The Land of The Himalaya, The Taj Mahal,

 The Ajanta & The Ellora Caves

Information on Relocating to India

• The capital city of India is New Delhi with about 13,8 million people. The Prime Minister of India resides in New Delhi. The commercial capital is Mumbai (Bombay).

• Languages: Hindi is the national language of India. However, there are 15 different languages and 844 different dialects. Hindi is widely spoken in north India & English in South India. TV programs: Cable TV is available and inexpensive. There are several news, movies & entertainment channels for kids & adults in Hindi & English languages.

• Population: The population of India is approximate 1.1 billion people - 72% are Indo-Aryan, 25% Dravidian, 3% Mongoloid and other.

• Expat areas: The prime Expat cities in India are Delhi, Bombay, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune.

• Housing: All cities have the following types of housing except Mumbai. The main types of housing are condominiums, row houses & independent homes. Mumbai (Bombay) has very few independent homes / row houses. Independent houses in almost all cities are typically old and require a high degree of maintenance.

• Cost of housing: Expat housing can be very expensive and varies based on type of residence, location, and quality of the finish of the property. Rent for unfurnished property in most cities except Mumbai ranges anywhere as follows: 2 bedrooms from US$ 800- US$ 1200; 3 bedrooms from US$ 1000-US$ 5000; 4 bedrooms from US$ 2000-US$ 7000. Properties in Mumbai could cost about twice as much. Furnished property is about 25 - 40% dearer than unfurnished property. The local currency is Rupee (Rs).

• Schools: All cities offer at least one International School. The bigger cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Pune have excellent international schools of international quality.

• Transportation: Public transport is not recommended for Expats. Most of the multinational companies provide a rental car & driver for their employees.

• Bank: The banks are open on Monday-Friday from 10.00 am - 2.00 pm. On Saturdays from 10.00 am -12.00 noon.

• Shopping: Is generally done from Monday-Saturday 9.30 am - 5.00 pm in most large stores. Note: There is a veto on the export of antiques, art objects over 100 years old, animal skins and objects made from skins.

• Climate: Temperatures in India vary. Northern India has extreme climate. It is hot in summer & cold in winter. The temperatures drop to 10°C (50°F) in winter and go up to 45°C (113°F) in the summer. Southern India is Moderate. The temperature varies from 25°C (77°F) - 30°C (86°F) in the summer and in the winter it is 18°C (64°F) - 20° C (68°F). Besides Delhi & Bangalore other cities do not have a distinct change in season.

• Culture: Most big cities have museums, movie theatre, concert halls. Very often there are international groups who come down to India and conduct a performance.

• Public holidays: January (date varies)-Idu’z Zuha/Bakrid (Feast of the Sacrifice); January 26th-Republic Day; February (date varies)-Muharram (Islamic New Year); March (date varies)-Sri Rama Navami (Birthday of Sri Rama); March/April (date varies)-Mahavir Jayanthi;  April (date varies)-Good Friday; April/May (date varies)-Buddha Purnima; May (date varies)-Milad-Un-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet); August 15th-Independence Day; October 2nd-Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday; October (date varies)-Vijaya Dasami/Dussera; November 2nd-Diwali; November (dates vary)-Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan); November 26tn-Guru Nanak’s Birthday; December 25th-Christmas Day.