If you are considering joining the ranks of the British expat community in India, you might have started drafting a pros and cons list. After all, moving 7,000km away from good old Britain is a big step.
Be reassured, 32,000 Britons have already made the jump and left the cold, grey winters of the UK to spend the year under the tropical skies of India.
But the weather is not the only thing that attracted so many professionals to the country of Thump Up Cola and Bollywood.
Fun Facts for Expat Life in India
If you’re considering becoming part of the growing expat community in India, you may already be wondering what is it like to live in India. With its unique mix of modern growth and centuries-old traditions, India offers an exciting, sometimes challenging, but always enriching lifestyle.
Here are a few fun and local facts about living in India to get you started:
- Tea over coffee: India is one of the largest tea producers in the world, and “chai” is the ultimate everyday drink.
- Rickshaw rides: Auto-rickshaws are the most common short-distance transport for locals and expats alike.
- Festivals year-round: From Diwali (festival of lights) to Holi (festival of colours), life in India is a celebration of traditions.
- Street food culture: You can grab snacks like samosas, vada pav, or pani puri on nearly every corner.
- Bollywood influence: Movies and music are an essential part of everyday life in India, with Bollywood being the world’s largest film industry.
Top Facts About India You Must Not Ignore
Different cultures, languages, food, and ways of living in every single city in India. India is renowned for its cultural diversity. With over 2,000 distinct ethnic groups and more than 1,600 languages spoken, it is a true melting pot of cultures, traditions, and religions.
Namaste - The traditional Indian greeting of bringing the palms together in front of the chest and bowing slightly. It signifies respect and reverence.
Affordable healthcare means you can find proper healthcare, especially in metropolitan cities.
English is one of the most spoken languages in India. India is the 2nd most English-speaking country in the world.
Food is cheap and affordable.
No matter where you go in India, you will find the most friendly and welcoming people in India.
India's Economic Rise: India is the world's third-largest economy, with a GDP of over $3 trillion. It is also one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, with an average growth rate of over 7% in recent years.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: India boasts an impressive number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal, Jaipur's Amber Fort, the historic city of Fatehpur Sikri, and the ancient caves of Ajanta and Ellora.
India's Sporting Passion: Cricket is the most popular sport in India, with millions of fans across the country. The Indian cricket team is one of the most successful in the world, having won the Cricket World Cup twice.
? Saree and Ethnic Wear - The traditional draping of the saree for women and the diverse ethnic clothing styles across different regions of India.
One more reason would be food. Indian food means endless curries, samosas, tandoori, and naan bread. That should be reason enough for you to decide to move to Bharata, another name for India.
Travel Checklist for India
- Ensure you have a secure place to stay in India: Airbnb is a good option for temporary stays.
- If you are in India for more than 3 months, then it is best to take a temporary SIM Card to maintain contact with your family.
- Ensure you have the contact details of a local Indian friend ready at all times.
- Take international health insurance with you!
- You can open a bank account in mere minutes in public or private banks such as SBI, Canara Bank, or ICICI Bank.
- Would be useful to learn some Hindi words to help you travel from one place to another.
- Keep an electronic copy of your documents on your phone: Visa, passport, and insurance.
- India uses 230V electricity with Type C, D, and M plugs. Bring adapters and voltage converters if needed for your electronic devices.
- Pack any prescribed medications and a basic first-aid kit containing essentials like band-aids, antiseptic cream, etc.
- Common vaccinations recommended for travel to India include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever (if coming from an endemic area), and routine immunizations like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, and varicella.
- Make sure you download DigiLocker.
As per the Information Technology Act of 2000, these certificates and documents are considered equivalent to original physical documents.
Once you have your checklist ready, just ensure you are ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. India is like no other country you will ever see in your life. ;)
Top Digital Payment Apps in India
- PhonePe: One of the most popular UPI apps in India, offering seamless transactions, bill payments, recharges, and more.
- Google Pay: A widely used app with fast transactions, rewards programs, and integration with various services.
- Paytm: A versatile platform for payments, recharges, bill payments, shopping, and financial services.
- Digital Payment Landscape in India
- UPI (Unified Payments Interface) has revolutionized digital payments, enabling instant and secure transactions
So let's review in more detail the benefits of living in India.
Cost Of Living - Live Like A King
In India, the estimated monthly costs for a family of four are around ?140,583, while for a single person, it is approximately ?60,425 as per expatistan.com.
India is ranked as the cheapest country in Asia out of 10 and also the cheapest country in the world out of 65.
Well, this saying would probably not be very accurate as India still has many royal families, and though these have even less political power than our beloved Lizzy, they are indeed just as well off as our Queen.
In comparison, ex-pats in San Fransico, where most American tech companies are based, earned an average of £162,882.
The cost of living in major cities like Mumbai and Delhi is higher than in smaller towns and villages. For example, a decent expat lifestyle in Mumbai may cost between 40,000 and 60,000 rupees per month, while in smaller towns, you could live comfortably on 20,000 to 30,000 rupees per month.
Learn Hindi language with the help of online Hindi classes on Superprof.
