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Moving to Mumbai, India

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By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Apr 11, 2023

Summary: Mumbai, India is a vibrant and bustling city that attracts expats from all over the world. It is a major financial and commercial hub, offering a wide range of job opportunities and a high standard of living. The city is also known for its diverse culture, with a mix of traditional and modern influences. Additionally, Mumbai is home to some of the world's most iconic landmarks, such as the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Before moving to Mumbai, it is important to be aware of the city's high cost of living. Accommodation can be expensive, and it is important to research the area thoroughly before committing to a rental agreement. Additionally, the city is prone to monsoon rains, so it is important to be prepared for the wet season. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local customs and etiquette, as Mumbai is a culturally diverse city.

What do I need to know before moving to Mumbai?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Mumbai, they said:

"The best advice was to bring a great mattress; Indian mattress are not like ones at home. Bring your vacuum cleaner; I have a Kirby so it really hurts that I left it behind. Choose a very good moving company; I thought mine did ok until I heard war stories from other expats (I did send an apology). Get your PAN card ASAP; you can't sign a lease agreement without one. Be very clear to what you want and make sure the settling in people stick to your guidelines as they will waste your time showing things that don't fit; I knew what was on the boat and needed 4 bedrooms and they kept showing us 3 bedroom flats. I knew that I wanted to be close to Indian culture without sacrificing access to expat shopping. I did not want my husband and children to spend more than one hour on commuting. Ask Indians for advice; so many freely helped us navigate the waters. They were our saving grace," explained one expat living in Mumbai, India.

"Mumbai is a bustling city with a vibrant culture and a unique atmosphere. Expats should be prepared for the hustle and bustle of the city and the heat and humidity of the climate. It is important to research the local laws and regulations before moving to Mumbai, as well as the cost of living and the availability of housing. Expats should also be aware of the language barrier, as English is not widely spoken in Mumbai. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the cultural differences between India and the expat's home country, and to be respectful of local customs and traditions. Finally, expats should make sure to have all the necessary documents and paperwork in order before moving to Mumbai," said one expat in Mumbai.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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