Moving to India
Located in Southern Asia, India is a vast country full of amazing sights and sounds. With the second largest population in the world this is a vibrant, hustling, bustling country.
So what can you expect if you’re thinking of moving to India?
Depending on your background and where you’re coming from, you’re likely to find that many things in India are vastly different than what you’re used to. When you move to India you’d be wise to spend some time getting used to the Indian culture and adjusting to new ways of doing things, rather than trying to change the reality around you. Wherever possible be an observer and try not to impose your cultural judgments too quickly. Although you can’t be expected to get everything right, common sense and courtesy will help you a great deal. If in doubt about how you should behave just watch what the locals do or simply ask.
India is such a diverse country that you’ll the find the experience you have living there will be dependent on which city you’re living in.
New Delhi
‘Delightful Delhi’ is India’s capital and consists of two parts. Old Delhi is where you’ll find many mosques, monuments and forts relating to India’s Muslim history. New Delhi, the country’s third largest city, is spacious, open and home to many embassies and government buildings.
With an estimated 15 million people living here you’ll probably find it a little chaotic to start with, but New Delhi has a unique inner peace, rich with culture, architecture and human diversity. The city is expansive but easy to get around, although you’ll need to get used to the various forms of transport on the roads!
Mumbai
Known as Bombay up until 1995, Mumbai is situated in the southwest of India and is the capital city of Maharashtra state. Being the financial and commercial hub of the country, you’ll find that Mumbai is a truly multicultural city where people of almost every religion can be found. One of the first things you’re likely to notice is the vibrant energy the city exudes, closely followed by the extreme differences in living styles. But what you’ll find is a ‘live and let live’ attitude amongst the typical Mumbaikar (native Mumbaite).
Bangalore
Although situated in southern India, it’s location at 1,000 metres above sea level means that Bangalore is quite unlike any other city in the region. Bangalore is classed as a city of major scientific research and is at the cutting edge of India’s technological revolution. Kannada is the official language, however you’ll find that English is understood and spoken well by many people here, so you shouldn’t have any problems communicating when you first move to Bangalore.
Chennai
Situated on India’s south-eastern coast, Chennai is a major industrial, commercial and cultural centre with a rapidly growing automotive industry. It is also at the centre of south India’s film industry. Even though it is very cosmopolitan, with a wide mix of people living there, you’ll see that Chennai is much more conservative than New Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata. While attitudes are now starting to change as the city becomes more commercialised, your time spent here will be all the more enjoyable if you are respectful of the people around you and their beliefs.
Kolkata
One of the most metropolitan cities in the world, one of the most striking things you’ll find when you move to Kolkata is the friendliness of its people. The city prides itself on its diversity of languages, religion and culture and once you get used to the hustle and bustle you’ll also appreciate some of the beautiful architecture.
Generally speaking, the people here are not easily offended, but you’re advised to use your common sense and respect any cultural differences as well as holy sites and rituals. Kolkata has many festivals throughout the year which you’ll be encouraged to join.
Hyderabad
Hyderabad is very much a city where two ways of life – ancient and modern - exist side by side. Sophisticated five star hotels, shopping malls, eating places and entertainment facilities sit next to a maze of markets and tiny houses while large vehicle-choked roads meet narrow ancient lanes.
You’ll find the people here are very warm and friendly and, since becoming involved in the booming IT industry, Kolkata is starting to become much more cosmopolitan.
Find out more about moving abroad
Continue exploring the rest of this site to find out more useful information about moving overseas. There are a number of guides and tips to help you begin to plan your relocation, but also make sure you do some research of your own and try to seek the views of others who have been before.