New Delhi, India Report of what it's like to live there - 01/08/11
Personal Experiences from New Delhi, India
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
I have lived overseas for 15 of the last 23 yrs, including Johannesburg, Manila, and smaller towns in Kenya and Uganda
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. 15 hours or more travel
3. How long have you lived here?
Two separate times for a total of 5 years
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
diplomatic work
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Most expatriates live in semi-gated communities -- in flats of short buildings -- and commute 20-30 minutes
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Staples and fresh goods are very cheap. Imported goods are very expensive, but more mid-range and quality goods are available all the time.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Shoes, clothes for the larger-bodied, western toiletry items, unscented toilet paper and liquid detergent.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Some of the major US fast food is available, but localized. There are lots of good restaurants, but too many of them are in major hotels, so they are expensive. Good restaurants in shopping areas are affordable.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
Lots of vegetarian meals available
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Moderate
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Through the embassy as an employee.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Highly available, reliable, and inexpensive. Puts even the Filipinos to shame.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, but not common
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?
Credit cards are accepted for most medium to high-end shopping and restaurants. ATMs are available, but limited.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Cable and satellite TV are available and affordable with channels of all languages.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You can do fine with English only, but certainly a little Hindi helps.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
It is not handicap friendly.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
There is rarely a problem getting a taxi, which is affordable. Stay away from the buses. They are crowded and pickpocket-friendly and dangerous. Trains are the best option for long-distance travel -- basic but inexpensive and safe.
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?
Traffic is dense, so a big vehicle is a hassle to drive and park, and an SUV is rarely helpful. Most expatriates hire a driver. Repairs can be done cheaply, but you can't count on the parts. Bring a sedan, or buy local.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Available and affordable, but not all that fast.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Get one there.
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?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Vets, yes.
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?
Not much with a real income, but lots of ways to engage.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Conservative.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
There is plenty of crime, but it is rarely targeted at expatriates. Usually someone is just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Driving on the roads between cities can be hazardous
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Good medical care is available and affordable, although the appearance of the facilities can be off-putting. The air quality is the only concern for most people.
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?
The air quality is poor most of the year, and downright foul during the cold months
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Summer is painfully hot, but the rest of the year is fine.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
We had a fantastic experience with the American Embassy School with our two children. They have excellent teachers overall and a good international mix of students. It is very conveniently located, safe, and closely tied to US Embassy.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
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?
Yes - soccer, baseball
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Most westerners are diplomats, but the community is growing in the IT sector.
2. Morale among expats:
Divided between those who love it and those who hate it in India
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Good restaurants, limited clubbing and bars, good movie theatres, some theatre, malls.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Indian culture is fairly conservative, so it seems more difficult for singles. Good for couples and families. Good domestics/nannies help with the little ones.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
India is riven with prejudices, but very very rarely do they have a personal impact on expatriates. There are some places where women will be hassled if alone.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The many architectural sites, the Himalayas, the food, the shopping, Kerala backwaters and beach, whitewater rafting, camel festival, etc...
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
The whole country, the whole region.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Everything. Good solid wood furniture, handicrafts, cheap art framing, fabrics, clothing, sculptures, tailor-made clothing.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The culture is fascinating and complex. If you keep yourself open to new experiences, you will never be bored, but it is a totally in-your-face experience. There are wonderful places to travel locally and regionally.
11. Can you save money?
Yes, unless you like to shop.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely!
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
heavy winter clothing (just need jackets and sweaters) unless you're a mountaineer, bicycles (roads are hazardous), humidifier, and spices.
3. But don't forget your:
rain shoes, sense of adventure, and a camera.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
City of Djinns.
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
The whole Bollywood genre, Bride and Prejudice, Monsoon Wedding, Fire, Earth, Water
