Living in India: What New Zealanders Need to Know

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The Remitly editorial team is a global group of writers and editors passionate about helping Kiwis thrive in New Zealand and beyond.

Key Highlights

Enjoy a busy daily life full of bright Indian culture, tasty food, and colourful festivals.
The cost of living is much lower than in New Zealand. This means you can have a more comfortable way of life.
You can find good accommodation in big cities like Mumbai and New Delhi. You will see both modern flats and old-style houses.
Move around the big cities with good public transport. Things like rickshaws and the growing metro system are easy on the wallet.
Be ready for a lively and sometimes busy place that can bring many chances for you to grow, both at work and in your own life.

Introduction

Are you thinking about picking India for your new home? The country stands out with its busy markets, deep-rooted customs, and growing economy. Many expats from New Zealand feel excited and a bit nervous about moving to India. This guide will help you find out what you need to know. It covers things like the visa process and how to get used to life in India. If you get ready the right way, your move to India can be a great adventure and a good chance to grow.

Understanding Life in India for New Zealanders

Getting used to the way of life in India means you need to welcome a culture that has many sides and is built around a lot of tradition. Indian society stands out because of its warm welcome and strong sense of community. This can help newcomers feel more at home.

In India, people put a lot of focus on relationships in daily life. If you take the time to get to know others, you will find it easier to adjust and feel like you belong in your new place. This part looks at what people do each day, how they act with others, and how they talk, which you will come across in Indian society.

Daily routines and lifestyle differences

Daily life for foreigners in India can be quite different from what you find in New Zealand. Many start the day with yoga, which is a strong part of Indian culture. You might head out early, going through busy streets to a cafe for a chai. Things move fast in the big Indian cities, so the energy can take some getting used to.

Getting around in India is a big part of the routine. People often use public transport, like rickshaws and scooters. Taking these feels like an adventure. In the evenings, you might go to community events or try the many choices of street food. Indian cities, unlike more quiet areas in New Zealand, don’t slow down much, and people are outside almost all the time.

Where you choose to live will play a role in what things are like for you. You can stay in a modern apartment or pick a more traditional house. It’s common to be part of a close group in your neighbourhood. If you want to get the most out of living in India, it’s good to open up to all these changes.

Adapting to Indian culture can be a truly good experience, but you need to keep an open mind for it. In Indian society, family is very important. People care a lot about respecting elders and keeping harmony in the community. At social gatherings, you will notice that people believe hospitality is a must. You may get invited to other people’s homes often. For westerners, you may find personal space is not the same as back home, because life here is more about being with others.

It is important to build real relationships in both social and work situations. Having patience and wanting to see other views really helps. Dressing modestly, especially at religious places or in areas that are more traditional, shows you respect these customs and people will notice. Also, if you show real interest in your colleagues and neighbours, it will really help you fit in.

The shift in culture is not always easy for expats, but many find that going along with these new ways brings peace of mind and lets you build better connections with the people around you. It is not about losing who you are, but about growing and understanding things in new ways.

Language and communication essentials

One of the common challenges that expats face in India is how to communicate, but the good thing is that English is spoken by many people, especially in urban areas and the business world. Still, if you take some time to learn basic Hindi or the local language where you stay, this will help a lot and show that you respect local ways.

Simple greetings and phrases let you connect with people and help your day go more smoothly. If you are new, people will often like seeing you try, and they will be warm to you. Do not worry if you get things wrong; most locals are happy to help you get better.

Consider these essentials for communication:

Learn basic greetings: Saying “Namaste” (hello) or “Dhanyavaad” (thank you) in Hindi can help a lot in India.
Be patient: How people talk can be less direct than in New Zealand, and building trust or a good vibe before getting down to work is the usual way.
Use simple English: Many people speak English, but using clear and simple words is the best way to stop confusion.

This way, newcomers can have a better time in India, connect with more people, and enjoy both work and daily life in urban areas.

