One of the oldest nations in the world, India’s culture remains is vibrant today. There’s more to the country than its famed Bollywood industry; the country’s rich heritage is as vast and uniquely identifiable. Global companies have set up regional headquarters in India, bringing in expats to join its workforce. Here’s some important information you shouldn’t miss.
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
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Expat Clubs
American Women's Association (AWA)
The American Women's Association has been serving the American community in New Delhi since 1947. Membership is open to all American citizens and to spouses of American citizens. We are located within the American Embassy Compound, Gate D, Panchsheel Marg.
Address: Panchsheel Marg, Gate D, American Embassy Compound, New Delhi, India
Tel: +91 2419 8509
Fax: +91 2419 8058
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.awadelhi.com
Delhi Network
Committed to supporting expatriates living and working in New Delhi with coffee mornings, monthly meetings, and open invitations to the Delhi Network office to find a friendly person to talk to.
Address: Basement, Eros Hotel Nehru Park, New Delhi, India
Tel: +91 98 71 01 40 16
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.delhinetwork.net/
Mumbai Connections
A support group for expatriates living in Mumbai.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mumbaiconnexions.com/
The American Women's Club of Bombay
The American Women's Club of Bombay is a nonprofit group that aims to provide support and assistance to our members and to promote friendship throughout both the American and the wider expat communities in Mumbai through social, cultural and philanthropic activities. Membership is open to all nationalities and the AWC of Bombay is affiliated with the FAWCO (Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas).
Email: [email protected]
Website: awcmumbai.com/
Twin-cities Expatriates Association of Hyderabad and Secunderabad
Address: 3rd floor of the Alliance Française Hyderabad building: Banjara Hills, Road Number 3, Aurora Colony, Sri Nagar Colony
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.hytea.org/
OWC Madras
The OWC exists to provide a network of support and assistance for its members. At the general meetings, normally held on the second Wednesday of each month, members make new friends, catch up with old ones, and discover interesting aspects of living in Chennai and India.
Email: [email protected]
FB: www.facebook.com/groups/chennaiowc/
Website: www.owcmadras.com/
Zonta International
Founded in 1919, Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy.
FB: www.facebook.com/ZontaInternational
Website: www.zonta.org/
International Schools
American International School-Chennai
AISC is an international learning community with English as the language of instruction. Consistent with our commitment to diversity, we offer strong English Language Learner (ELL) programs to students in grades 1-12. We offer a rigorous curriculum based on North American academic standards and instructional practices in PK3-12 and the Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Programs to students in grades 11-12.
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement
Address: 100 Feet Road, Taramani, Chennai-600113, India
Tel: +91 44 22549000, +91 44 22549001
Website: www.aisch.org
Indus International School, Hyderabad
Newly-opened (2008), this school is spread across a sprawling 27-acre layout, housing four academic blocks, a large integrated sports complex, a state-of-the-art resource centre, modern labs, two libraries, and a wi-fi enabled campus.
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate, IGCSE
Address: Survey No. 424 & 425, Kondakal Village, Near Mokila, (M), Shankarpally, RR District
Tel: +91 8417 302199, +91 8417 302110
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.indusschoolhyd.com
International School of Hyderabad
ISH is a English medium co-educational day school that provides education for children between the ages of 18 months to 18 years. At present our student body consists of 268 students from over 26 different countries. The majority of the students at ISH are from abroad. That said, ISH is able to admit a limited number of Indian citizens. Over 34 % of the ISH staff is international coming from 12 different countries.
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Address: Patancheru, Hyderabad 502324, Andhra Pradesh, India
Tel: +91 40 30713869
Fax: +91 40 30713865
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ishhyd.com
Kodaikanal International School
KIS is located at 2133m in the peaceful Palani Hills of South India, a region known for its rugged beauty and cool temperate climate. International Baccalaureate (IB) and American curricula are offered to around 600 students in Preschool through grades 1-12, vertically coordinated in Elementary, Middle and High School programs.
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Address: Seven Roads Junction, PO Box 25, Kodaikanal 624 101, Tamil Nadu, India
Tel: +91 4542 247 500
Fax: +91 4542 241 109
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.kis.in
Mosaica American School of Hyderabad, Mosaica American School of Gurgaon
Mosaica American Schools, a leader in education worldwide, provides an accredited, college-preparatory American curriculum for pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Our content-rich Paragon© curriculum is interdisciplinary, engaging, discovery-based, student centered, and multi-cultural. Using a robust online platform along with the Paragon© educational model, we prepare students to become the architects of tomorrow.
