All you need to know before moving to Mumbai

Though considered to be an ancient city, Mumbai never lost its charm and power that continues to capture the attention of thousands of expats from all over the world. You will find yourself mesmerised by its bright lights, towering buildings and commercially successful metropolitan which serves as India’s most significant business district. Mumbai continues to move unstoppably towards success by having international companies and businesses which highly contributes to its dynamic economy. But despite its modernisation, this city is still overflowing with natural beauty and historical richness that keep its people firmly attached to its vibrant culture. It is widely believed that expats can look forward to a life of prosperity while living among Mumbai’s humble and welcoming locals. So if you have decided to move here, read the following guidelines that will surely help you in your relocation.

Preparations

Some expats moving abroad have housing perks from their employers. But if you do not have this type of benefit from the company, it's best that you start preparing as early as possible since it is quite hard to look for a house/apartment in Mumbai. You can start looking on websites that post real estate advertisements in the city or read local newspapers that have rental listings. The most productive method is to hire a local real estate agent in the city. A realtor can provide you with more options since they have connections in the housing market which will make your search a lot faster.

If your landlord did not include the cost of your utilities in the rental payments, you could expect a monthly bill of around €40 for your essential services like water, electricity, gas and garbage collection. An unlimited internet connection in Mumbai is roughly €20 per month while local mobile prepaid calls are billed at €0.05 per minute.

House and Apartment Hunting 

You can find different types of housing in Mumbai; from a simple house to an apartment complete with amenities and a clubhouse, or an expensive villa. Most homes are unfurnished, but you can always request for your landlord to furnish it by adding an extra amount to the total rental cost. Landlords are also flexible when it comes to letting you choose between a short term and long term lease agreement due to their long experience in negotiating with migrants and tourists. You will find a huge number of expats residing in the city centre where the price of a one bedroom apartment starts at €450 per month and €1250 for a three bedroom unit. There are also accommodations outside the metropolitan where a one bedroom flat usually costs €250 monthly, and a three bedroom unit is roughly €570 per month.

International and Local Schools

Most foreigners in Mumbai choose to enrol their children in international schools where they can continue the curriculum from their home country. The Dhirubhai Ambani International School is one of these institutions which follows the International Baccalaureate Program (IB) in their teachings. Tuition fees in international schools are very expensive, so you should negotiate with your employer regarding the educational allowance for your children as part of your employment package.

A majority of public and local schools are connected to the Maharashtra State Board of Education where they are using English as the primary language in teaching. Memorisation is a method that is actively and widely used among these institutions. One of the leading local schools in the city is the University of Mumbai which was established in 1857.

Moving Your Belongings 

Importing your belongings abroad requires a lot of time and attention especially when it comes to tracking the delivery. If you want to reduce the hassle, you can contact international shipping and removal companies that provide door to door service to Mumbai. This way, you will only deal with a single company throughout the moving process, and they will be the one to organise the shipment until you receive your packages to your new address. It takes about 32-41 days for the containers to arrive in the Port of Mumbai, which will still vary depending on your originating country. Follow this link to learn about the city’s import regulations. 

All animals bound to Mumbai should be identifiable by a microchip. You need to secure your pet’s Rabies Vaccination Certificate and Vaccination Record from a licensed veterinarian in your home country. You also have to provide the animal’s Import License (from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade) and the Import Sanitary Permit (from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying).

Mumbai has several modes of public transport like double-decker buses, metro, trains and taxis. But due to the city’s huge population, these commercial means of transportation are always crowded that’s why most people in Mumbai choose to travel by private vehicles because it’s convenient. If you are planning on bringing your own, make sure that you have these documents readied for customs purposes:

• Original Title and Registration
• Insurance Certificate
• Original Purchase Invoice
• Owner’s Passport

This city is full of beautiful contrasts of futuristic vibe and amazingly preserved memoirs of its colourful past. Mumbai is the place where the billionaires and ordinary but striving people live together in harmony; all within the city’s incredibly wonderful community.

How to live like a local

Nestled in the arms of the Arabian Sea is the vibrant and captivating city of Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra. Its name is derived from the word ‘Mumba’, the local Hindu Goddess Mumbadevi and ‘Aai’ which means ‘mother’ in the Marathi language. Also called the ‘Land of Dreams’, Mumbai is a city that is oozing with rich cultural beauty and with people that are blessed with large, welcoming hearts.

The city of Mumbai or once was known as Bombay is the fourth most populous city in the world with a total population of 20.7 million. In the past 20 years, Mumbai has experienced a remarkable growth mainly because of the influx of migrants and foreign investors that have seen its potential. This capital Maharashtra is divided into two distinct parts: the Mumbai city district situated at the tip of the island and the Mumbai suburban district to the North. Expats that are about to live here will soon see the undeniable difference between the two areas whereas the city district is boasts towering skyscrapers and posh hotels while the suburban district features mangrove forests, lakes and slums where 60% of the Mumbaikars live.

Fun-filled Destinations for Kids

Mumbai is known for the many spots for kids to enjoy and have fun with. Expat parents who would like their kids to take a nature walk may visit the Sanjay Gandhi National Park to see some beautiful insects and animals and finally, take a picnic at the Tulsi River. Another one is the Dolphin Irla Aquarium and the Mahim Nature Park. Those who have children that dig educational activities can also visit the Nehru Science Centre, an exhibition filled exciting and interactive ways of highlighting everything about Science.

A Haven for Shopaholics

Though there are tonnes of malls and designer shops, the reigning champion when it comes to great finds is Mumbai's local markets. The infamous Indian saying ‘Sab Kuch Milega’ (you'll get everything) perfectly describes the markets in this city. One of the most visited in Mumbai is the Colaba Causeway which seems like a never-ending strip stalls that sell various items such as clothes, handicrafts, books, incense, jewellery and brass items.

Expats who want to experience the local culture can head to the Crawford Market, an old-style market where they will hear the distant echo of the azan or the Muslim call to prayer while shopping for the best and freshest produce in the city.

Useful Tips

Mumbai is a very populous city which makes it quite difficult to navigate around the city without being stressed out with its chaotic and erratic roads. Expats are legally allowed to use their international driver’s license around the city but are still advised to think very well and be familiar with the town before doing so. As a suggestion, foreigners may instead hire a local driver to save themselves from the stress of city driving. Another option is the public transportation which includes taxis, rickshaws, buses and trains.

Banking in India goes through a bureaucratic process, but expats living in Mumbai would find it very accessible once done with the whole application process. For foreigners who will be employed in the city, most of the companies open the account for their foreign employees through an international bank. There are also banks which accommodate to the needs of non-residents by offering the NRO savings or current account. International banks in Mumbai include Barclays, Royal Bank of Scotland HSBC, Citibank, Deutsche Bank and Standard Chartered.

The Culture of Mumbai

Mumbai is radiating with lively vibe that is symbolised in the presence of Bollywood, the globally famous and influential heart of Hindi film and TV industry. The locals, also known as the Mumbaikars are hospitable, quite liberal and are remarkably tolerant towards other cultures which explain why this city has always had a highly diverse population. Mumbai is also the busiest cosmopolitan in India that’s why it also gained the same reputation of New York as the ‘City that Never Sleeps’ whereas the inhabitants are used to a fast-paced life.

Language barrier can be easily overcome in Mumbai since the majority of the settlers speak in English. The biggest hurdle most expats might have would just be the bureaucratic process which tests the patience of most people. To help them overcome any stress, joining expat clubs which are found all over the city is recommendable.