Comparing India with New Zealand

When you look at India and New Zealand, the cost of living is one of the biggest things that stand out. If you’re using the New Zealand dollar, your money will go a lot further in India. This means you can enjoy a higher standard of living than you might think. Many expats in India say they can use their money to get things like luxuries and services that cost a lot more in other western countries.

But it’s not just about how much you spend. There are other changes too. Things like roads and transport, the local place, and the way people live can be very different in India. In this part, we will talk about the cost of living, the good and bad of living in India compared to other western countries, and ways for expats to get used to the new weather and place.

Standard of living and cost comparison

How does the standard of living in India compare to other countries? For expats, the quality of life can be very high, largely due to the low cost of living. In major urban areas like Mumbai and Delhi, an expat salary often affords a comfortable lifestyle that is well above the global average. You can live comfortably, eat out regularly, and travel without the financial constraints you might feel in New Zealand.

Rent, utilities, and daily expenses are significantly lower. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in a major Indian city costs around ₹20,000 ($440 NZD), a fraction of what you’d pay in Auckland or Wellington. Even in rural areas, costs are incredibly low, though amenities might be more basic.

Here is a quick comparison of average monthly costs:

Expense	Mumbai (Approx. NZD)	London (Approx. NZD)
3-Bedroom Rent (City)	$2,640	$6,600
Utilities (Basic)	$99	$385
Meal for Two (Mid-range)	$33	$132

This financial freedom contributes to a high quality of life for many expatriates.

Pros and cons of living in India versus Western countries

Deciding if you will move to India is about looking at the good and bad parts, and thinking about how life in western countries, such as New Zealand, is different. There is so much in India that makes you grow as a person. You get to be a part of a new culture, and this can feel special. There is a vibrant culture, good food, and you will get many chances to travel. These things can be hard to find in other places.

But, there are some things that can be hard in India. There is a lot of paperwork to deal with, and air pollution can be a problem in the big cities. People who come from New Zealand need to get used to a busier life. There can be noise and lots of people around, and this might feel too much if you like things quiet.

Here’s a summary of the main pros and cons:

Pro: The cost of living is a lot lower, so you get more money to spend and your quality of life can get better.
Pro: There are rich cultural times, and you can visit many places in India and all through Asia.
Con: There can be trouble with the roads, some power cuts, and traffic can be heavy and slow.

Thinking about the cost of living, life in western countries, air pollution, and your own personal growth can help you pick what is best for you. India has a lot to give, but it has some problems too

Adapting to the climate and environment

One of the main things that expats face is getting used to India’s different climate and environment. New Zealand has mild weather, but in India, there are places that get very hot, there are big monsoon rains, and in the north, there are cold winters. You have to be ready for all this change so you stay well and comfortable.

Air pollution is another big issue, especially in major cities like New Delhi and Delhi. Many expats buy air purifiers for their homes to help with the air inside. People also wear masks when they go out on days when the air is bad. It’s something you need to watch out for and handle to look after your health.

India is also much more busy and noisy. You will hear traffic all the time—including the sound of horns from public transport and rickshaws. At first, it can feel like a lot, but with time, most people get used to it. Some even start to like the busy feeling and energy of the city.

What You Need to Get Started

Your move to India starts when you sort out the basics. Make sure you take care of important paperwork first. This will include getting the right visa and work permit. You need to have these done before you look for a place to stay. The steps may look hard at first, but splitting them up can help a lot.

It is a good idea to plan early, so you do not run into problems at the last minute. In this part, you will learn about the key papers you will need, what you should pack, and the tools to help you settle down without stress.

Essential paperwork and visa requirements

One key thing you need to know before you go is that you have to get the right visa. The Indian government gives out a lot of different types, but you cannot work in India on a tourist visa. If you have a job offer lined up, you must get an employment visa, and you will usually need the company in India to support this.

Getting the employment visa means you need to get some papers ready. You will need to fill out a form online, and you may have to go to the Indian embassy or consulate in New Zealand. It’s a good idea to start the visa process early. This helps you with any slow-downs or problems that can come up.