Curriculum: Paragon
Address: Plot No. 16, H. No. 1-63/3/16, Kavuri Hills (Extension of Rd. No. 36 of Jubilee Hills), Hyderabad, India 500081
Tel: +91 40 49101699
The American Embassy School, New Delhi
The American Embassy School serves students from the United States and other nations. It provides a quality American education that enables students to be inspired learners and responsible global citizens through the collaboration of a dedicated faculty and a supportive community.
Curriculum: American
Address: Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, India
Tel: +91 11 2688 8854
Fax: +91 11 2687 3320
Website: www.serve.com/aesndi
The American School of Bombay
Centrally located in the Bandra Kurla Complex and Kurla (West) suburbs of Mumbai, ASB’s two campuses are 3 kilometers from one another. Their Elementary School Campus (ECEC3 to Grade 5) is located in Kurla (West), 10 minutes from the Secondary School Campus (Grades 6 to 12) in the Bandra Kurla Complex. Their two campuses are easily accessible to families living throughout Mumbai. All of our buildings are air-conditioned and wirelessly enabled.
Curriculum: American
Address: Kohinoor City, Premier Residencies, Kurla West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400070, India
Tel: +91 22 6772 7272
Email: [email protected]
FB: www.facebook.com/asbindia
Website: www.asbindia.org
Trio World School
Trio World School is a welcoming inclusive international school in Bangalore, dedicated to the pursuit of student learning while fostering growth in personal and social relationships. Their mission is to educate every child academically to the best of his or her abilities while providing opportunities for growth socially, athletically and artistically through academic and extra-curricular activities. It is the goal of the school to help each student be successful whether going on to university, to college or to the world of work.
Curriculum: IGCS, ICSE
Address: 3/5 Kodigehalli Main Road Sahakar Nagar Bangalore- 560092, India
Tel: +91 80 40611222
Fax: +91 08023551228
Mobile: +91 9741124443
FB: www.facebook.com/TrioWorldSchoolBangalore
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.trioworldschool.com
Woodstock School Mussoorie, Uttaranchal
Woodstock is the oldest international boarding school in Asia. For almost 160 years they have offered a first-class, college-preparatory education to students from around the world. Today, more than 500 students and 150 staff live and work together on our 250-acre campus high in the first range of the Himalayas.
Curriculum: Indian, American
Address: Tehri Road, Landour, Mussoorie 248179, Uttarakhand, 248179, India
Tel: +91 135 661 5000
FB: www.facebook.com/WoodstockSchool
Website: www.woodstock.ac.in
Local News in English
The Economic Times
Economic Times India's Leading Business Newspaper offers Business News, Financial news, Stock/Share Market News, Economy News, Loans & Banking.
Website: economictimes.indiatimes.com/
The India Express Group
With the largest network of reporters across the country, The Indian Express and the business daily, The Financial Express, are published from a dozen cities every day, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Pune, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Jammu and Chennai. The Group publishes Loksatta in Mumbai, the largest Marathi daily, and Jansatta in Hindi. Screen, its weekly entertainment magazine, is considered the most influential and authoritative in the Mumbai film industry.
Website: www.expressindia.com/
The Hindu
The Hindu's independent editorial stand and its reliable and balanced presentation of the news have over the years, won for it the serious attention and regard of the people who matter in India and abroad.
Website: www.hinduonnet.com/
Country Information
Location: Asia
Capital City: New Delhi
Other Important Cities: Mumbai (formerly Bombay), Delhi, Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), Chennai (formerly Madras), Bangalore and Hyderabad.
Currency: Rupee (Rs. or INR)
Language: Hindi, Sanskrit, English, Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Malayalam, Maithili, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu.
Calling Code: +91
Internet TLD: .in
Electricity: The country runs on 240V 50Hz Type C and D plug. The largest electricity producer and distributor in the country is the National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC)
Address: SCOPE Complex, Institutional Area, Lodhi Road,, New Delhi – 110003
Tel: +91 11 24360100, +91 11 24387000, +91 11 24387001
Fax: +91 11 24361018
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ntpc.co.in/
Emergency Numbers:
Ambulance – 1066
Fire – 101
Police – 100
Country Information
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India
Embassy Information
www.mfa.is/diplomatic-missions/foreign-missions/
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
All foreigners must obtain a visa through an Indian embassy or consulate or through the online visa application site: indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/indianVisaReg.jsp. Expats entering using a tourist visa may remain for up to 3 months, which is none extendable.