The cost of living in India varies depending on the city and region. Generally, India is considered to have a lower cost of living compared to many developed countries. Here are some factors to consider when comparing the cost of living in India to other countries:
Pros of living in India:
- Affordability: The cost of housing, food, transportation, and entertainment is relatively lower in India compared to many other countries.
- Cultural diversity: India is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions, offering a unique experience for residents.
- Delicious cuisine: Indian food is renowned worldwide for its flavors and variety, and it is often more affordable to eat out or order in compared to other countries.
- Opportunities for spiritual growth: India is home to various spiritual practices and traditions, making it an attractive destination for those seeking spiritual growth or exploration.
Cons of living in India:
India has a large and rapidly growing population, which can strain resources and create challenges in providing employment, healthcare, and education. Rapid urbanization has put a strain on the existing infrastructure, leading to issues like traffic congestion, lack of affordable housing, and poor sanitation.
- Infrastructure challenges: Some cities in India may face issues with basic infrastructure like roads, public transportation, and healthcare facilities.
- Pollution: Air pollution can be a concern in certain cities, especially during certain seasons.
- Overpopulation: India has a large population, which can lead to crowded cities and increased competition for resources.
- Bureaucracy: Dealing with government processes and paperwork can sometimes be time-consuming and complex.
Renting a 3-bedroom flat in London's zone 1 or 2 costs on average around £3000 a month. The equivalent in Mumbai, the most expensive city in India, would cost you about £1200. Though some luxurious flats designed explicitly for expats can reach up to £15,000 a month, these are usually paid thanks to the generous allowance that employers typically grant to higher manager positions.
Utility costs, which can sometimes significantly affect your disposable income, are also way cheaper in India.
Those utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage, and Internet) set the average Londoner £175 back every month, but in Mumbai, they would amount to a mere £45.
That being said, even though Mumbai benefits from the best electric grid in India, the city is still prone to the occasional power cut so better to get a power stabilizer for all expensive electronics.
Food is also way cheaper in India, and eating out is the norm rather than the exception for expats there. Let's talk about food then.
Learn to speak Hindi before moving to India.
Healthcare Facilities In India
India has a mixed healthcare system, with both public and private facilities available. While there have been significant improvements in healthcare infrastructure and access to medical care in recent years, there are still challenges that need to be addressed.
Pros of healthcare facilities in India include the availability of highly qualified medical professionals and the low cost of treatment compared to many other countries for instance the US or Canada. India is also a popular destination for medical tourism due to its advanced medical technology and skilled healthcare professionals.
Private hospitals can be expensive, depending on the type of treatment you require.
However, there are also cons to consider. The public healthcare system in India is often overstretched and underfunded, leading to long waiting times and inadequate care. In addition, there are significant disparities in healthcare access between urban and rural areas, with rural areas often lacking basic medical facilities.
Note: Foreigners seeking medical treatment in India don't face any significant language barriers while communicating with doctors and healthcare professionals. Additionally, many hospitals have interpreters or translators available to assist patients who do not speak English or Hindi, the official language of India.
Private Education In India
Private education in India encompasses a wide array of institutions, from schools to higher education. In India, private schools and colleges are significant players in the education sector, offering alternative options to government-funded institutions. These private institutions vary greatly in terms of curriculum, quality, and fees.
For instance, private schools in India often provide a diverse range of educational programs and facilities, catering to different philosophies of education, such as Montessori, CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education), ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education), IB (International Baccalaureate), and state board curriculum. Some renowned private schools include The Doon School, The Shri Ram School, and Dhirubhai Ambani International School, among others.
Eat, eat, eat - Experience Indian Food Culture
Probably one of the best aspects of living in India, food is everywhere, and it's delicious.
Street food vendors, eateries, and restaurants are literally on every street corner. Foodies, be prepared to up your weekly gym session if you want to stay slim.
While walking down the busy, crowded, terribly noisy streets of Mumbai, you probably won't go more than five minutes without seeing a chai-walla (walla means "guy" in Hindi). These chaps are selling some delicious hot milk tea (chai in Hindi means tea, so when ordering one saying "Chai tea" will show your chai-walla that you're a tourist, instead just say "Krpaya ek chaay" meaning "One tea please").
*It is important to note that the food in India can be spicy and contain different flavors and spices, ensure you understand your palate before you eat.*
Advice for tourists: Ensure you communicate your allergies and requirements to the restaurant before or while you order your food. In India, you can easily find "Pure Vegetarian" restaurants in your locality.
Mumbai is renowned for its street food culture and there more than anywhere else in India, locals tend to eat out at all times of the day. While walking along Chowpatty beach, overlooking Back Bay, savoring some Bhel Puri is the way to go. Or head to the hype neighbourhood of Colaba for some Egg Spicy Masala at the Olympia Coffee House or some delicious and perfectly grilled tandoori at Bademiya.
Don't forget that India is a vast country, 13 times bigger than the UK. Because of its rich history, during which most of the Indian territory was divided into different empires and kingdoms, a huge variety of cuisines emerged throughout the Indian sub-continent.
To get around Indian cities' food scene, best to learn some Hindi.
When India gained its independence from the crown, more than 70 years ago, the country was divided into more than 600 princely states.
