Expat in Bangalore. Take it or not?

sidoriva · Oct 6th, 2004, 20:35

Hello Expert,

my company offered two years working in Bangalore as Project Manager.
From first view the offer is quite interesting. I will summarize it:
1. House allowance (it could be up to 500 EUR per month)
2. Car allowance including gas
3. Base salary won't be changed (still in EUR, Germany standard)
4. Hardship allowance (up to 800 EUR per month)
5. Relocation allowance (for initial movement)
6. Living allowance (according per diems)
I think around 40 EUR per day, since i have a wife, a daughter
it should be around 100 EUR/working day.
7. Tuition reimbursement for international school.
8. Flight back to my home country once a year.

Do you think it is interested?

From money is interesting. What about the living there?
I don't want something happen with my family.
What about malaria, pollution, insects and so on?
Do you know website regarding house in Bangalore?
How expensive is the house?

Sorry for many questions. I know nothing about India.

Thanks,
SD

cyberhippie · Oct 6th, 2004, 20:59

There are other members better placed to give you the lowdown on Bangalore itself but as for India it is a wonderful country it has it's fair share of diseases like malaria and things like powercuts are pretty much part and parcel of life in India. Good health care is available, there are good schools that your daughter could attend and many western products are now available in India especially I imagine in a modern city like Bangalore.
I am a bit biased as I'm a self confessed India addict but I really think with the wages and benefits your are talking about that you could live an extremely comfortable life in India complete with servants (it seems this a must and employs many people in India) so your wife would be spared the housework in the humid months where it gets HOT!!
This sounds like a once in a lifetime opportunity and with all the benefits you are recieving you can expect to be a lot richer when you go back after 2 years assuming you want to go back of course!!
India is a very cheap country to live in and with the help of a maid to do the shopping you really will be amazed how little money you spend on the houdehold budget!!
I have never visited bangalore but I expect that it is quite a cosmopolitan city with many people from overseas living and working there and Indians must be amongst the friendliest most hospitable people on earth so you needn't feel like a stranger for long.
Bangalore also offers some of the best nightlife of any India city with dozens of pubs and restaurants.
For a bit more background info on India use the search engine on this site!! Almost any topic you can think of has been discussed at some point on Indiamike!!
A visit to your local library will undoubtably throw up more good info and the details of life in Bangalore will surely follow on this thread.
And please get back to us if you need anymore info!!

sidoriva · Oct 6th, 2004, 22:18

Thanks for your response.

Especially i am still 29 years old. It could be a great experience for me and also for my family..

butterball · Oct 6th, 2004, 23:03

.. I don't know what type of job it would be ( IT ? ), but Bangalore aka. 'Chip City' is a pleasant option for lifestyle and facilities. It is well located and very well served by domestic airlines - oferring you the chance to explore most of the country. You will be able to afford to fly on those wages !

Two years seems like a manageable timescale - if you don't enjoy it then it will only be a for couple of years and you will still have your job in Germany to go back to.. If you do enjoy it, you can probably negotiate a permanent move !

Seems like a win win to me - but as cyber said, WE are very biased.

Either way, it would be the experience / opportunity of a lifetime. I think the kids would GROW for it.. How old are they ?

I'd do it..

.. but that's horribly biased

bb

beach · Oct 6th, 2004, 23:03

Rs20000 per month you can get a good house.
Rs2000 per month partime maid
Rs4500 per month driver
Rs1000 per month electricity
Rs4000 per month food (home)
..
..
Booze & dine out extra

It's crowded to the core. If you don't like it, you had it

Hardship allowance (up to 800 EUR per month) is mainly for the traffic jams I think

Otherwise it's a cool city

alistair · Oct 6th, 2004, 23:04

If you do not want to go can I take your place instead?