You will likely need these main papers:

Your passport that is still good for at least six months.
A real job offer if you want an employment visa.
Proof that you have enough money and a place to stay for your accommodation in India.

Be sure to check the latest needs on the official government website. Rules about a visa, accommodation, or what you hand in can change at any time.

Packing list for moving from New Zealand

Making a packing list is a must when you get ready for your relocation. You might be able to buy most things in India, but there are still some personal items you will want to have from day one. You should think about prescription medicines, your go-to skin care, and any small electronic items or adaptors that you need.

Because the weather in India can be hot and sticky, it is key to pack clothes that are light and let your skin breathe. Go for cotton and linen clothes. It is best to mix in outfits that cover you well for day-to-day life, with some smart clothes for work or a night out. If you do yoga, you can bring your own yoga mat, but you can also get one in India very easily.

Here are some important things you should add to your packing list:

Important documents: Put your passport, visa, and other main papers in your carry-on bag.
Medication: Bring enough of your prescription and your usual over-the-counter medicines.
Electronics: Universal power adaptors plus any chargers you must have.
Sentimental items: Add special bits from home to help your new place in India feel more like yours.

Important resources for settling in

When you get to a new city, having the right resources will help you settle in faster. The internet will be your go-to way to find out about local services and community events. You can use online forums and social media groups for expats in your city. These groups give you good advice and support from people who know what it’s like.

Talking with other expats gives you that sense of community. It makes it easier to deal with the first challenges. In these groups, people share all kinds of tips, like how to find a plumber you can count on or the best places to eat. A friendly face who knows what you’re going through means a lot.

Here are some places to look for helpful resources:

Expat groups: Try Facebook or other sites for groups like “New Zealanders in Mumbai” or “Expats in Bangalore.”
Online property portals: Websites like Magicbricks and 99acres help you search for accommodation.
Networking apps: You can use apps like LinkedIn to connect with others in your work area.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Life in India

Starting your new life in India means you need to do a few practical things. When you get there, you will want to look after your home, your money, and the things you need every day. In busy urban areas, this can feel like a lot. But if you have a plan, it will help you stay on track.

You will need to find a place to live. You might also enrol your children in school. Each step will help you settle in for a good relocation. With this guide, you can be sure about what to do when setting up your new life in India.

Step 1: Securing accommodation

Finding the right accommodation should be your first step. The best cities for expats are big places like Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bangalore. In these cities, you get many housing choices and there be well-settled expat communities too. You can pick from modern high-rise apartments or go for large houses within gated areas.

You can start your search on online property portals like Magicbricks and Housing.com. Here, you can filter the housing options by location, price, or what extras you want. It’s a good idea to go and see the new home in person before you decide on anything.

When you are getting your new home in Mumbai, New Delhi, or Bangalore, remember these things:

Thoroughly review the lease: Make sure the lease says the right rent amount, the security deposit, and how long you can stay.
Consider a real estate agent: It helps to use a local agent. They know the market well and can help you get good terms.
Think about location: It’s smart to pick a place close to work, schools, and things you need. This can make your daily life in Delhi or any city much easier.

Step 2: Opening a local bank account

Opening a local bank account is an important step for looking after your money in India. The bank account helps you pay your bills, get your salary, and manage daily spending. There are a lot of good banks in India, including local and international options. If you are one of the expats living in India, having a bank account here is almost needed.

To open your account, you have to go to a branch of your bank in person. Many expats find this can be tough because of the number of papers and forms you need. Just be ready and patient with the process.

You will often need to bring your passport and your visa. You should also have something that shows your Indian address and your job details. Different banks can ask for different things, so it’s a good plan to call the bank first or check their website before you go in to see what paperwork you’ll need.

Step 3: Managing finances and currency exchange

Looking after your money well is important if you want to have a good time in India. The money used there is the Indian Rupee (INR), so you will need to change your New Zealand dollars. You can do this at banks, money exchange stalls, or some hotels. Most of the time, the banks give you the best rates.