Such a divide translated into a tremendous amount of variation when it came to food. You could be in Goa, enjoying a delicious prawn curry for lunch and drive less than 400km and end up savouring some Bisi Bele Bath (spicy rice and saucy lentil dish) in the Karnataka state where it is incredibly popular.
Discover other Hindi speaking classes in Chennai on Superprof.
Indian cuisine has not only be influenced by the succession of Hindu and Muslim rulers but also by the presence of European merchants. Goa was a Portuguese colony, Pondicherry, Chandannagar, and Yanman were French, and most of the rest of India was under direct or indirect British rule for more than three centuries.
Street food and small eateries dominate the food scene in most Indian cities, but this does not mean that higher end gastronomy can't be found in India.
More and more amazing high-end restaurants are popping out in Mumbai, Delhi or Chennai especially in fancy hotels which cater for wealthy guests.
Endless Travels
India is pretty much as big as continental Europe, which means that you will have an almost infinite list of destinations to go on long-weekends or regions to explore during your holidays.
Indian culture is thousands of years old, and it would certainly take you years of traveling and hundreds of thousands of miles journeying to explore everything India has to offer.
if you visit the Southern India states of Goa and Kerala you will probably bump into many other westerners enjoying the states' beautiful white sand beaches where one can relax by the sea for weeks on end while enjoying the seafood specialties.
India can provide more history and heritage than you could digest: visit Agra and ponder before the wonders of the Taj Mahal or head to Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan and get lost in its century-old forts and palaces or visit the many craft shops around the city which specialise in fabric and tapestries making.
Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism are all religions born on the Indian subcontinent. Each of them features many temples all over the country. One of the most beautiful one is the Jagdish Temple located in Udaipur. Spirituality-wise, India is also home to thousands of ashrams where one can meditate, practice yoga, and learn about the contemplative way of life of Hindu sany?s? (monks).
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If you are more of a thrill hunter and adrenaline junky, head to Rishikesh in the state of Uttarakhand, where you will be able to go down some Grade 4 rapids. Rishikesh is where the holy water of the Ganges emerges from the mountain to form the 2,525 km river. And when it is time to relax, the city is also home to many yoga retreats attracting schools of foreigners.
If you are more of an "on-land-adventure" kind of person, India is also one of the best trekking spots in the world. Hike along the Frozen Zanskar River in the Ladakh region and climb up 3390 meters or attempt to conquer the highest mountain of India by climbing the Stok Kangri summit, located in the Himalayas and standing proudly at 6121 meters.
India also shares a border with Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Buthan, China and Myanmar making it an ideal base to be travelling the Himalayan mountains and to visit the rest of Asia. Singapore is only 5h or so from Mumbai and Colombo in Sri Lanka is less than 4 hours away from the capital city of New Delhi.
To sum things up, if you like eating out, traveling while having a decent amount of disposable income to indulge both India is for you.
Start to learn Hindi and became fluent quickly after arriving in India.
Emergency Numbers To Know While Travelling In India
While traveling in India, it's important to be aware of the emergency contact numbers that can be used to seek immediate assistance. Here are some crucial emergency numbers to keep in mind:
- Police: 100 If you encounter any criminal activity, need to report a crime, or require police assistance, dial 100 to connect with the local police.
- Medical Emergency: 108 For medical emergencies, including accidents, sudden illnesses, or the need for an ambulance, dial 108. This emergency number connects you to medical services and can help arrange prompt medical assistance.
- Fire Brigade: 101 In the event of a fire or related emergencies, such as building collapses or hazardous material incidents, dial 101 to contact the fire brigade for immediate help.
- Women's Helpline: 1091 If you or someone you know requires assistance related to women's safety, harassment, or any form of violence against women, dial 1091 to reach the women's helpline.
- Child Helpline: 1098 For concerns related to child protection, child abuse, or any emergency involving children, dial 1098 to reach the child helpline.
It's important to note that emergency contact numbers may vary slightly across different states or regions in India. It is advisable to inquire about specific emergency numbers for the location you are visiting or consult local authorities for any additional emergency helpline numbers that may be available.
You won't have to cut on your quality of living, but you will have to face the populous Indian metropolis, the constant noise of the traffic, and the air pollution that goes with it. A certain amount of adaptation is often necessary, but if you really embrace your Indian adventure, neither the monsoon nor the touting rickshaw drivers will take away the pleasure you will get from exploring Indian cities and towns.
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India.
What I say about India one of the third largest population in the world. India is fully stored by love, prosperity, kindnesses, respect for elders (old people) etc.etc I know where there is the advantages there is also a disadvantage in everywhere and in India also but I know that in future India is come back with the name of ‘golden bird’ and with no more proverty only love for others helping habits for others I know and I believe in my country that they can do it and I also fully distribut love to others from my side. And I am proud to be an Indian by heart
this article is an awesome love shown to india it is awesome to know that we are living in such an awesome country
We couldn’t agree more! India is amazing!
It all depends on what you want. If you want family ties, traditions, festivals, and a comfortable lifestyle, probably India is better. If you want better (and free) healthcare and education, UK is no doubt better. I have lived in the UK for over 10years before relocating back to India.