There are a number of visas available apart from the short-term tourist visa: Business Visa, Conference Visa, Diplomatic Visa, Employment Visa, Emergency Visa, Entry Visa, Journalist Visa, Medical Visa, Missionaries Visa, Permit to re-enter within 2 months, Research Visa, Student Visa.
The long-term business visa is valid for up to 5 years. Eligibility for this visa is as follows:
(i) Foreign nationals who wish to visit India to establish industrial/business venture or to explore possibilities to set up industrial/business venture in India.
(ii) Foreign nationals coming to India to purchase/sell industrial products or commercial products or consumer durables.
(iii) Foreign nationals coming to India for technical meetings/discussions, attending Board meetings or general meetings for providing business services support.
(iv) Foreign nationals coming to India for recruitment of manpower.
(v) Foreign nationals who are partners in the business and/or functioning as Directors of the company.
(vi) Foreign nationals coming to India for consultations regarding exhibitions or for participation in exhibitions, trade fairs, business fairs etc.
(vii) Foreign buyers who come to transact business with suppliers/ potential suppliers at locations in India, to evaluate or monitor quality, give specifications, place orders, negotiate further supplies etc., relating
Meanwhile an employment visa is valid for up to 1 year or the duration of the employment contract. Eligibility is as follows:
(i) Foreign nationals coming to India as consultant on contract for whom the Indian company pays a fixed remuneration (this may not be in the form of a monthly salary).
(ii) Foreign artists engaged to conduct regular performances for the duration of the employment contract given by Hotels, Clubs, other organizations.
(iii) Foreign nationals who are coming to India to take up employment as coaches of national /state level teams or reputed sports clubs.
(iv) Foreign sportsmen who are given contract for a specified period by the Indian Clubs/organizations.
v) Self-employed foreign nationals coming to India for providing engineering, medical, accounting, legal or such other highly skilled services in their capacity as independent consultants provided the provision of such services by foreign nationals is permitted under law.
(vi) Foreign language teachers/interpreters.
(vii) Foreign specialist Chefs.
(viii) Foreign engineers/technicians coming to India for installation and commissioning of equipment/machines/tools in terms of the contract for supply of such equipment/machines/tools.
(ix) Foreign nationals deputed for providing technical support/services, transfer of know-how/services for which the Indian company pays fees/royalty to the foreign company.
- From Indian Bureau of Immigration boi.gov.in/content/frequently-asked-questions-faqs
Accommodation
Most expats in India prefer living in apartment. There are many to choose from and quality varies depending on the neighborhood and when it is built. There are apartments built especially for foreigners. These are luxurious units that have features western foreigners are used to like central heating and air conditioning. Most apartments however are rented unfurnished, fittings are also normally supplied by the tenant.
Usually the expat’s employer makes these accommodation arrangements, however if no accommodation can be provided, expats normally go to real estate agencies.
Even though a unit was sourced through a real estate agency, tenants will still be in direct contact with the landlord, who will be living in close proximity. Rental contracts come in two options: a lease agreement that last a minimum of 12 months covered by rent control laws; and a lease and license agreement for up to 11 months, which is preferred by landlords to retain control over the set rent. Cash payments more common and is to be expected and deposits are required upon signing the lease.
Single expats, especially male may need a reference of good character, as single men in India have a reputation. An important feature to look out for is apartment security services. Especially in areas where there’s little to no expat communities, foreigners fall prey to robberies.
Expat communities are mostly concentrated in Delhi. This is a sprawling metropolis with a number of unique neighborhoods. Jor Bagh and South Extension are residential areas close to shopping amenities. Nizamuddin East and West is also another residential area with parks perfect for expats with families. The most popular place for foreigners is Vasant Vihar, where most diplomatic missions are located.
Mumbai is another metropolis popular with expatriates. Foreigners gather in this area mostly due to the proximity to schools and workplaces. Traffic in Mumbai however is hectic and can be frustrating. Andheri and Bandra West are busy areas, but with good reason. There are a number of shopping malls, commercial shops and restaurants in the area that keep people moving around a lot. To escape the standstill traffic issues, expats take to Khar West, up north. Rent here is also cheaper.
Driving License
Expats may use and international driving license to drive legally in India. Driving in the country can be a varied experience as road conditions are different in certain areas. Also, the heavy traffic jams are aggravated by risky drivers. It is important to get a good solid knowledge of the streets and the area in general, navigating around the cities can be a challenge. Roads run on the opposite side unlike most countries; drivers are on the right.
