New Delhi, India Report of what it's like to live there - 08/12/10
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?
Second expat experience -- London and Karachi.
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?
You can fly direct from Chicago or New York or connect through Amsterdam or Frankfurt. About 14 hours from DC.
3. How long have you lived here?
Two years from Aug 2008 until June 2010.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government--US Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Embassy housing varies and things have a tendency to break. Facilities Maintenance was responsive and efficient in fixing our problems.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Most everything you need is available and really cheap. Western goods (i.e. cheese) are usually a bit more expensive than in the US.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Paper products--tp, paper towels etc. Any specific American food products you don't want to do without.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
The normal fast food restaurants are there (except McDonald's has no hamburgers). KFC, Dominos, Pizza Hut, TGI Fridays etc. There are a lot of nice restaurants, but they are relatively expensive. And tons of fantastic, cheap Indian food.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Ticks which spread disease in animals.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Through the embassy.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Very plentiful and inexpensive.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes. There is a gym at the embassy and other options in Delhi.
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?
Lots of ATMs. Credit cards can be difficult. India is more of a cash economy.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Lots of decent, inexpensive English-language press.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None is needed but a little Hindi always helps improve your experience.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Delhi would be extremely difficult for disabled people.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Crowded but safe. Delhi has a clean, efficient metro system. Women should travel in higher classes on the trains for safety.
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?
Don't bring your car. Driving in Delhi is crazy and a bigger car helps. Most people hire a driver.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes but power outages make connection difficult. We paid around $20 a month for internet.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Cell phones are cheap and plentiful.
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)?
No quality pet care though kennels are available. When using vets in India, confirm treatment with your US vet.
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?
No.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Work is suit and tie (no jacket in the summer).For public, men shouldn't wear shorts and women shouldn't show legs or shoulders.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Women traveling alone should be very careful. Be prepared to be stared at and possibly groped. Generally speaking, groups of people and single men are safe.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Lots of health concerns--mainly skin and gastrointestinal issues.
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?
Very unhealthy--lots of pollution and smog.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Crazy hot in the summer and shockingly cold in the winter.
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 supposed to be one of the best in the world. Many people extend for this reason.
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?
Huge and diverse. You can be a part of a very active expat scene or strike out on your own to explore the city and country.
2. Morale among expats:
Fair. Those who tend to get out and experience India seem to have high morale.
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 house parties, dinners, etc. Delhi has an active social scene.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Good for all of the above. Delhi has a large expat community so singles can meet friends easily. Delhi has a large amount of cultural and historical sites for families and couples.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Not like a Western city but Delhi has an active gay community and an annual gay parade. Contrary to the last post, our gay friends (including Indians) did not seem to have an issue.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes--it's difficult being a woman in India but being an American woman makes it easier. There are also racial and religious tensions.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Traveling throughout India. Hanging out with our friends in Delhi. The Kumbh Mela and other festivals. Meeting locals. The phenomenal food.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Tons! Restaurants, gardens, historical sites, temples, Old Delhi, meeting up with friends (lots of house parties), volunteering opportunities. The opportunities are there, it's what you make of it.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Huge array of crafts, jewelry, and furniture.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Amazing history in Delhi. Opportunity to travel through India--a country with diverse cultures, flora, fauna, and people. Cheap cost of living. Availability and cost of domestic help.
11. Can you save money?
Yes.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Definitely. We had an amazing two years though admittedly we were ready to return to the US.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
car, surfboard, skis.
3. But don't forget your:
sense of adventure and open mind.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
White Tiger; City of Djinns, In Spite of the Gods.
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
Slum Dog Millionaire and any of the Bollywood flicks.
6. Do you have any other comments?
Delhi can be challenging but is a fascinating city in a fabulous country. Try to get out as much as you can and travel and remember why you came to India in the first place.
