set up a local bank account, and ATMs are easy to find.

Tipping: Standard 5 to 10 percent

Time: GMT+5.5

Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Most plugs have two (Type C plugs) or three (Type D plugs) round pins.

International dialling code: +91

Emergency contacts: 112

Internet domain: .in

Transport and driving: The standard of public transport in India is highly varied, but networks are extensive. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road.