Visit the department of transport website www.transportindia.org/about_us_from_RTO.asp
Healthcare
The standard of healthcare in India varies according to their closeness to major cities. Most adequate hospitals with high standards are located in the more metropolitan areas. While public hospitals are able to carry out routine medical services, private hospitals are preferred for more serious ailments as these institutions usually come fully equipped and a high standard of service and especially hygiene is met. Ambulatory services in private hospitals are also more reliable and better equipped for a number of emergencies. Precautionary vaccinations are highly advised as there are a number endemic illnesses in this part of the world; these include malaria and tuberculosis.
The cost of medical services in India is cheaper compared to the ones available in Western countries. However it is still recommended to have health insurance to cover costs of more complicated medical cases, which can add up to a huge amount. As an employed expat, the employer will normally arrange this, however if it’s not available, expats are advised to obtain one.
Insurance Companies
Bajaj Allianz
Bajaj Allianz is one of India's leading General Insurance companies. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited is a joint venture between Bajaj Finserv Limited and Allianz SE. Both enjoy a reputation of expertise, stability and strength.
Address: GE Plaza, Airport Road, Yerawada, Pune 411 006
Tel: +1800 209 5858
Emal: [email protected]
Website: www.bajajallianz.com/Corp/general-insurance/general-insurance.jsp
Hospitals
Delhi
Rockland Hospital
Rockland Hospitals Limited (RHL) was initially set up in Dec 2004 under the trust Foundation for Applied Research in Cancer (FARC). RHL is currently running three hospitals
» 100-bed facility at Qutub Institutional area
» 103-bed facility at Dwarka launched in July 2012
» 505 bed super specialty hospital at Manesar, commissioned in Jan 2013 – IP opened in April 2013
Address (Qutub): B-33-34, Qutab Institutional Area, Katwaria Sarai
Tel: +91 11 47667100, +91 9717011667
Email: [email protected]
Address (Manesar): Plot No. P-2, Sector-5, IMT,Manesar
Tel: +91 8527590055
Email: [email protected]
Address (Dwarka): Sector-12, HAF-B, Phase-1, Delhi
Tel: +91-11-48222222, +91-8130390323
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.rocklandhospitals.com/
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, formerly known as Willingdon Hospital, was established by the British for their staff and had only 54 beds. After independence, its control was shifted to New Delhi Municipal Committee. The hospital has grown over the years and is currently having about 984 beds, spread over in 30 acres of land. It caters to the population of New Delhi and Central District, apart from patients from other areas and even from outside Delhi. It is having 71 beds in a Nursing Home for the C.G.H.S beneficiaries, including Maternity Nursing Home.
Address: Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi, DL, India
Tel: +91 11 2336 5525
Website: www.rmlh.nic.in/
BLK Super Speciality Hospital
BLK Super Speciality Hospital has a unique combination of the best in class technology, put to use by the best names in the professional circles to ensure world-class health care to all patients. Spread on five acres of land, with a capacity of 700 beds, BLK Super Speciality Hospital is one of the largest tertiary care private hospitals in the country, BLK has consistently ranked amongst the Top 10 Multi Super Specialty Hospitals in Delhi NCR. The outpatient services are spread on two floors with 60 consultation rooms. All ambulatory services have been designed with intent to create dedicated aides for all specialities, with their interventional services in close vicinity. Therefore, whether it is the proximity of diagnostic services and blood bank to the emergency or one of the best Endoscopy suites to ensure timely and efficient services, the infrastructure speaks volumes about BLK's commitment to 'PASSION FOR HEALING'.
Address: Pusa Road, Rajendra Place, New Delhi, DL, India
Tel: +91 11 3040 3040
Website: blkhospital.com/
Batra Hospital
Batra Hospital & Medical Research Centre established in 1987 by Ch. Aishi Ram Batra Public Charitable Trust with an infrastructure comprising of 495 beds, 14 Operation Theatres, 112 ICU beds, 24x7 Emergency facilities, full range of state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratories and comprehensive rehabilitation facilities. Batra Hospital is the capital’s first multi-specialty private hospital of Delhi. Our aim has always been to bring world-class medical care within the reach of a common man. Over the years it has progressed bringing in the latest and the most modern medical care in critical and life threatening areas like Cancer, Cardiac, Orthopaedics, Nephrology and Neuro Surgery.
