Digital Nomad Life in India

"In 2010 we moved from New Zealand to Bangalore for my wife to take up a teaching role, along with us we brought our youngest son who was 9 at the time. We enrolled him in Trio World School (now Trio World Academy) where my wife was teaching. The school was a lot like being part of a large extended family, friendships were forged that have lasted till today and I expect beyond. At the time Trio being a International School following the Cambridge curriculum was an excellent fit and provided an incredible foundation for our son's future. Today Trio offers Cambridge and IB Curriculum's at Trio World Academy, ICSE Indian curriculum at Trio World School and world class kindergarten care at Trio Tots. I would absolutely recommend this school to parents wanting to educate their children in Bangalore," said one person in Bangalore.

"Living as an expat or digital nomad in India can be quite a rewarding experience. With its vibrant culture, bustling cities and mesmerizing landscapes, India offers a lot to explore and experience. Accommodations are generally affordable, making it relatively easy to find a comfortable place to live. Expats and digital nomads enjoy having access to a wide variety of delicious cuisines and frequent opportunities to travel and explore. While obstacles such as language barriers may present challenges, with perseverance and a bit of effort, it is possible to adjust to living in India. Connecting with the local community, making an effort to participate in traditions and festivals can make the transition much smoother and more enjoyable," said one expat who made the move to India.

"One way to find a place to live in India is to use online resources such as real estate websites and rental listings. Additionally, you could consider utilizing local networks and contacting real estate agents directly. You can also look to newspapers and magazines in your area or utilize social media, such as Twitter and Facebook, to get an idea of what areas are popular and suitable for your needs. To narrow your search, consider what type of housing you are looking for (e.g., flat, house, apartment, villa, etc.) and the area that you want to live in. Additionally, have an idea of what you’re looking for in terms of price and amenities, such as access to markets, hospitals, and other services. Finally, don't forget to chat with locals who can often give valuable advice and can provide resources that would be harder to find online," remarked one member in India.

"We had a residence provided for us, however there are *lots* of real estate agents in town," explained one expat living in Mussoorie, India.

"We actually paid someone before we came to set up our home. But, in my husband's business that is something that we do. Locate and set up housing for foreigners in India. So, we base it on location to malls, stores, and other places we find expats like to frequent. We also, consider the place of employment along with cost," said one person in Ahmedabad, India.

"To get in touch with someone who has been or knows somebody in that city, before and after coming, as Indians are generally very hospitable and like to help others, The fact is that almost every second household has someone from the family settled abroad ( Worldwide )," remarked one member in Hyderabad.

"Before retiring in India, expats should take time to research their visas, the cost of living in India, and any other paperwork necessary to complete the process, such as tax forms and documents. They should also be aware of the culture, language, and climate in the region they plan to reside in — being able to communicate basic necessities in a foreign language is essential. Additionally, it’s important to familiarize oneself with local healthcare and emergency services should the need arise. Furthermore, expats should consider the various forms of entertainment and leisure activities found in their region. Finally, investing in a good travel health insurance is necessary to ensure secure medical care and coverage," explained one expat living in India.

"I would recommend it highly. The weather is amazing. Infrastructure is something that needs improvement, but overall its a thumbs up," said one person in Pune.

"Expatriates in India often appreciate the country's vibrant culture, plentiful customs and traditions, and welcoming hospitality. They are often fascinated by the variety of unique cuisines, languages, and dialects present in India. They are also impressed by the religious diversity and tolerance that exists in India, as well as the country's great history and heritage. Additionally, many expats appreciate the colorful festivals, traditional music, dance and other art forms found in India," said one person in India.

"There is a cheerful religious freedom that I have never seen anywhere else - Sikh gudwaras next to Muslim mosques, Buddhist temples, Christian churches, Hindu temples. The variety of food, particularly vegetable-based, is great: even if you're not vegetarian, it's worth trying and usually tastes better than the meat dishes," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Mussoorie.

