Hyderabad, India Report of what it's like to live there - 01/24/19
Personal Experiences from Hyderabad, India
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, we have been posted in several other European and Asian countries.
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?
East Coast, USA with just one connection thru London. It was a very smooth travel experience with just one stop and enough time to have a bite and stretch in between (and the London airport is great).
3. How long have you lived here?
Less than a year.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Work at the US Consulate.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Really great housing! We love our house as it's very spacious, modern, and it's located in a fantastic community with lots of green space, kid-friendly amenities, and nice neighbors. Those with children are usually housed between the consulate and school, so it's around a 45 min-hour commute in either direction. That said, the new consulate will open in 2020 and then the commute will be 15 minutes from the housing. Those without children are housed closer to the consulate.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Very reasonable, and if you are with a diplomatic mission you can also order from Amazon/Target/Walmart (wherever you get your staples) via pouch. And the commissary in Delhi does monthly or quarterly orders; you can get frozen items, wine or liquor (which is phenomenally expensive on the local market). There are big grocery stores here, which surprised us. There are great delivery services, so we order groceries for delivery from Big Basket, meats/eggs from Licious, and fresh milk from Kiaro. You could get everything from Big Basket also for delivery. You can find things like American and European cheeses at a grocery store that had a ton of international products (for a price:)
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
We can get everything we need on the local market or by ordering thru the diplomatic pouch. If I could more easily get cheeses and bacon, life would be grand. The key is to bring wine/liquor with you when you travel internationally (2 bottles per adult) as it's very expensive here. Again, if with the US Consulate, you can also order through the Embassy commissary.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
There are great delivery sites, like Swiggy. Dominos also delivers (under thirty minutes), delivery is very popular in India. As noted earlier, you can also get all of your groceries delivered, fresh milk, eggs, etc.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Mosquitos are your main concern, throughout India. Take precautions to avoid malaria, dengue, etc. We've had a few ants here and there but it wasn't anything more than you might get in the U.S.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Diplomatic pouch.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Full time help is around 20,000 - 25,000 rupees (or US$300-350/month) for a nanny, housekeeper, or driver. Those that pay less are really doing a disservice and should remember they are paying for someone's livelihood (this seems to be an issue). People must also note that Hyderabad is becoming an increasingly expensive city; the day to day costs are increasing (rent, food, medical care, clothing) every year and this should be taken into consideration as they discuss a salary with their staff. Of course, one should also continue to pay your staff when you travel, even if long-term.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Gyms, yoga, and other classes are available. Many exist in housing / apartment complexes.
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?
Yes and yes. Cash is always important to have on hand as well, of course.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
English is fine.
6. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
There is a new elevated train system being built that looks rather remarkable. I think this will make traffic better and public transport better. I would not recommend buses. Uber and Ola are common, we have used Uber a good amount.
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?
Whatever you can figure out. Getting a car sorted can be very complicated. Those with a diplomatic mission should consider buying from an outgoing officer as it will save significant (months) time and many headaches. Best case scenario is to have a car upon arrival so you can get moving here, it can be a bit tedious relying on Uber/Ola, esp when you don't know your way around yet. Having a car and knowledgable driver makes your transition so much better.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, seems like it can be done in a day.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Bring one so you can get going as you arrive, you'll need to get your local SIM card which requires your dip ID.
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?
Getting pets in and out sounds quite complicated, but doable. No quarantine. Vets and pet goods available locally.
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?
Jobs in the US Consulate for family members seem to be greater than applicants, a first in all of our tours, so a great situation for most family members who want to work.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
I imagine many - orphanages, blue cross, centers for the disabled, etc.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business casual. Modest.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
We feel very safe here, but of course common sense should prevail.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Mosquito born illnesses. Medical care seems good here, doctors often train abroad in the west.
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?
Better than most Indian cities, worse than most American cities. Worse in the winter. Overall we haven't been too affected.
4. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Long commutes can wear on some.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Gorgeous Oct - Feb, and then hot hot summers.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
We have loved our experience with the International School of Hyderabad. They have been wonderful as we have worked through some challenges with one of our children, caring and invested in our child's well being and development.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Some, but I don't know the full extent.
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, typically they are half day. Good quality - look at ISH, NYA, etc.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Relatively large and good morale.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
There are a lot of great breweries here! And good restaurants. Nice malls. Big parks.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
All.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Not sure, I think so.
5. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Yes, the people here are very welcoming and friendly
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not on the surface at least that I have witnessed.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Travel is amazing in India, easy quality of life and access to goods.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Golconda Fort, Qtub Tombs, Falaknuma Palace Hotel, Botanic Gardens.... on a consumer level: InOrbit Mall, Ikea, Good Earth, Anoki...
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Yes, it's India!
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Overall good quality of life....household help, access to goods, friendly people, amazing travel.
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:
Winter clothing.
3. But don't forget your:
Mosquito spray.