Address: # 1, Mehrauli Badarpur Road, Tughlakabad Institutional Area, Tughlakabad, New Delhi, DL, India
Tel: +91 11 2995 8747
Website: www.batrahospitaldelhi.org/
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital is a 675-Beded multi-speciality state-of-the-art Hospital in India. It provides comprehensive Healthcare India services, and has acquired the status of a premier medical institution. It is the only hospital in the private sector that has maintained nearly 100% bed occupancy due to its reputation of providing the highest level of medical services to patients from Delhi and neighbouring states.
Address: Old Rajendra Nagar, New Delhi, DL, India
Tel: +91 11 2575 0000
Website: www.sgrh.com/
Sant Parmanand Hospital
Sant Parmanand Hospital is a 153 bed multi-super specialty hospital located in the heart of Delhi. In a short span of 13 years, the hospital has earned the reputation of being one of the finest institutions in the health care sector backed by a team of doctors of national and international fame. The Hospital provides all medical facilities for any type of surgery or ailment that a patient may face and the hospital’s key areas of focus include joint replacement surgery, trauma, critical care medicine, eye-care, high risk obstetrics and birthing center. Sant Parmanand Hospital is home to The Delhi Institute of Trauma and Orthopedics, founded by the Hospital’s Executive Director and Chief Surgeon, Dr. Shekhar Agarwal. The hospital also has a pain management center, bone bank and blood bank.
Address: Sham Nath Marg, Railway Colony, Civil Lines, New Delhi, DL, India
Tel: +91 11 2399 4401
Website: www.sphdelhi.org/
Moolchand Hospital
Address: Lajpat Nagar, Part III, New Delhi, DL, India
Tel: +91 11 4200 0000
Website: www.moolchandhealthcare.com/
Mumbai
Lilavati Hospital
The hospital is located in the heart of Mumbai; and is very close to the domestic and the international airport.The hospital started functioning in 1997 with 10 beds and initially had only 22 doctors. Today, it boasts of 314 beds with one of the largest Intensive Care Units (ICUs), most advanced 12 Operation Theaters, more than 300 consultants and manpower of nearly 1,800.Hospital attends to around 300 In-patients and 1,500 Out-patients daily.
Address: A - 791, Bandra Reclamation, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Tel: +91 22 2675 1000
Website: www.lilavatihospital.com/index.aspx
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute is India’s one of the most advanced tertiary care facilities. As the flagship social initiative of the Reliance Group headed by Anil Dhirubhai Ambani, the hospital is designed to raise India's global standing as a healthcare hub, with emphasis on excellence in clinical services, diagnostic facilities and research.
Address: Achutrao Patwardhan Marg, Four Bunglows, Andheri (W), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Tel: +91 22 3099 9999
Website: www.kokilabenhospital.com/
Saifee Hospital
Ideally located in South Mumbai, overlooking the majestic Arabian Sea, stands The Saifee Hospital, a state of the art, multi speciality hospital. Inaugurated on June 4, 2005 by the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the hospital opened its doors for the service of humanity.
Address: No. 15/17, Maharshi Karve Road, Opp Station, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Tel: +91 22 6757 0111
Website: www.saifeehospital.com/
BSES MG Hospital
Located opposite Andheri Railway Station, in the heart of the city of Mumbai, BSES M G Hospital is easily accessible from various parts of the city. The hospital is close to both, the domestic and international airports. The 120 bedded hospital is equipped with 22 intensive care beds. The hospital provides almost every type of service, in the fields of diagnosis, investigations, treatment and rehabilitation. Other facilities include a Day Care centre, Specialty Clinics, Sports Medicine centre, Executive Health Check ups.
Address: S.V.Road, Opposite Andheri Railway Station, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Tel: +91 22 6648 7500
Website: www.ghrc-bk.org/
Sujay Hospital
Sujay Hospital is multi-specialty, ISO Certified hospital in Juhu, Vile Parle Development Scheme, Mumbai
Address: Gulmohar Park, Next To Talwalkars Gym, Gulmohar Road, Juhu Scheme, 25, CD Barfiwala Road, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Tel: +91 22 2621 2233
Website: www.sujayhospital.com/
Jaslock Hospital
Address: Pedder Rd, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Tel: +91 22 6657 3333
Website: jaslokhospital.net/index.aspx
P. D. Hinduja Hospital
Address: Swatantrya Veer Savarkar Marg, Mahim, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Tel: +91 22 2445 2222
Website: www.hindujahospital.com/
