Destination Guide for India - USP Relocations (Thailand Moving company)

Life in India

As its industry and economy become stronger, India is becoming an increasingly popular destination for expats. The diversity of the country and population is dizzying, and it offers a drastically different way of life from that in the western countries. If that sounds appealing, then join the increasing numbers of American citizens who are making their way to this fascinating and ever-changing sub-continent.

Quick Facts About India

Population: 1.252 billion
Most popular city for expats: Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai
Currency: Indian Rupee
Official language: 24 official languages: Hindi is the most prominently spoken, while English is the primary language for government, business and education
Main industries: Enormously varied, with engineering, steel, textiles, tourism, pharmaceuticals and software being some of the biggest

Weather

he climate of India comprises a wide range of weather conditions across a vast geographic scale and varied topography, making generalizations difficult. Climate in north India is generally hotter than south India whereas the South India gets more humid due to nearby coasts. Most parts of the nation don’t experience temperatures below 10 °C (50 °F) in winter, and the temperature usually tends to exceed 40 °C (104 °F) during summer.

Based on the Köppen system, India hosts six major climatic sub types, ranging from arid deserts in the west, alpine tundra and glaciers in the north, and humid tropical regions supporting rain forests in the southwest and the island territories. Many regions have starkly different microclimates, making it one of the most climatically diverse countries in the world. The country’s meteorological department follows the international standard of four seasons with some local adjustments: winter (January and February), summer (March, April and May), monsoon (rainy) season (June to September), and a post-monsoon period (October to December).

Cost of Living

So, you’re moving to India. The affordable cost of living in India can often mean having a really good quality of life, with high-quality entertainment options, and even help around the house coming for a low cost.

India is the world’s largest democracy, with 1.2 billion people living across a diverse array of urban and rural cities and towns, stretching across 1.269 million square miles. That massive geography makes for a lot of choices, and a lot of options when it comes to how much you want to spend on your life in India. The cost of living varies a lot as you move from urban to rural areas of India. Most expats though, live in the urban centers of India because of the opportunities and infrastructure it offers.

Food

Restaurants

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant 170.00 ₹
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course 800.00 ₹
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) 300.00 ₹
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) 140.00 ₹
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) 270.00 ₹
Cappuccino (regular) 118.89 ₹
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) 32.72 ₹
Water (0.33 liter bottle) 14.44 ₹

Rent Prices

Rent Per Month

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre 12,338.83 ₹
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre 7,736.56 ₹
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre 27,918.89 ₹
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre 17,102.57 ₹

Utilities (Monthly)

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment 2,848.98 ₹
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) 0.89 ₹
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) 813.10 ₹

For more detailed cost of living in the India, please click here or visit:

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International Schools

Here you can find a short list of some top schools in India:

American School of Bombay

SF 2, G-Block,
Bandra Kurla Complex Road, Bandra East,
Mumbai, Maharashtra,
400051,
India

www.asbindia.org

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior.

Read more about American School of Bombay

Sancta Maria International School

Survey No 106/107,
Serilingampally,
Hyderbad, Telangana,
500019,
India

www.sanctamaria.in

Co-educational, Day, Preparatory, Senior.

Read more about Sancta Maria International School

The International School Bangalore

Whitefield-Sarjapur Road,
Near Dommasandra Circle,
Bengaluru, Karnataka,
562125,
India

tisb.org

Co-educational, Boarding, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

Read more about The International School Bangalore

Aditya Birla World Academy

Vastushilp Annexe, Gamadia Colony,
J D Road, Tardeo,
Mumbai,
400034,
India

Co-educational, Day, Senior.

Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad

Survey No 1/1 Hardware Park,
Maheshwaram Mandal, Rangareddy District,
Hyderabad, Telangana,
501510,
India

Co-educational, Boarding, Day.

Ahmedabad International School

Opp Rajpath Row Houses,
Behind Kiran Motors, Judges Bungalow Road,
Bodakdev, Ahmedabad,
380015,
India

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior.

Customs Regulations for Returning Citizens

The transferee must be in India by the time the transferee’s shipment arrives
- NOTE that some cities require the transferee to be present at the clearance port while other cities do not. Whether the transferee’s physical presence is specifically required at the customs port is dependent on the clearance location. Please verify with Clearing Agent.
- If transferee presence is not required, a signed Declaration of Contents and original passport is still required
All import shipments to India need to be properly declared on the packing list. Customs need this information to identify the dutiable items so the correct assessment and tax application can be applied to the shipment. The markings on the boxes must also match the consignee name on the packing list and the Bill of Lading. If this information is not provided, a full examination of the shipment will be required which will extend the clearance period as well as incur additional charges.

Customs Guide India

That said, here are a few of the main points summed up for which you should be made aware of:

Required Documentation

Following documents are required for import of household goods and personal effects into the India:

Original passport (minimum 3 years old)
- If passport is not 3 years old, the previous passport must be available
Valued list of articles with date of purchase
Baggage customs declaration signed by owner of the goods
Packing list

List of electronic items – Electrical and Electronic Value declaration (brand, model and serial number of all major appliances must be noted)- (The format will be provided by India offices)
Authority letters (diplomats / non-diplomats, refer to agents for more information as the agent at destination will help fill out and provide letter)
Duty-free exemption certificate issued by diplomatic organization in India
Original bill of lading (OBL) / sea waybill / copy of air waybill (AWB)
Original residence permit (foreigners)
Valid visa / PIO card for foreign nationals
FRRO (required if shipper is holding foreign passport)
Employment letter / transfer letter / assignment letters
All consignees holding foreign passport should apply for Residential Permit to avail Transfer of Residence benefit. This is mandated even for Indian citizen holding (PIO) card (See below on the Transfer of Residence)

For more detailed information, please view the full Customs Regulations Guide from FIDI. Please also contact one of our move specialists who are here to help you with importing your house hold goods into India from Thailand.

Pets

Microchip: Each Pet shall be identified by means of a microchip. No other form of identification is acceptable.
Rabies Vaccination & Certificate: All pets must have an original Rabies Certificate and this certificate must state the microchip number, the date of inoculation and the validity of the particular vaccination you obtain
Vet Health Certificate: This is the standard Health Certificate to be filled out by an accredited Veterinarian at the origin. Must be issued within 10 days of the flight. Health Certificate must state that the pet has no clinical signs of Aujossky’s disease, Distemper, Rabies, Leishmaoiasis, Leptospirosis and Tuberculosis.
Annexure I (Dogs) or II (Cats) Certificate
No Objection Certificate (“NOC”): The No Objection Certificate is a temporary permit issued in India allowing pets to be brought into the country.
Only one cat, dog or parrot may be imported at the time of shipment.

Motor Vehicles

ALL VEHICLES including boats are subject to DUTY and very high taxes
Prior to Customs clearance, foreign nationals are required to furnish a bank bond for import trade authorities, stating not to sell the car for a specified period
Indians can sell the car immediately upon Customs clearance
Indians can import brand new cars up to 1600cc
Cars exceeding 1600cc must have been registered in the importers name abroad for at least one year

Transit Times and Ports of Entry

Sea Shipments:

Port of Entry	Transit Time	Customs Clearance
New Delhi	22-27 Days	10-12 Working Days
Bangalore	20-25 Days	10-12 Working Days
Mumbai	16-20 Days	10-12 Working Days

Air Shipments:

Port of Entry	Transit Time	Customs Clearance
New Delhi	1 Day	2-4 Working Days