New Delhi, India Report of what it's like to live there - 04/13/24
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?
Not first time. This is seventh city although first time in India.
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?
USA. Trip is long. There are some 15 hour direct flight from New Delhi to some east coast cities.
Otherwise, 10 to Europe plus transatlantic. Or go the other way through Asia.
Easy to approach or exceed 30 hours door to door with 2 or 3 layovers etc.
3. How long have you lived here?
One year.
4. What years did you live here?
2023 -2024.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomat
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Many are in low rise apartments. Balconies, trees along streets, parks scattered about. Unit has one parking space.
Commute time is about 20 mins, but will vary depending.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Local items are very affordable. Food costs are low for many typical items in local stores.
Imported items and even some high-end local goods are higher priced especially in shops targeting expats and wealthy locals.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
None.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Tons of restaurants from Indian to most international types. Various Asian and Italian are popular. Also lots of vegetarian easily available. Organic and special diet (gluten free) is also around.
Delivery is incredibly easy via a number of apps. Pay online and arrives quickly unless rush hour. 30 mins or fewer is common.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
No, but it’s a big city and warm climate, so yes, there are bugs about.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Post office is OK, but have only sent packages. International express company options also available.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Very available and affordable: drivers, housekeepers, gardeners, nannies, and cooks. Some have multiple specialized staff who each specializes. Others have one with multiple skills.
Many work very hard for relatively long hours per week. Many are very honest. Many are caring. Education levels may vary, but are willing to listen and learn. Cost and skill level can be related.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Yes, many areas seem safe. There are the normal big city issues of petty theft. Women need to be aware of surroundings.
Bike riding in my area is very limited to downright dangerous due to traffic, cows, obstacles in streets, stray dogs. Many accessible parks for walking, yoga, jogging, etc
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?
Yes, many cards are accepted even by smaller shops. ATMs are common and used.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Many major religions have services in English.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
India has many languages and New Delhi is a Hindi speaking region. English is taught and often there is an English speaker to assist. Local language (Hindi) is not really needed and not useful in some other regions in India. Tutors are available maybe $10 per hour.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes Stairs and unevenness that can challenge even the fittest.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Metro is great, but it doesn’t alway go where you want to go. Buses are crowded and not advisable
Taxi, Tuk Tuk are both easy and affordable. Uber Ola and Blue Smart apps are great with single ride, hourly options.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
India has some vehicle import restrictions. Check current policy.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Airtel works fine. Having an India number is good for WhatsApp and the many secondary-validations required for using credit/debit cards and payment apps.
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?
Yes.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Some teaching and community outreach. Some with dogs, cats, cows, etc. Some orgs just seem to want funds.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Women a bit on the modest side, but expats can often wear items that Indians would not wear without issue.
Some events like wedding are very dressy.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Many tropical diseases - dengue, malaria. Covid. Many food and water borne issues - “Delhi belly”, parasites, lead.
Doctors and dentists who are highly and/or Western trained are available. Dental is affordable. Labs are available.
2. 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?
Poor. Impacts health. October to January is very poor to awful and air cleaners run constantly.
March has good air quality and isn’t too hot.
3. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Much of the year, pretty hot, but January can get down to freezing a few times. Ranges from dry to humid.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
The American school and other are great.
2. 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?
Yes.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Huge. There is a well organized “Delhi Network” that has both men and women as members. Must have a non-Indian passport to join. Weekly coffee plus many activities and subgroups.
2. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
There are many layers to Indian society and these might at times make it more difficult to make friends. Definitely opinions about different ethnic group, societal layers, etc. Wealth is also a dividing factor; many extremely affluent and extremely poor Indians.
3. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Questionable.
4. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Short answer: yes. Any generalizations are hard to make. It does vary by person and strata.
5. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Travel can be grueling, but it is a beautiful and vast country. Many world heritage sites.
6. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
In addition to the tourist top 10 of tombs, forts, markets, and religious sites, there is the National Museum and the Craft Museum.
The twice-yearly “7 Cities” is absolutely awesome. It is a social and educational experience with a group of 40 meeting for 10 weeks to explore the historical layers in Delhi.
7. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Yes. A paradise for shoppers especially if looking for crafts which are affordable. Ditto for cloth and clothes. Ditto for wood, brass, jewelry carpets, furniture, etc., since labor is very cheap so prices are more reflective of materials.
High quality art is also available for a price.
8. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Parts of India can be an assault on the senses - sights, sounds, smells, crowds, tastes.
New Delhi offers at times an oasis amid all of that, but it’s still within reach.
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:
Idea of ordering hamburgers or beef.
3. But don't forget your:
probiotics. Cottons and washable clothes. Dry cleaners here, but cotton & linen work well,
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
City of Djinns - and other books by William Dalrymple
White Tiger
A Fine Balance
The Shortest History of India. Zubrzycki.
Old Delhi 10 Easy Walks.
