Consumer goods prices

cyberhippie

Unless it's stolen probably not, I'm also wondering about sanjay sayin appliances are a lot cheaper in India than Europe that hasn't been my experience!!

cooksisters

Hiya,

I would reccomend ICIC1 bank -- only because it has a branch in London and you could keep a pound/rupee account with it. It is an Indian bank which has a branch just off Hyde Park in Kensington.

As for White Goods -- I would certainly reccomend buying in India --they are much much cheaper. If you dod decide to carry your old stuff -- remember you will need to buy an adaptor as the Indians use a European three pin plug unlike the UK.

Do take kitchen reliables like a garlic press, lemon zester or a parmesan grater-- I havent seen those in India. Also your silicon baking stuff. Other than you should probably get everything there!! All the best.

crvlvr

Appliances that are made in India are cheaper. Most of the ones imported are assessd ~30% suty and will be more expensive. I was surprised to see Samsung washing/laundry machines for Rs 5,000 ($110). Turns out they are made in India http://www.samsung.com/in/aboutsamsu...ufacturing.htm

Samsung TVs are cheap in India but Sony, damn expensive, as the Sonys are imported.

The basic models of small appliances (toaster and kettles )will be cheaper in India (all my pricing is compared to US prices, which are pretty low). But, only the simple/base models will be available. If you are used to fancy appliances take them along with you.

However, be warned: Appliances that perform reliably in most western countries seem to die a quick death in India. The main culprit is low voltage and voltage fluctuation. Indian appliances seem to be better designed to deal with thies issues. So, from that perspective you might be better of buying appliances locally.

Here is a link to the local Samsung website. It will give you a feel for what is available and the pricing.
http://www.samsung.com/in/products/index.htm I suppose some of the other members may recommend some other websites.

This link may help give you a feel for the various brands available in India http://www.viveks.com/airconditioner.html

SANJAY_DEL

LG is another consumer goods brand, hugely popular in India, as is Samsung. Both are Korean.
See: http://www.lgindia.com/Product/Products.aspx

cyberhippie

I stand corrected sorry guys

Nick-H

On the camera prices, you will get cheap 'tax free', and even cheaper 'grey market'...

Nick-H

Actually, it is the standard that UK used to use up until 1960-something: small 3-round-pin 5-amp plugs and chunky 15-amp ones.

Only today I read on IndiaMike that some French plugs (maybe the 2-pin ones?) fit here --- but I don't think there is a European standard anything quite like that old British one

GoanCanuck

As far as I know foreigners coming to India for a certain limited period of time are allowed to bring in all their household items duty free upto a specified limit. You can find out the exact limit from the Customs office in Mumbai

GoanCanuck

The smaller appliances can be easily purchased in India but the more sophisticated ones will have to be brought from abroad. The main advantage of buying Indian appliances is that they are designed to withstand the harsh operating environment which prevails all across India. Appliances purchased outside India are typically not able to cope with these type of conditions.

Nick-H

On the basis that you're going to re-export it all again?

Really not sure on that. Too late at night to do the research just now....

palerider

Hi, just viewing this thread. I've just come back from three months in Bangalore and used theState Bank of Mysore?!!. They were really good. Not sure if they operate in Hydro, but the State Bank of Hyderabad operates in Bangalore, so it might be worth checking out. The good part is they have a really extensive and simple atm (auto teller) system.

batistuta

Hsbc would be quite expensive as a savings account would need a min balance of rs 25000.The atms are less when compared to other banks.The benefit is they have a call centre 24/7.
State bank of India is a good bank with a huge network of atms and the min bal would be Rs 1000.00.You can access SBM atm's with a Sbi debit card.I am not sure whether they have a call centre.
Icici and Hdfc do have a call centre .Min balance will be more than SbI.
Do Check this thread especially a post by Kingfisher.

bank account?

SANJAY_DEL

Minimum balance in HDFC and UTI bank is Rs 5000.

Noodle

If you want to protect your appliances from power fluctuation damage you use a stabiliser. They are usually used for more expensive things such as your PC or the TV. But you can also plug one in and through it feed several smaller appliances.

Piscesman

Are visitors allowed to open a bank account on a three month stay?