We hear a lot of good things about modern India -- very fine healthcare & universities, many citizens speak impeccable English, delicious food, and a reasonble cost of living. If a person were considering retiring to India for several years, is there an area that is more welcoming of Americans? I'm especially interested to know if there are parts of India where Westerners seem to be settling into "communities" -- much like Indian citizens are doing here in the states.
I am NOT looking for "little America" in India, but would be looking for things like high speed internet access, availability of quality medical care (if/when necessary), living facilities with modern sewage & hot water at a reasonable cost, public transportation, and political stability.
Does anyone have any thoughts? Are there any websites that are devoted to Westerners living in India? Thanks for any feedback...
2007-01-15 08:28:21 · 13 answers · asked by Mountaineer 1 in Travel ➔ India ➔ Other - India
Good questions...
There are several places, where I know of where there are Expats - Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and even Chennai. A lot depends on what you're planning to do there.
As far as living facilities - modern sewage is available in most places- of course you must check with the realtor. water is usually heated by a geiser (water heater) - so electricity comes in play.. and as far as electricity is concerned - that's a whole different ball game. In places like Mumbai, they rotate the hours of power shut-down throughout the day. for ex., for a month, you may not have electricity from the hours of 10am-12pm everyday. The next month, it could be shut-down from 2pm-4pm. Generator sure helps if you can't live without ac/heater..whatever electricity u need! Other cities follow suit, but the regulations are per each city.
There are McDonalds in EVERY major city! Same goes with Pizza Huts and Dominos! even KFC's.
Political stability..well most places are fine...Just use your common sense. Anyhow, there are places where Americans are warned - e.g. J&K. I think you'll have to get special permits (for ex. in Sikkim, etc.).
Internet cafes are everywhere in India..in practically every small and big cities from Mumbai to Pune to Varanasi to Hyderabad to Bangalore to Chennai to small towns in Kerala! They are dirt cheap - imagine paying from 10Rs-25 Rs per hour!
Phone calls are cheap too. 1Rs/min STD (outside state calls) to about 4Rs-7Rs/min ISD(to call states)!! And these telephone booths are found EVERYWHERE in India! So there should be no problems in communication.
Of course if you need privacy, SIM cards are widely available too. There are some really good deals. And most of the SIM retailers, if not all, allow incoming calls FREE as long as you're within your home state! Here in the states, it's weekends and nights only..or within the special minutes plans.. so just in comparison..
Medical care is good in big cities - e.g. Chennai (i think) has the best - Apollo Hospital. In Mumbai, if I recall correctly, there are ratings - 3-star to 5-star hospitals. I've been to facilities in Bangalore and Chennai to get blood work done. It's so easy! There are even hospitals dedicated to "Westerners"..but I personally haven't ventured there. Ask the expats about the doctors..maybe they can recommend you good one.
India is amazing for public transportation. Fares for auto vary from place to place...I think the most I paid for the 1st km is 12Rs. The least was in Kerala - about 8 Rs on the 1st Km. Kerala also has the most "trusted" auto drivers - at least in my experience. Chennai is the WORST as far as autorickshaws - you have to bargain with them BEFORE you get in...and they NEVER use their meters!
Buses are great, but I felt most comfortable using the bus transportation in Pune. Mumbai is AWESOME for trains and taxis!
I stayed in Kerala for about a year, and I found they had a bus strike about once a month, but there are always alternatives - like autos, taxis, etc...
I was in and around the whole country for another year or so..and I personally just fell in love with Mumbai! But that's a personal choice.
Just check out the expats section in www.indiamike.com
2007-01-15 11:57:18 · answer #1 · answered by m m 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Americans Living In India
2016-11-13 02:39:50 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
Where should Americans consider living in India?
We hear a lot of good things about modern India -- very fine healthcare & universities, many citizens speak impeccable English, delicious food, and a reasonble cost of living. If a person were considering retiring to India for several years, is there an area that is more welcoming of Americans? ...
2015-08-10 05:53:33 · answer #3 · answered by Augusto 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Agree with 'm m' up there!
I also think that Goa would be a good place for non Indians to live in.....mostly, because I noticed a lot of Europeans and Americans living there the 2 times I went there.
I'm an Indian living in US....if I had to live in India, I'd live in Bangalore.
2007-01-15 15:43:11 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hydrabad, Andrapradesh. I know because I lived there for eight years. They have excellent health care which is also affordable and they have internet cafes all over the place if you don't want to buy a computer for some reason. Crime rate is also low as long as you don't go into the Old City, and even if you do you should be alright as long as you don't pick a fight with someone.
2007-01-15 08:35:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have friends who lived in New Delhi, they had a great time, all the house maid and driver and cook for almost nothing but people are really poor and the crime rate is high, they actually had an armed guard on their roof at night!
2007-01-15 08:36:46 · answer #6 · answered by Valerie v 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends what type of atmosphere you are looking for, I lived in Mumbai for three months, there is an expat communtiy there, also tons fo expats in Dharamasla - perfect if studying buddhism is your thing.
2007-01-15 09:46:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi u can try chennai. It is still good though rhere are some drawbacks.I dont know any sites that offer such advices .But chennai is worth a visit.It will suit many of ur needs
All the best
2007-01-15 13:39:45 · answer #8 · answered by !!!!! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
near the capital. they have an amising rail way that can take you anywere you want to go. this was all put in when the british colonised it but now it is great. for like 3 bucks you can go anywere. plus one side of the capital is very modern and "safe" but you can cross the street and you are in the center of the culture .. its great.
ps. in the summer be sure to visit the old british town up north ( they are closed in the winter)
2007-01-15 08:34:00 · answer #9 · answered by Dokie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Temperature wise
In the Himalaya mountain.
2007-01-15 16:38:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