Living in India

When moving to a new country, life and customs may force you outside of your comfort zone. Learning about the country you will be living in will help you to better transition from life in the United States to life out of the United States. This is especially unimportant in countries with strong traditions and beliefs, like India.

If you are planning to move to India there are quite a few things you should keep in mind about your new life.

CLIMATE

Summers in India are very hot and humid. Wearing loose fitting, light colored clothing will help curb the effects of the heat. It is nearly imperative for you to carry a deodorant spray with you and possible a bottle of face wash to help stay fresh throughout the day.

With the heat and humidity come massive amounts of mosquitoes. Carrying a mosquito repellant will be a very good choice.

HOUSING

When looking for a neighborhood to live in, be sure to focus on more non-traditional upper-scale options. Choosing a lower cost option may help your wallet, but not your ease of living. Middle class neighborhoods will be full of traditional Indian cultures and families. These families live a different lifestyle than the one you are used to. The differences may have the neighbors gawking at your clothing, living arrangements and social practices and finding them offensive in some cases.

RETAIL

Aside from the MRP (Max Retail Price) on name brand product, you must never pay full price. You will inevitably stick out like a sore, foreign thumb and the price will be highly inflated for you. Bargaining prices in a tough and kind manner is not only acceptable but also expected.

STREET LIFE AND TRANSPORTATION

Do not, for any reason, give beggars money! It is believed that giving money to beggars breeds crime. Instead, if you feel you must give something, offer food. If the beggar does not accept the food, give nothing, turn and walk away.

Learning the dialect and accent of India will help you to communicate with the rickshaw and taxi drivers. The names of streets may sound very different when spoken with an Indian dialect.

GOVERNMENT