New Delhi, India Report of what it's like to live there - 08/04/11
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?
No. Mumbai, Geneva, Islamabad.
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 D.C. Long, 22 hours, at least.
3. How long have you lived here?
May 2009 - June 2011
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Decent housing, new construction prone to mold.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Going up.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
More toilet paper.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Decent fast food, but constant threat of GI issues. Delhi Belly is real.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
Paradise for vegetarians, not so easy for those into organic food.
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Malaria and Dengue mosquitoes
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Via the embassy.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
No ease of entry for foreign nannies because of changing visa restrictions, but great domestic help is available.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes
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?
Great in Delhi and other tourist locations.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes, not too expensive.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You can get around speaking English, but its better to speak Hindi.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Not great for anyone with physical disabilities, not wheelchair friendly.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes, but not safe for women. Radio taxis are okay, and first-class travel/women's compartments on the metro are kosher.
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?
Toyotas and Hondas are better to bring. American/German/Swedish cars are hard to service. If you are going to travel around India by car, bring an SUV. Honda CRVs are common.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, decent, comparable to U.S. prices.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Get a local SIM, roaming charges are insane.
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)?
Yes. Dr. Kunal at Max Vets rocks.
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?
Rarely.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Conservative for women.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Terrible GI issues, even elite hospitals have a terrible attitude toward female patients, no bedside manner.
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?
Poor
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
HOT dry summers, cold dry winters, humid monsoons, and a few great weeks of Spring like weather in February and November.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
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?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Pretty big.
2. Morale among expats:
Not great among singles, decent for families who are able to afford private schooling.
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?
Same old elite bars and pubs, Mumbai is better for a nightlife. Great cultural events, though.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Great for families, not great for singles, great for couples.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Very closeted culture
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes, racial prejudices against Americans of color. Women are belittled and single women are especially subject to sexual assualt.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Travel to Ladakh.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Ziplining in Rajasthan, great forts, palaces, temples, white water rafting on the Indus and Ganges.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Furniture, jewelry, fabrics.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Touring, culture.
11. Can you save money?
If you don't eat out or drink at bars, you can save money
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Cosmetics, all brands available in India, but they aren't cheap.
3. But don't forget your:
Toilet paper.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
City of Djins
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
Monsoon Wedding, Delhi Belly