The cost of living in India is low compared to New Zealand. This means you get more out of the money you have, and the low cost of living can give you a better way of life. Even with this, you still need to plan what you spend. Make sure you check how much you put into rent, utilities, food, and getting around. This helps you know your bills each month.

Getting a local bank account will help you work with your money every day. It’s useful for things like paying the rent and buying food. If you have to send a lot of money into or out of India, try to find services that give good exchange rates. This helps get the most out of your money.

Step 4: Registering for healthcare and insurance

Getting healthcare is very important when you move to India. The country has both public and private healthcare options. Public hospitals are open to everyone, but the service you get can change from place to place, and you might have to wait a long time, too. Because of this, most expats pick private healthcare.

Private hospitals and clinics in big cities give care that is often like western standards, and you do not have to pay as much as you would in many other places. Still, you will need good health insurance for your peace of mind and to cover these costs. Many employers give insurance plans, but you can buy your own if you need to.

Check that your insurance takes care of everything you need, like staying at the hospital, help during emergencies, and regular health checks. With a good policy, you will not have to worry about big, surprise costs and you can get the best healthcare in India.

Step 5: Enrolling children in schools

For expat families, picking the right school will be one of the most important things to do. So, is living in India a good option for families? The answer is yes, as India has a good education system and a wide range of international schools. Many expat families with young children like to choose these schools because they offer the International Baccalaureate (IB), and British or American curricula.

This way, your children have an easy time moving from one school to another. It also helps if you plan for your children to return to New Zealand, or go to another country later on. Because international schools are so popular, you need to apply early, sometimes even before you arrive in India.

Tuition at international schools can be quite high. Still, you can expect a good quality of education and a place where children from all over the world come together. Make sure to look into each school in your chosen city carefully. Think about which curriculum they use, what facilities they have, and how close it is to your new home.

Navigating Work and Employment

India’s economy is growing fast, and this gives expats many new career opportunities. The country is an important place for multinational corporations. There is a big need for skilled people in different fields, like IT, finance, and engineering. For a lot of people, moving to India is a good choice for their work life.

If you want to find a job, try remote work, or understand the local way of working, this section will help you. It gives you a simple guide on what to expect. With the right plan, you can get a good job in India and grow in your career.

Job market overview for expats

One great thing about living in India for a long time is the fast-changing job market. The tech field, especially in Bangalore and Hyderabad, is growing fast and brings in people from all around the world. There is also a lot of need for workers in manufacturing, medicine companies, and phones and internet work.

There is strong competition because there are a lot of people looking for jobs. But expats with special skills can find good job offers with multinational companies. These jobs can give you a good chance for career advancement. It is important to network. Sites like LinkedIn will help you reach out to companies and to people who help match workers with jobs.

To start your search for a job in India, you can:

Use online job portals: Sites like Naukri.com have many jobs you can look through in all of India.
Network professionally: Talk to people in your job field and try to go to events people from your industry go to.
Target multinational companies: These workplaces often look for expats and may have their own ways to bring on international staff.

Understanding Indian workplace culture

Getting used to the Indian workplace culture is a big part of your work life. There are strong hierarchies here, more than what you may find in New Zealand offices. People show a lot of respect to their boss and others who are senior to them. Most of the time, leaders at the top make the calls. People at work are, as a rule, meant to follow what the managers say.

The gap between work life and home life is not as clear here as it is in some places in the West. It is really important to get along with your colleagues and build strong links with them. This can help you find more career opportunities. Sometimes your work mates might ask you along to social or community events. It is a way to bring the team closer.

You may see people work long hours, but there is now a move for better work-life balance, mostly in international companies. Being patient, watching what goes on around you and being alright with a different style of working will help you get along in the Indian workplace.

Opportunities for remote work and digital nomads

India is now a top pick for many digital nomads and people who work from home. The low cost of living and better internet make it a good place to be. Some of the main cities for remote work are Bangalore, Pune, and some coastal places in Goa. These spots have a nice lifestyle for those who want to work away from the office.

