New Delhi, India Report of what it's like to live there - 08/12/11
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; Bogota, Colombia; Tunis, Tunisia; Buenos Aire, Argentina; Hillah, Iraq.
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. - about 36 hours take off to landing in terms of time difference+travel. Direct Delhi to Newark is 15 hours with a lay over of two hours and a late departure for the one hour flight to DC.
3. How long have you lived here?
One year
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?
Mostly apartments. They are old, poorly constructed a lot of the time, and road connections from one part of town to another is limited. Makes commuting a long and sometimes arduous effort.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Multibrand retail (walmart and giant) are illegal so most folks shop at small corner stores or markets. That makes grocery shopping a real drag. It is also INCREDIBLY expensive here.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Olive oil, hand sanitizer, toilet paper.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
KFC, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Papa Johns and local fast food options abound. They are very cheap.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
increasingly these options are becoming available and are reliable alternatives.
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
LOTS - everything grows and thrives here. Certain bugs blossom once a year, others such as mosquitos prefer the hot and humid or hot and rainy periods.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We dont - no APO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Cheap (though wages are rising) and easily contracted.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
yes, increasingly so.
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?
You can and there are plenty of banks.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes, catholic and protestant, jewish...
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?
None.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
yes. Stairs dominate this electricity-poor city. Sidewalks are rarely used as such.
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?
Something with ground clearance, japanese made, not too new.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. 40 USD
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Get one, land lines are so last year.
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?
Nope, but ask their forgiveness. They will not love India.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Increasingly available.
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?
They are becoming increasingly difficult to come by. Labor laws and visas rules are tightening.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Modest.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
India has unfortunately been the focal point of terrorist activity. It is in a complicated part of the world. For ladies, Delhi is particularly troublesome if you are here alone. There is a real problem with eve-teasing also known as sexual harassment.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Get referrals!
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 during the winter seasons - though it is improving annually. Delhi is close to a desert so assume to breath it all in!
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
It is hot, hot and humid, hot and rainy, or cold in Delhi. Those are the four season.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
lots, great, expensive, but well run.
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?
VERY large
2. Morale among expats:
Mostly positive.
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?
As a married couple: dinners, movies, some dancing.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Families and Couples fare well - singles will have a tough time. This is a city and a culture that places a high value on family and does not really know how to deal with single people. Though as with all metropolitan places/cities that is changing, albeit slowly.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Traveling the country, In India one location could not possibly be more different different from the rest of the country.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
there are museums and nice festivals. Delhi though is a dusty, dirty, crowded metro -- traveling to nearby places is more fun.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Sarees, embroidery, travel.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
It is INDIA... it is the capital.it is a fascinating place.
11. Can you save money?
Yes, some.
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:
electronics - here electricity is never a sure thing.
3. But don't forget your:
frequent flyer miles so you can explore the rest of India.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Holy Cow, Fine Balance, White Tiger.
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
Three Idiots
