Hyderabad, India Report of what it's like to live there - 11/18/17
Personal Experiences from Hyderabad, India
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Washington, DC. No direct flights; best options IAD-LHR-HYD on British Airways or to go on any of the options through the Middle East.
3. How long have you lived here?
More than a year.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
US government.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing is INCREDIBLE! Options are 6,500+sq ft huge houses for families with school aged kids to 3 bedroom 1800 sq ft apartments for non-school age families/no kids. The apartments are approximately 15 minutes commute to the US consulate each way, while the houses are approximately 30 minutes commute in the morning and 45 minutes in evening. We've never minded the commute.
It's also important to note a new consulate is being built out near the large houses and expected to open in January 2020; at that point, the families will have a 5-minute commute and those in apartments will have a longer commute until all housing eventually moves out that direction. Where the new consulate and family housing is in the city is the new area of the city: lots of US company headquarters, US hotels, restaurants, shops, golf courses, etc.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You'll definitely spend more on groceries here for a few reasons. First, stuff spoils A LOT faster, so if you don't use right away it goes bad and you'll be buying again. Second, any Western-style stuff is imported, so it'll be higher cost. You'll need to go to multiple shops to get what you'd normally get in one grocery store in the US; manageable, but sometimes you just wish for the ease of a "one stop shop".
There are a few small Western-style grocery stores and prices will be a little high, but not obnoxious. You can get your produce, chicken, turkey, ham, breads and cheeses at any of the western hotels' deli counters. Beef is not available locally, but can be ordered monthly through the commissary in Delhi. Most of us order from Amazon for our non-perishables and it takes about 3 weeks to arrive.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
We loaded our HHE up with plenty of liquids of our favorites, knowing this was a pouch-only post. Don't bring dishwasher detergent because none of the housing has dishwashers. Otherwise, load up on liquids or aerosols you regularly use. I'd encourage bringing hair spray (not sold here).
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Swiggy does food delivery. There's plenty of options on restaurants if you like Indian food. If not, all of the big American chains of hotels have wonderful restaurants with familiar food from home.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Mosquitoes are prevalent during the rainy season, so wear DEET mosquito repellant. During April-June, ants can be annoying, but GSO is responsive to requests to spray for them.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
All mail is through the consulate mail room. This is a diplomatic pouch only post.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Cost of housekeepers varies. Just expect that you'll pay more as a foreigner, but you should also be firm so as not to be taken advantage of. Housekeepers range from $125-175/month for F/T and less for part-time.
A driver is a must here. Most of us have them 10 hours/day, 6 days/week and pay average of $250-300/month.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Only at the consulate; basic but adequate.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Safe to use credit cards at the hotels, grocery store and some restaurants that bring the card running terminal to the table. We've got a Bank of America at the US consulate to cash checks and also a safe ATM there.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Lacking beyond LDS.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Uber and local company Meru Cabs are cleared to use. We don't use buses or the tuktuks; both are unsafe.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
You can't import a vehicle to India. It's a right hand drive (left side of road) country. Plan for the process to purchase and register a vehicle to take 3 months. The easiest option is to purchase from a departing officer.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, available, fast and MUCH cheaper than the US. On average we pay $20/mo for unlimited data and easily stream Netflix on different TVs at the same time with no issue.
It's a hassle for install (multiple visits), but once installed it's fine.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Everyone uses Airtel. Bring an unlocked phone and purchase a SIM card from them. Average of $10-12/mo for unlimited calls/texts and very large data package.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Talk to management about importing a pet. Many of us have cats and dogs we imported; it's a paperwork process, but doable. No quarantine required. Veterinary care is sufficient.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
With the current hiring freeze, it's tough. There are definitely positions available, just can't hire currently. One spouse just got a waiver so he started about a month ago. There's another 5 EFMs currently working, a few more waiting for waivers. One spouse works on local economy, but heard it's a difficult process for approval.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Plenty!
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business and business casual.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Just being aware of your surroundings at all times. For the most part, you'll just be stared at a lot. People will try to touch white children, so just watch out for that.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Definitely follow DOS's advice on vaccinations, wear mosquito repellent and properly clean produce/fruits prior to eating and you'll be fine.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
This post BY FAR has the best air quality of India posts year round!
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Bring antihistamines and you'll be fine.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
From late October to late March, it's sunny blue skies, low humidity and low 80s-high 70s daily (think SoCal weather). From April through June is summer and the temperatures rise to low 100s F, a bit of humidity, but still manageable. July-October is rainy season, so it'll cool off, air is clear, but overcast a lot. All that to say, when people visit from other India posts they all comment on how much better the weather and air is here.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
INCREDIBLE International School of Hyderabad! It's the only North American accredited school in Hyderabad, is K-12 (with full IB HS program), wonderful arts-drama-music programs, full sports program and modern large campus. The school faculty is very communicative and the school surpasses even many US schools on technology used. Check out the Real School Report section for more info. Also, noted that post hasn't updated info on the school in several years, so contact the school for accurate information. The website is www.ishyd.org.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
See the Real School Report for more info.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
ISH has a full sports program, teams, daily PE classes, Olympic sized pool, full gymnasium, soccer field and basketball court. This is all included in the tuition.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Fairly large. There's 140+ US companies with Indian corporate offices here, so you'll find many American expats outside of the consulate, in addition to the US consulate community. The expat community is wonderful here and definitely the highlight of living here!
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Sunday brunches at the hotels, house parties, volunteering, charity events, etc.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I'd say better for families. Most local singles end up in arranged marriages, so dating is limited.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
India doesn't recognize same-sex marriage, so keep that in mind. Hopefully that'll change in the future.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Women are definitely second class citizens in the local culture. However, expat foreign women are treated better.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The local staff at the US consulate are AMAZING! Morale with the current staff is high. When we leave, we'll miss the friends we've made here most of all.
Highlights: International School of Hyderabad (ISH), inexpensive regional travel, most things are cheaper here, the people.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
There's some interesting local temples, forts, historical sites. The malls are large, modern, with US and EU stores.Travel within India and in the region is very easy as well.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
I'd say no.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The weather, air quality (compared to rest of India), ease to travel to other areas, the people you'll meet.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
That I couldn't buy hairspray or hair dye for non-dark brown/black hair here (or ship via pouch), that non-Indian food options are still somewhat limited here.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter clothes.
4. But don't forget your:
HHE with your favorite liquids!
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Do you have any other comments?
It's overall a great post for families and we're glad we've come here.