bijapuri · Oct 6th, 2004, 23:05

Bangalore is the pleasantest big city in India. (let the flames begin!)
Having said that, it's drawbacks are traffic, pollution (depending on where in the city you will live) and mosquitoes. Traffic is more an annoyance than a catharsis if you have an AC car and driver; one simply has to add the time into any outing. The skeeters can easily be dealt with by having screens and electric coils. Except for April, May and parts of June, it is a very pleasant climate. The Woodstock School, one of the best in India, is located within a day's drive (one way) in Kodaikanal. There are also several good schools in tow itself. Good eating, pleasant, non-agressive Southerners for neighbors, and most of Southern India only an overnight sleeper train away make for a great place to live, within the Indian context. I spent a year here in 1970, and have been coming back ever since. I'm currently residing in East Bangalore by the airport and working in Hennur.
Recomended.

Snowy · Oct 6th, 2004, 23:25

Do it. I have few doubts that you will find it to be the best decision you have ever made.
However you either love india or hate it. Ask your company if you can take two weeks out there to visit. You will make your mind up pretty quickly. Alternatively just think of the cash you will bank over two years.
I found Bangalore enjoyable although "garden city" is stretching it a bit.

Snowy

Nick-H · Oct 6th, 2004, 23:54

And don't leave your familly behind, or they'll never forgive you!

Anyway, why shouldn't they be involved and have a say in finding house, staff etc.

Oh, you lucky man!

sidoriva · Oct 7th, 2004, 10:08

Hello Friends,

thanks for giving me such valuable answers.

from my wife point of view, she is quite excited, since she will see new world.
she is a jewelry designer. what about jewelry there?

my daughter, she is 3 years old. she started kindergarten a few weeks ago.

there is look and see trips for 5 days before deciding the move.
as i told you the problem is not the money.
how about the health service there? when my daughter had to stay in hospital here, i trusted the hospital facilities here. what about there? can i do the same thing?
my daughter can walk 5 mins to her kindergarten. Will it take more than 1 hour
to go to school there?
what about malaria, deague fever and other sickness?

Yes, i work at IT-Field.
Can you tell me the price of a house (unfurnished), with 3 bedrooms and garten?

Is it more than 500 EUR?

Thanks very much for your help

sidoriva · Oct 7th, 2004, 19:55

Hello digvijay,

Thanks for comment regarding jewelry design.
I will go ! finally.

Is anybody of you knows about living cost there in detail? how is the milk?

Thanks very much.
The plan is i will go on April 2005.

Thanks very much

butterball · Oct 7th, 2004, 20:35

Don't not worry about the milk !

The words "picture" and "bigger" come to mind..

bijapuri · Oct 7th, 2004, 22:02

Bishop Cotton School is widely regarded as an excellent school, in english, of course. The family I stay with sends both kids there, including a 4 year old, although she only goes for a few hours. she loves it!

http://www.bishopcottons.com/

There is a Max Muller Bhavan institute in Bangalore, that sponsors German cultural events, etc. As for water, you can boil your water in house, and/or get an ionizer.

All in all, you'll live like royalty in days of yore, including a medieval infrastructure, hahaha! I love it when the company rickshaw wallah(hey, we're an NGO, it'll have to do!) picks me up at home with "good morning, boss!" Try and get that in America!

sidoriva · Oct 7th, 2004, 23:04

Hello bijapuri,

why did you say about bishop cotton school?
i heard there are many int schools there. Are they not good?
i found a website www.fabmall.com for online store. just want
to know about the prices. I believe it is more expensive than usual market, right?

Many thanks for all of you for advice.

bongdongs · Oct 7th, 2004, 23:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by bijapuri

Bishop Cotton School is widely regarded as an excellent school, in english, of course.

I think he would want his kids to stay within the German system. This may be the most important thing to find out, as spots at the better Banglore international schools must be difficult to come by with the number of Expats coming in. Also many schools may not offer the German system.

sidoriva, you may want to look at this on your trip. With the money you will be making prices, housing, food etc etc is quite trivial and you can afford almost anything.