"Shopping at the smaller shops is fun. Mostly prices are marked and we often go with friends who also make sure we don't get unduly ripped off. We food shop at a variety of places. If we are hungry for some home-style food then high priced supermarkets that cater for expats have to be used. Mostly, we use the smaller supermarkets that locals use (often with helpful tips from neighbors who tell us what time fresh veg is delivered so we can time our visits. We also often buy from markets and street vendors. Naturally, we wash the produce thoroughly. We always buy flowers from street stalls. We find that quality and life of the flowers is invariably better than from the supermarket back home. The people are mostly very friendly and also openly curious. That's different to westerners but also enjoyable," explained one person living in Pune, India.

"The food. The food. The food. The amazing things you can get in the markets/shops from scarves to carvings to jewelry. People are very friendly if you smile when asking for help. My friends who helped us adjust that became the closest we've ever had. Oh, and Bollywood. Its absurdity/dancing is just a lot of fun and I bought a few movies and will keep up with the celebrities," said one expat in Mumbai.

"The status of women - despite equality being spoken about, it's clearly not reached everywhere and every strata of the society. I've been harassed in Delhi and here in Mussoorie, and the fact that as a white woman I'm stereotyped, and thus don't feel safe walking alone, is awkward. Wearing local clothes and speaking some Hindi helps, but not always enough," remarked one member in Mussoorie.

"If you are planning to stay in India for a while, you will need to get a visa. Depending on the length of time you plan to stay in India, you may be eligible for a tourist, student or work visa. You will also need to provide copies of your passport and other relevant documents, such as proof of financial stability and health insurance, in order to obtain the visa," said one expat who made the move to India.

"It's all been language based hilarity - the words for /very/ and /ghost/ can be pretty similar," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Mussoorie.

"I asked if our neighbor's daughter would want to babysit some evenings to earn some money (thinking she's right across the hall--her parents home in case of emergency etc). She was keen, but her mother was horrified and said her daughter was too lazy to do that! When I told my friend, she laughed and said child minding at is a very low level job and I probably insulted them. I apologized and made cookies the next day," explained one person living in Mumbai, India.

"Probably. But none that stick out for us and our hosts were probably too polite to mention them," said one expat in Pune.

"When in India, it is important to be respectful of the local culture and customs. To avoid any cultural faux pas, it is prudent to listen to the local community and be mindful of religious and cultural sensitivities in order to foster inter-cultural understanding. It is also important to dress respectfully, meaning that shoulders and knees should be covered. Public displays of affection are also not accepted, and visitors shouldn't point their feet at religious statues or images. Additionally, visitors should request permission before taking pictures of people or religious buildings," remarked one member in India.

"Healthcare services in India are provided by both public and private sectors. The public healthcare system in India is largely funded by the government and provides basic healthcare services to citizens at a low cost. The quality of public healthcare in India varies from state to state, with some states providing better quality services than others. Foreign residents in India have access to the public healthcare system, but the quality of care may not be as good as in their home countries. Expats in India may use the public healthcare system, but they may also opt for private healthcare services, which are generally of higher quality," explained one expat living in India.

"You can get elective surgery and other non-critical non-emergency medical treatment in India. The medical care is good and affordable to a US citizen. Of course you have to be selective which hospital and whcih doctor you may want to seek help from. Quality varies," said one digital nomad in India.

"Pondicherry is a wonderful city.. you can do as much or as little as you like.. the French institute offers activities and social events and the city is easy to get around.. White Town is the nicer area to live and many home and apartments have a sea view.. keep in mind it is very hot and humid in their summers.," said one member in Pondicherry.

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the vibrant culture and friendly people of India. They also enjoy the low cost of living, which allows them to stretch their budget further. Additionally, the country offers a wide variety of cuisine, from traditional Indian dishes to international fare. On the other hand, expats and digital nomads may find the heat and humidity of India difficult to adjust to, as well as the language barrier. Additionally, the infrastructure in some parts of the country can be lacking, making it difficult to access certain services," explained one expat in India.