New Delhi, India Report of what it's like to live there - 09/16/12
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?
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 affiliated with the Canadian Goverment and lived in New Delhi for a year and a half, a third expat experience.)
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Depends on where you live. Gurgoan is very popular, and commute time to schools from there can be up to an hour. Vasant Kunj, Annand Niketan, and West End can be up to 30 minutes, longer with traffic. Surrounding embassy compounds and be 5-10 minutes.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Depends on where you purchase them. Some imported food items can be very expensive.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
nothing. Most things are available. Some are more expensive than others.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Meats like beef and pork are not widely available, and if they are found they can be very expensive. Buffalo is used as a substitute for most beef dishes. There are lots of good restaurants. McDonald's has only chicken and vegetarian. KFC is really good here.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Dengue Fever is very big here. TB and malaria in southern India.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Through the embassy. Indian mail is not reliable.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Decent price. Most people have a driver and housekeeper. Some have a nanny as well. It all depends on your budget and the size of your home.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
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?
They are generally safe in most malls, but I suggest you have cash on you for markets and reaturants.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
English newspapers are available. TV is very bad here. I suggest that you bring lots of movies. Depending on provider, during every rain they TV will go out.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
English is good. It was a British colony, so most people you'll be dealing with know English.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
The ground outside can be very rough, not very good for people with physical difficulties. But all malls are equipped with wheelchair ramps and elevators.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Buses and trains around the city are not very good. Trains to outside cites are good, but book first class. If your teenager attends AES, they will be going on a minicourse known as WOW (Week withOut Walls) depending on their grade level.They'll be taking trains for this.
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?
Smaller cars. The traffic is insane.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Internet is okay. It depends on your provider. It's not that expensive.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Cells phones are good. People use Airtel or Vodaphone. Airtel is more popular because it has a better system and signal.
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)?
Good vets, we've yet to find a kennel. Animal food isn't too expensive.
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?
Not really.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Cover your shoulders and for girls, try to wear longer pants because girls are looked at more as objects than people. You don't need to walk around in full cultural garments like a sari.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
That depends on whether you live in a gated community or have home security. It is better to have a hired company watch over the outside of your home. There are some bombings, earthquakes, and the constant threat of war against Pakistan.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Dengue fever and TB are bad. Medical care is available when needed. MAX hospital is one of the better hospitals. It's good to have a doctor before arriving.
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?
Lots of pollution, smog in winter because they burn whatever they can find. Lots of garbage is piled up on the streets. People use the side of the road as a bathroom.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Very hot in summer, lots of rain and humidity during monsoon. Nicely cool in winter but lots of smog.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The American Embassy School is amazing! Lots of good teachers and students. Grades from K-12, all with good classes. The British School is smaller, but I still hear it is okay. The French School is small and not as good. One should go there only if their first language is French; otherwise try for AES.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
There are available programs at AES for special needs.
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?
Most people hire nannies.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
There are lots of extra curricular activities if you join embassy groups or go to school.
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:
Most people are willing to hangout.
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?
Lots of parties.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
There are malls and markets. I know many people with young children that enjoy fun trips to the mall. Ambience Mall and DLF promenade are equipped with fun playgrounds for younger children.For teenagers these malls have stores like Forever 21, etc. It is fun to go and hang out with your friends. And it is safe with security.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Most people don't judge here. You'll see many young men walking around holding hands.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not from what I've seen.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Taj Mahal trips, Safaris (seeing Tigers).
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Going to malls, joining embassy groups, checking out market tips.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
11. Can you save money?
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
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?
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you have any other comments?
It's a good place to live for a while. The expats are good people and are always willing to help. You will enjoy the time here if you choose to enjoy it.