There is not a visa made just for digital nomads in India yet. Many people who want to stay longer use other types of visa. It is very important to look into the rules about the visa right away, so you can follow them and not have any problems. High-speed internet is easy to get in the big cities, so you can stay online and keep working.

For digital nomads, the top cities give you:

Affordable living: You can get by on a small amount of money.
Good connectivity: Strong internet is key for remote work.
Vibrant community: There are plenty of co-working spaces and other remote workers.

Healthcare and Safety Considerations

When you move to a new country, your health and safety matter the most. When you are in India, it helps to know about the healthcare you can get there. The healthcare in India has both public hospitals and some good private facilities.

Safety in India is not the same everywhere. But, in all places, it’s best to keep an eye on what’s around you. On this page, you will find more about how to get medical help in india. You will also get some simple tips that can help you stay safe and healthy when you are there.

Accessing medical services in India

Most expats in India use private healthcare. In big cities, there are private hospitals with top doctors. They can speak English. These hospitals give all kinds of care. You can get simple check-ups or big surgeries. The cost is much less than in western countries.

It is smart to find good hospitals and clinics near where you live before you need them. The embassy or expat groups can help you with names of good places. It is important to have good health insurance. That way, you do not need to worry about paying for care.

For small health problems, you can visit a pharmacy. There are a lot of them, and they often give advice or medicines you do not need a prescription for. But, if you feel very sick or have a big problem, you should go see a doctor. You should keep emergency numbers with you, along with the phone number for your hospital.

Tips for staying safe and healthy

Keeping safe and healthy in your daily life in India is about using good sense and taking the right steps. For your peace of mind, you need to be aware of what is going on around you. This is really the most important in busy places, so you don’t get pickpocketed. Do not walk alone late at night in places you do not know.

To look after your health, pay close attention to what you eat and drink. Always go for bottled or filtered water. Take your time with street food until your stomach is used to it. Make sure you get the right shots before you visit. Air pollution is often a problem in many big cities, so check how bad it is each day. If it is not good, you might want to wear a mask.

Here are a few quick tips:

Be aware: Keep your things close to you when you are out in public.
Stay hydrated: Drink a lot of clean water, mainly when the weather is warm.
Register with your embassy: If there is an emergency, this helps them reach you.

[air pollution, peace of mind, india, embassy]

Conclusion

To sum up, living in India can really change your life if you’re from New Zealand. You get to see many cultures, busy city life, and a way of living that is different from what you know. At first, the changes might be hard to deal with, but if you learn the social norms, talk well with people, and get used to the weather, things get easier. The most important thing is to keep an open mind and stay curious when you move around in this big, lively country.

With some planning and if you’re keen to find new things, you can build a good life in India. It can help you grow, not just at work but also as a person. If you feel ready to start this journey, you might want to get a free chat to help you plan your move and get settled in india.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it hard to adapt to Indian culture as a New Zealander?

It can be hard for expats to get used to Indian culture at first because some things are not like what you might know from home. But there is a good side to it, too. Most Indians are friendly and welcome people from other places. If you keep an open mind, you will start to enjoy everything new and feel more at home. This way, you can fit in with your new home in India.

What are the best cities in India for expats?

The best cities for expats tend to be Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bangalore. These big cities have a lot of career opportunities for people. You can find modern accommodation in them and there are international schools too. There are many expats living in each city, so it is easier to get support. These things help you settle in, make new friends, and feel at home.

How does daily life differ for foreigners in India?

Daily life for a foreigner in India can be faster and more lively, especially in big cities and urban areas. The way of life is full of energy, with busy streets and many people around. You will often use public transport, like rickshaws, to get around. There is a strong feeling of community, which can be very different if you come from a quieter place like New Zealand.

Is living in India suitable for families from New Zealand?

Yes, India can be a good place for expat families. There are many high-quality international schools, so kids can get a great education. Living in India gives unique experiences. This can help the whole family with personal growth. The low cost of living also makes the quality of life better for many people.