New Delhi, India Report of what it's like to live there - 02/04/08
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?
This is my first expat experience.
2. How long have you lived here?
6 months.
3. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
From the US, there's a direct 1- hour flight from Newark. From Europe, it's a 10-hour flight from Amsterdam
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
I am here for my father's job.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
We live in an apartment. It's very nice, much nicer than what we're used to at home for this price. It has marble floors, window AC, and all amenities we would ever need.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
If you shop where the locals shop it's very cheap. My mom bought 3 bags full of fresh produce, for roughly US$3. If you go to a chain grocery store and buy western brands, it's very expensive. One single Warm Delights dessert dish was US$5. If you shop savvy, it's a lot cheaper than anything you'll ever find in the states.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
We've been able to find everything we need at local stores. If you're brand-particular, I'd say ship those.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
We love Indian food so we try to eat it at often as possible. Virtually everywhere delivers, which is very nice. We've had no problems with food illness because we avoid the sketchy looking restaurants. However, if you eat at a place that looks unsanitary, you'll probably get sick..obviously. Fast food here is not as fast as the U.S., but there are options, and they deliver too. If you prefer western food, there are plenty of TGI Fridays, Ruby Tuesdays, pizza chains, Subways, and the hotels have everything you can imagine (including a sushi bar, that was excellent, just very over priced).
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Cheap and readily available.
3. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
ATMs are everywhere. Malls accept credit cards, outdoor markets only except cash. Same as at home. We've had no problems with any of our cards.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
5. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
There are plenty of English newspapers and you can get almost any magazine you want in English. The newspapers are cheap, the magazines are more expensive if imported, cheap if they're local. We have about 30 English TV channels with enough variety to keep us entertained.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Most everyone speaks enough English to understand what we're saying. We know Hindi words for food items, which makes it easier when grocery shopping, or when eating out. Other than that, you should be okay knowing only English.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
I would think so. I've seen no special accommodations for the disabled.
Transportation:
1. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
Left, unless that side is moving too slow, then you drive on the right. Like I said--chaotic.
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Trains are cheap from city to city, the Delhi Metro is apparently very clean and surprisingly uncrowded. Buses are dangerous, if not for what happens on board (theft, harassment) but for how drivers drive. Taxis are the way to go. Cheap and readily available. If you're daring, rickshaws and auto-rickshaws are good too, for short distances at least.
3. 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?
I don't know about what cars to bring or not bring, but I definitely wouldn't recommend driving here. It's pretty chaotic, and for as cheap as it is, I'd say hire a driver.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Get one. They're cheap, and it's rather like a safety blanket knowing that, should you get separated from your group, you can call them. You have to have documents to get a cell phone though, so have a copy of your passport and a letter from your employer.
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
We use Yahoo Voice. It's 1 cent a minute. Calling the U.S. from our Indian cellphone costs about 25 cents a minute.
Pets:
1. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
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?
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Definitely dress conservatively. Skin showing is a no-no. Dressing sloppy is too.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Unhealthy, there are no emissions controls.. However, we are living in a suburb called Gurgaon, and it's not as bad here as in the city. My parents and I have had very few problems with respiratory illnesses.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
I, being a 19 year old female, would not feel comfortable being alone but my mother has had no problems. The people are very friendly and will strike up a conversation instantly.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
If you have an existing condition such as asthma, Delhi's probably not going to be fun for you.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Well, there's raining and not raining. When it's raining, it's hot and of course humid. When it's not raining, it's hot intially, followed by a shortened fall type feel, an even shorter winter, and then it starts warming up again.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
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?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
It depends on where you are. Where we are, I'd say about 10 expats per apartment complex. In Delhi, I've seen quite a few. Usually we either see no expats, or lots of them.
2. Morale among expats:
Reading the other reports on this site, it's not very high. We, however, love it. I've heard numerous people say it's either you love it or you hate it. It depends on your mindset. If you're unhappy, sick, or bored the first week, you'll hate it. If you have a positive attitude, get used to the fact that things take longer, that things are a little more chaotic, then you'll love it.
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?
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Male/male physical contact is a very common sight but it's just a show of friendship. With the things I know about India, I would not advise public displays of gay/lesbian affection.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Religious, no. Gender, yes. Women are lower on the totem pole in accordance with Indian tradition but my mom and I haven't had any negative experiences. Also according to Indian tradition and the caste system, people of darker skin color are lower on the pole.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
There are tons of temples and monuments to see all over Delhi. The Gandhi Museum was exceptionally moving. Shopping in Delhi could fill many days. Dilli Haat is an outdoor market in South Delhi - it's definitely worth a trip.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
There are so many things here worth noting, things we've bought are spices, teas, pashminas, jewelry, artwork, incense...the list goes on and on. Load up on presents for birthdays and holidays for sure. We bought a 12x24 inch traditional Indian drawing for US$12. We found one on an American website for US$180. That's money well spent in my book.
9. Can you save money?
Yes! A thousand times yes. If you don't buy western brands, but buy local brands and produce, you'll save tons just there. If you eat at local restaurants, instead of hotels, you'll save loads. Souvenirs are cheap as well.
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:
Sense of urgency. You probably won't be on time for anything, but then again, no one else will either, so no one will notice.
3. But don't forget your:
Camera. There are so many wonderful sights here, everything from the cows in the middle of the road,the 1000 year old tombs, the brightly colored saris, and the dust colored monkeys. I've taken at least 2000 photos in the last 6 months.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
A Fine Balance from Oprahs book club--it's very depressing and quite long, but it's also a very accurate picture of the poverty here.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
A Fine Balance from Oprahs book club--it's very depressing and quite long, but it's also a very accurate picture of the poverty here.
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
Gandhi, for sure. My dad recommends Guru. The new movie, The Darjeeling Limited was filmed partly in India, so it'll show you ahead of time what you're getting yourself into.
7. Do you have any other comments?
If you're coming to Delhi, definitely try to have fun. I've said it a few times, but it's worth saying again. If you stay in your comfort zone and don't get out, it won't be very enjoyable. If you get out, experience things, make the most of it, and laugh when things go hideously wrong, you'll love it. Instead of getting annoyed about the hour long traffic jam, get a chuckle over the fact that it was probably caused by a cow about a mile ahead. Instead of being outraged by how expensive a bottle of Herbal Essence is, buy Himalaya brand and save about US$3. Instead of being disgusted by the the poverty, find an NGO or other charitable group and do something about it. Instead of blasting the AC and fan 100% to avoid the heat, turn the AC off and turn the fan to half speed, go outside, and let your body adjust--after a few weeks it won't be so bad.