(can I put my name on the "if you are not going may I take your place" list
:-)) being an Indian my company wont give an expat deal if I go back, I'll have to go to Balikpappan to get that :-)

Oct 6th, 2004, 20:35	#1
sidoriva Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Germany Posts: 26	Expat in Bangalore. Take it or not? Hello Expert, my company offered two years working in Bangalore as Project Manager. From first view the offer is quite interesting. I will summarize it: 1. House allowance (it could be up to 500 EUR per month) 2. Car allowance including gas 3. Base salary won't be changed (still in EUR, Germany standard) 4. Hardship allowance (up to 800 EUR per month) 5. Relocation allowance (for initial movement) 6. Living allowance (according per diems) I think around 40 EUR per day, since i have a wife, a daughter it should be around 100 EUR/working day. 7. Tuition reimbursement for international school. 8. Flight back to my home country once a year. Do you think it is interested? From money is interesting. What about the living there? I don't want something happen with my family. What about malaria, pollution, insects and so on? Do you know website regarding house in Bangalore? How expensive is the house? Sorry for many questions. I know nothing about India. Thanks, SD

Oct 6th, 2004, 23:05	#7
bijapuri Lord of Kalinjar Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: the real surf city Posts: 2,646	Bangalore is the pleasantest big city in India. (let the flames begin!) Having said that, it's drawbacks are traffic, pollution (depending on where in the city you will live) and mosquitoes. Traffic is more an annoyance than a catharsis if you have an AC car and driver; one simply has to add the time into any outing. The skeeters can easily be dealt with by having screens and electric coils. Except for April, May and parts of June, it is a very pleasant climate. The Woodstock School, one of the best in India, is located within a day's drive (one way) in Kodaikanal. There are also several good schools in tow itself. Good eating, pleasant, non-agressive Southerners for neighbors, and most of Southern India only an overnight sleeper train away make for a great place to live, within the Indian context. I spent a year here in 1970, and have been coming back ever since. I'm currently residing in East Bangalore by the airport and working in Hennur. Recomended. __________________ lookit me!!!: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bijapuri/ Utube fuzzy logic: http://youtube.com/profile_videos?user=bijapuri&p =r

Oct 6th, 2004, 23:54	#9
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,209	Go, GO, GO! And don't leave your familly behind, or they'll never forgive you! Anyway, why shouldn't they be involved and have a say in finding house, staff etc. Oh, you lucky man!

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Oct 6th, 2004, 20:59	#2
cyberhippie Account Closed by User's Request Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 6,009	There are other members better placed to give you the lowdown on Bangalore itself but as for India it is a wonderful country it has it's fair share of diseases like malaria and things like powercuts are pretty much part and parcel of life in India. Good health care is available, there are good schools that your daughter could attend and many western products are now available in India especially I imagine in a modern city like Bangalore. I am a bit biased as I'm a self confessed India addict but I really think with the wages and benefits your are talking about that you could live an extremely comfortable life in India complete with servants (it seems this a must and employs many people in India) so your wife would be spared the housework in the humid months where it gets HOT!! This sounds like a once in a lifetime opportunity and with all the benefits you are recieving you can expect to be a lot richer when you go back after 2 years assuming you want to go back of course!! India is a very cheap country to live in and with the help of a maid to do the shopping you really will be amazed how little money you spend on the houdehold budget!! I have never visited bangalore but I expect that it is quite a cosmopolitan city with many people from overseas living and working there and Indians must be amongst the friendliest most hospitable people on earth so you needn't feel like a stranger for long. Bangalore also offers some of the best nightlife of any India city with dozens of pubs and restaurants. For a bit more background info on India use the search engine on this site!! Almost any topic you can think of has been discussed at some point on Indiamike!! A visit to your local library will undoubtably throw up more good info and the details of life in Bangalore will surely follow on this thread. And please get back to us if you need anymore info!!

Oct 6th, 2004, 22:18	#3
sidoriva Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Germany Posts: 26	Thanks for your response. Especially i am still 29 years old. It could be a great experience for me and also for my family..

