Bangalore

Bangalore, now known officially as Bangaluru, is a thriving, exciting city that is quickly becoming India's Silicon Valley.  It is an extremely busy and heavily populated city that is well renowned for its heavy pollution, busy traffic and high density areas.  Yet, despite these issues, increasing numbers of expatriates relocate here on an annual basis, the majority of which have been relocated here by their companies.

One of Bangalore's biggest appeals to the expatriate community is the low cost of living on offer and if you are fortunate to be offered a role here on a western salary you will enjoy a very high standard of living.  Maids, gardeners, drivers and nannies can be employed at a very reasonable cost and there are many schools and educational facilities on offer that rival those available in the west.  

Relocating to an India city can be a very daunting process and it is very rare for people to set up a new life here without experiencing some type of culture shock.   The culture and religious customers are very different from those of the west and becoming accustomed with the practices here will take time and patience.

1) Living legally
An insider's lowdown on the types of visas available, how to secure the right visa for your needs and some of the common issues expatriates face when trying to acquire a visa that will allow them to work successfully in Bangalore.  In India, if you want to change your Visa you have to go back to your country of origin, use our guide to make sure you get it right the first time!

2) Setting up home
Should you go for the bastion of expat housing, Palm Meadows, or would you be happier in Whitefield, an area further out of town?  There are multiple different housing complexes and developments available in Bangalore.  Make sure you read the truth about them from a real expat before you make a decision.  Our guide contains a detailed list of the various expat housing areas in Bangalore, together with information about nearby schooling, entertainment and leisure facilities, and transportation options.

3) Navigating the infrastructure
Is the communication and transport structure in Bangalore really as bad as everyone makes out?  The valuable information and advice contained within our guide can help you to adapt to the environment in Bangalore and navigate the infrastructure with confidence. 

4) Having fun 
Moving to Bangalore doesn't have to be all about paperwork, make sure you leave time to play!  Our guide contains several sections on topics such as shopping, dining out, sports and leisure facilities and bars and nightlife.  We also point you in the right direction for making friends, establishing networks and joining forums.  Allow us to help you to establish a rewarding, and fulfilling life in Bangalore.

5) Staying safe and healthy
The Bangalore expat city guide contains comprehensive details about hospitals, clinics and other health services, including contact details, costs and locations.  In addition to this, we also provide you with information about how you can remain safe in Bangalore and avoid any of the problems typically encountered by expatriates.

6) Blending in
What are the people in Bangalore really like? Our guide contains a comprehensive insight into understanding Indian culture and customs, acceptable dress, methods of greeting and addressing people and other social niceties.  Allow our own expat's first hand experiences guide you and help you to function well within the foreign culture of Bangalore.

7) Reality bites
When you move to a new country you're not visiting, you're living and the type of information you need is very different from that contained in traditional travel or city guides.  Our guide to Bangalore is written by an expat, for expats and contains honest facts and advice that can really make a difference to your transition abroad. 

Your only expat guide to Bangalore; Feel at home abroad – Fast!

Price of this guide:£19.00 / €22.00 / $29.00

Don't forget you'll receive a 20% discount on our prices if you complete our questionnaire during the purchase process.

About the guide author

Gulnar Joshi Gulnar Joshi is a professional writer and editor who has been editing magazines for over 15 years through various positions such as Copy Editor, Features Editor, Editor and Redesign Editor.

She loves travelling and has lived in many Indian cities including Mumbai, Chandigarh and Delhi. Gulnar has also lived and worked as an expat in Mexico (Queretaro), Germany (Munich/Wurzburg) and the Philippines (Makati).

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