India is the ideal destination if you’re looking for a warmer climate, a lower cost of living, excellent career opportunities and the chance to experience a vibrant, diverse culture.
Moving to India is a considerable undertaking and Bishop’s Move has the experience to get you there. Our international removals team will make sure that you have everything you need for the highest quality, best move possible, whether that’s to Mumbai, Chennai or anywhere in between.
Moving to India?
Why Move to India?
Also referred to as the Republic of India, this nation in Southeast Asia is the 7th largest country by area in the world. There are more than 1.3 billion people living in India, making it the second most populous. With thriving industrial, service and agricultural sectors, India is the fifth-largest economy in the world, and as a result of this, the country offers attractive career opportunities.
India has a largely tropical climate with temperatures rarely falling below 18°C. Summer, which typically lasts from March to May can bring temperatures in excess of 40°C, however, southern parts of the country often remain slightly cooler.
The large expat community in India means that it won’t take long to get settled, and the cost of living is favourable, with services, food and houses being relatively reasonable. If you are moving with your children or planning to start a family, you’ll be pleased to know that there is an international school in almost every major city offering fantastic education opportunities.
How to Move to India
In order to move permanently to India, you’ll need to look into the different visa options for the country. Like other destinations, the visa you need will depend entirely on your circumstances and whether you plan to work, study or travel in India.
Indian Culture
India has a rich cultural history dating back thousands of years, with Hinduism as the most popular religion. Bright, colourful festivals are celebrated throughout the year in honour of various occasions such as Diwali, Holi, Navaratri and Rath Yatra. As a society, India is home to various cultures, ethnicities and religions, meaning diversity is all around.
The cuisine in India is just as diverse, using different ingredients, cooking styles and food preparation techniques. There is a love of spices which is evident in many of the delicious dishes on offer. Typically food is reflective of the regional climate and local agriculture.
Etiquette is important in India, and if you’re keen to fit in with your local communities, there are some things to remember:
Modest clothing is expected of women, particularly in temples and mosques should you be visiting.
Swearing is often seen to be very rude, even if this is not the intention.
The right hand is used for eating, accepting gifts, shaking hands, offering money etc whereas the left can be considered unclean.
Gifting is commonplace and is a sign of hospitality. Do not be surprised if you are offered sweets or gifts, and try to return the favour when it is suitable to do so.
Healthcare
Whilst there is a public healthcare system available in India, funding is scarce, meaning expats typically look to private healthcare options. Medical treatment through private healthcare costs comparatively less than in the West and allows access to advanced equipment, highly trained professional doctors and shorter waiting times. Comprehensive insurance plans are available in the country and you should look to choose a plan that fits your location and family in the most suitable way.
Working in India
For many expats, finding work in India is the result of a company transfer or other connections to the country. However, there are many opportunities to be explored in the job market through online portals and individual company websites. Different regions of the country boast different opportunities, for example, Bangalore is known as the Silicon Valley of India, whereas Mumbai is known for its commercial, fashion and entertainment opportunities.
As foreign nationals, Brits require an Employment Visa to work in India. This is usually issued electronically but can take some time to process. You will be required to find an employer who will offer you a contract prior to your application. Upon arrival in India, you will also need to register at a Foreigner Regional Registration Office, which will allow you to register for a Residence Permit.
The work culture in India can require some adjustment, with longer working hours and Saturdays often being the norm. Naturally, this depends on your company and their expectations.
Living in India
A move to India can be challenging, there’s a new language and culture to learn, a warmer climate to adjust to, and in some areas, pollution can be an issue. This is why it is important to do your research before deciding on where you want to live. Here are a few of the options.
Bangalore
Offering a variety of tech and IT startups, Bangalore is popular amongst foreign nationals looking for a cosmopolitan lifestyle. The city has some of the best weather conditions in the country and there is plenty to keep you occupied in the form of shopping centres and landmarks.
New Delhi
If you are looking for somewhere with a large expat community and good infrastructure, the capital of India could be the ideal destination for you. Socially, New Delhi offers many delights and the culture is welcoming. As an added bonus, English is widely spoken in New Delhi, reducing the language barrier issues you may face. However, being a booming city means that the pollution levels are high.
Mumbai
With more jobs, higher wages and some of the best healthcare providers, Mumbai can seem like an obvious choice for expats. However, the great schools and work opportunities in the financial capital of the country come at the cost of being one of the most expensive places to live in India.
Moving to India with Bishop’s Move
No matter whether you are planning on moving to Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai or elsewhere, our team can provide the perfect India removals service to meet your needs. We have a wide range of experience moving customers to India and all around the world. We provide a fully customised removals service to make sure that everything you need is covered, including storage solutions.
One of our international removals team experts will be in touch with you to arrange a free removal survey so we can create a tailored removals plan and cater for everything that you need. We will visit your home so that we can better understand your requirements. Then, once we have carried out the removal survey, we will provide you with your personalised removal quote.
On the day of your move, our highly trained team will pack and transport your belongings using proven techniques and care to ensure that everything is as safe as possible for the long journey from the UK. Get in touch with Bishop’s Move today to see how we can help to make your move to India stress-free.
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