Living in Bangalore

Living in Bangalore, India, can offer a unique and life-changing experience. 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.

Moving overseas 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 when living in Bangalore will take time and patience.

The expat guide to living in Bangalore

The expat guide to living in Bangalore contains the following information:

1) Living legally in Bangalore

Our Expat relocation guide to living in Bangalore contains 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 this city. The bureaucracy in India is well documented and if you make any mistakes there's a high chance that you have to go back to your country of origin to recommence the visa application process. Use our relocation guide to make sure you get it right the first time!

2) Setting up home in Bangalore

Should you go for the bastion of expat housing, Palm Meadows, or would you be happier in Whitefield, an area further out of town when living in Bangalore? There are a multitude of 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 international relocation 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 in Bangalore

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

4) Having fun when living in Bangalore

Living in Bangalore doesn't have to be all about paperwork, make sure you leave time to play! Our relocation 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 when moving overseas.

5) Staying safe and healthy in Bangalore

The Bangalore expat relocation 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 when living in Bangalore.

6) Blending in

What are the people in Bangalore really like? Our relocation 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 moving overseas 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 international relocation guide to Bangalore is written by an expat, for expats and contains honest facts and advice that can really make a difference to your move abroad.

Your only expat guide to living in 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

Laura Byspalko Born in Canada, Laura lived in Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver before realizing that Canada (large as it is) was a mere speck in a much larger landscape. She has since travelled through forty countries, calling Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City, Paris, Delhi and Chennai home before finally settling in Bangalore, her husband's hometown, in 2009.

Laura has worked in communications for over a decade, and has a Masters in Publishing under her belt. She now runs a publishing consultancy with her husband between Bangalore, India and Vancouver, Canada.

Though not always obvious to the newly arrived guest, Laura, like most steadfast residents, has warmed to the camouflaged charms and hospitality of Bangalore and is a big fan of South India’s buzzing metropolis.

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