Oct 6th, 2004, 23:03	#4
butterball Mine's a Haywoods... Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: London.. sometimes.. Posts: 689	.. I don't know what type of job it would be ( IT ? ), but Bangalore aka. 'Chip City' is a pleasant option for lifestyle and facilities. It is well located and very well served by domestic airlines - oferring you the chance to explore most of the country. You will be able to afford to fly on those wages ! Two years seems like a manageable timescale - if you don't enjoy it then it will only be a for couple of years and you will still have your job in Germany to go back to.. If you do enjoy it, you can probably negotiate a permanent move ! Seems like a win win to me - but as cyber said, WE are very biased. Either way, it would be the experience / opportunity of a lifetime. I think the kids would GROW for it.. How old are they ? I'd do it.. .. but that's horribly biased bb

Oct 6th, 2004, 23:03	#5
beach Lost in translation Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: India ! Posts: 2,233	Rs20000 per month you can get a good house. Rs2000 per month partime maid Rs4500 per month driver Rs1000 per month electricity Rs4000 per month food (home) .. .. Booze & dine out extra It's crowded to the core. If you don't like it, you had it Hardship allowance (up to 800 EUR per month) is mainly for the traffic jams I think Otherwise it's a cool city

Oct 6th, 2004, 23:04	#6
alistair Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: uk Posts: 13	If you do not want to go can I take your place instead?

Oct 6th, 2004, 23:25	#8
Snowy Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 24	Do it. I have few doubts that you will find it to be the best decision you have ever made. However you either love india or hate it. Ask your company if you can take two weeks out there to visit. You will make your mind up pretty quickly. Alternatively just think of the cash you will bank over two years. I found Bangalore enjoyable although "garden city" is stretching it a bit. Snowy

Oct 7th, 2004, 10:08	#10
sidoriva Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Germany Posts: 26	Hello Friends, thanks for giving me such valuable answers. from my wife point of view, she is quite excited, since she will see new world. she is a jewelry designer. what about jewelry there? my daughter, she is 3 years old. she started kindergarten a few weeks ago. there is look and see trips for 5 days before deciding the move. as i told you the problem is not the money. how about the health service there? when my daughter had to stay in hospital here, i trusted the hospital facilities here. what about there? can i do the same thing? my daughter can walk 5 mins to her kindergarten. Will it take more than 1 hour to go to school there? what about malaria, deague fever and other sickness? Yes, i work at IT-Field. Can you tell me the price of a house (unfurnished), with 3 bedrooms and garten? Is it more than 500 EUR? Thanks very much for your help

Oct 7th, 2004, 19:55	#11
sidoriva Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Germany Posts: 26	Hello digvijay, Thanks for comment regarding jewelry design. I will go ! finally. Is anybody of you knows about living cost there in detail? how is the milk? Thanks very much. The plan is i will go on April 2005. Thanks very much

Oct 7th, 2004, 20:35	#12
butterball Mine's a Haywoods... Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: London.. sometimes.. Posts: 689	Don't not worry about the milk ! The words "picture" and "bigger" come to mind..

Oct 7th, 2004, 22:02	#13
bijapuri Lord of Kalinjar Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: the real surf city Posts: 2,646	Bishop Cotton School is widely regarded as an excellent school, in english, of course. The family I stay with sends both kids there, including a 4 year old, although she only goes for a few hours. she loves it! http://www.bishopcottons.com/ There is a Max Muller Bhavan institute in Bangalore, that sponsors German cultural events, etc. As for water, you can boil your water in house, and/or get an ionizer. All in all, you'll live like royalty in days of yore, including a medieval infrastructure, hahaha! I love it when the company rickshaw wallah(hey, we're an NGO, it'll have to do!) picks me up at home with "good morning, boss!" Try and get that in America!

Oct 7th, 2004, 23:04	#14
sidoriva Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Germany Posts: 26	Hello bijapuri, why did you say about bishop cotton school? i heard there are many int schools there. Are they not good? i found a website www.fabmall.com for online store. just want to know about the prices. I believe it is more expensive than usual market, right? Many thanks for all of you for advice.