Moving to India from the US: What You Need to Know

India is a stunning country located in South Asia, and it is the second-largest country in the world by population. Indeed, the population density of India is around 1,202 people per square mile; however, there are still regions that have nearly no inhabitants! India is well-known for being one of the countries with the most official languages, for having incredible displays of architecture—including the Dravidian style that is used in many temples—and for the Taj Mahal, one of the seven manmade wonders of the world. India also has a rich and fascinating culture.

Much of the culture of India is influenced by its main religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, and the temples of India are a large part of its culture as a whole. Nearly 18 million tourists visit India yearly to take in its beautiful sights and experience the culture for themselves. If you’re looking for a change of pace and want to experience life in a country that is one of the most linguistically, culturally, and ethnically diverse countries in the world, then check out Atlas® International’s India Moving Guide.

Moving from the US to India

Why are Americans moving to India? Many might make the move for the lower cost of living, as it is drastically less expensive to live in India than it is in the United States. The cost of living in New York City, including rent, is around 268% higher than the cost of living in India, making the latter a more agreeable place for those on a budget. Other people might move for a change in culture, as India’s culture is vastly different from that of the United States. India is one of the countries with the most public holidays, making it a lively and exciting place to be. One of these holidays, called Holi, is an important Hindu festival that is celebrated by tossing colored powers at one another, creating beautiful rainbows of color, and spreading joy. Even the geography of India is stunning and varied: from views of the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains to the grassy Western Ghats, an ancient mountain chain that time has worn down into smooth, rolling hills, there is no shortage of gorgeous sights in India.

Food

The wonders don’t stop there, either, as Indian food is an absolute treasure. Though India is known for curry, there is no single food with that name; rather, “curry” is a blanket term for a spicy sauce or gravy, and the term carried over from British colonization. Indian cuisine generally features a lot of rice, spices, and lentils. As for meat, chicken and mutton are often used. No matter your interests or tastes, there’s sure to be a place for you in India!

Climate

The climate in India is extremely varied due to the large landmass of the country itself. There are many climate “pockets” in India that experience weather that is different from the areas directly surrounding them. Generally speaking, the northeastern part of India (near the borders of Nepal and Bangladesh) experiences a humid, subtropical climate; the northernmost tip of India experiences a cool, montane climate; the northwest of India experiences a desert or arid steppe climate, and most of the rest of India is tropical wet and dry. Within these larger climate regions, there are pockets of temperate climates, mostly in the south, those these pockets are small.

Where to Live in India

Thinking of relocating to India? Here are some popular locations for ex-pats:

• Mumbai
• Kolkata
• Puducherry
• Jaipur
• Bangalore

Moving to Mumbai, India

Mumbai is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra and is the country’s second most populous city. Once called Bombay by the British, the city’s name was changed to Mumbai in 1995 to help rid the city of its British influence. Today, the city itself is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, one of which is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a beautiful, historic railway terminus built in the High Victorian Gothic style. Mumbai also has many beautiful beaches, as the city is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea. Visitors might enjoy Juhu Beach in particular, as it is one of the most popular beaches for its location and the dozens of street vendors selling food. As far as personal safety goes, Mumbai is one of the safest cities in India for women, so you can rest assured that the overall risk of crime is lower in Mumbai than in other cities. If you are moving to Mumbai from the United States, you will likely run into the need for overseas shipping and specialized movers who are familiar with customs and import regulations.

Resources for Moving to India

Thinking of moving from the US to India? Check out our detailed customs guide for international relocation tips including household goods importing, restricted and prohibited items, moving pets, importing vehicles, and the documentation you will need.

India Customs and Import Guide

Plan Your India Move with Atlas® International

Atlas® International is ready to help you plan your international move—from the first steps of researching your new country to getting a visa to the final process of moving and unpacking, we have you covered and will be there every step of the way. No matter your needs, Atlas® International can help.

Ready to get started? Get in touch with an Atlas® International moving expert and begin planning your move today. Give us a call at 206-526-1137 or contact us to receive personalized advice on beginning your move to India.