New Delhi, India Report of what it's like to live there - 10/21/12
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?
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?
DC - 36 hours
3. How long have you lived here?
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
(The contributor is with the USG, has been in New Delhi for more than two years. This is her fifth expat experience.)
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
The road system is limited in many ways, and more than 1000 cars are newly registered on the Delhi streets daily. Just assume 30 - 40 minutes to get anywhere regardless of the distance.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Local and fresh produce are abundant. Imported processed foods are hard to come by. Olive oil is outrageously expensive as is toilet paper.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Olive Oil, a back up power system, a fan, and dog food.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Good fast food. The golden arches are here, as is KFC. This is a largely vegetarian country.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Everything including dengue and malaria mosquitos.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
I don't. It is tough from here and expensive.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Rising but reasonable.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, a few,
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?
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Yes. Plenty.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Not much...
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
A lot. Sidewalks are uneven and complex. It would be unsafe in a wheel chair. It would be difficult to live here with a disability that limits one's mobility.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes and yes.
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?
Bring a car that is used and has high ground clearance.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. Thirty dollars for a reasonable speed.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
The Prepays work fine.
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)?
Not much. Not a great place for pets if they are more than just decorative.
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?
Yes but obtaining the appropriate visa is challenging.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Conservative. Eve teasing is real.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Nope not really - the concept of Flash mob is from India. While in the US or UK a car accident or an odd site would attract a number of spectators, here in India (with a per capita density of 300 or so humans per square mile) you are never alone.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Smog and burn related air pollution. The water is not safe to drink, and blood-borne illnesses are common.
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?
TERRIBLE in the winter months and in the hot dry season, for different reasons. In the winter locals burn ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to stay warm, for there is a significant population of homeless people who live on the sidewalks in the city. In the hot, dry, summer months, before the Monsoon, the dust from the Thar desert sits over the city permeating everything. Items left outdoors in Delhi wither quickly.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Starting in April it goes from cool to warm to Hot to scorching in a matter of a week or two, where it remains until the rains arrive in August. Then it goes back down to HOT and humid until the fall arrives, when it becomes hot and less humid. The winter rolls in quickly in November, when temperatures drop to chilly at night, but remain pleasant during the day. By December, the fogs roll in to mingle with the fumes of burning trash, keeping a permanent London-like fog on the city through February. Then temperatures begin to climb again.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
AMAZING. The American Embassy School has a campus like a college and is beautiful.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Not Sure.
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?
YES very good.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Not sure. My child is TINY.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
LARGE
2. Morale among expats:
Good!
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?
Pretty good. I just had a baby, so that is all the entertainment I need.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Great for families; terrible for singles. This is a culture that allows for arranged marriages even before the child is born. Singles are viewed as odd and counter-culture.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Not sure.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes, communal violence is alive in India, but the metros are far more cosmopolitan.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Exploring ancient Jewish synagogues, seeking thousand-year-old Hindu temples, discovering incredible India, enjoying the very delicious foods from all over the sub-continent.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Explore temples; see old forts; SHOPPING. Indians have MANY family obligations, so unlike in the US and EUR where there are entire industries dedicated to entertaining folks, here people spend time with family. That is the hard part for expats here... I think, not much to do after work.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Fabric.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
This a fantastic kaleidoscope of religion, economic status, culture, and history. It is a good hub to visit Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan. Thailand is a direct 3 hour flight away.
11. Can you save money?
Yes, if you do it right and refrain from eating at the five star hotels.
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:
Dress shoes!, though they are useful when you go out to a ritzy dinner... The reality is that life as ashoe in Delhi is hard work, and few survive for long.
3. But don't forget your:
Bug spray.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
A Fine Balance, and Holy Cow.
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
Gandhi, Monsoon Wedding, Marigold Hotel
