Single Brit female moving to Mumbai end of Jan/early Feb

charlie123

Hi, I'm new to this forum. Decided to join as I am moving to India with my marketing job in about 4-6 weeks time and would love to talk to expats who are out there already. Also any advice from Indian residents on this site is much appreciated too.

I have some family in Mumbai (my mum is from there originally so I'm of Indian origin but still none the wiser about living there!) and I have been once before but never lived abroad so it's quite a big move which I'm excited but obviously a bit nervous about!

The biggest thing I suppose is choosing somewhere where to live which I can call home for a while. I will be working in Andheri East, near Mahakali Caves Rd and want to be within a reasonable commute by car, taxi or auto.

I'm considering Powai as this appears to be a nice suburb close to Andheri East, but still relatively affordable for a decent apartment (I'll be earning Rupees not GBP's so although a very decent package, I can comfortably afford around 15 - 25000 Rs max for a 1 to 2 BHK.)

I may have to do the PAying Guest thing for a few weeks till I secure a place of my own - is this advisable and does anyone know any decent PG places and what can I expect to pay?

I'd be grateful for any advice about locations,transport, living costs, socialising, safety and generally getting about in Mumbai.

I am wanting to throw myself into Mumbai life and get settled as quickly as possible so I can enjoy the experience - if you're of a similar mindset, please say hello...looking forward to making a few friends!

C x

Haylo

Hi Charlie, welcome to IndiaMike.

I spend my time in Delhi, so can't advise about Mumbai, but I can tell you about IndiaMike meetups.

Members of the site get together fairly regularly, they are a great way to meet both local people and people travelling through. They are organised through threads on here, here's a link for the Mumbai Meetup thread.

__________________
The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful - E.E. Cummings, poet (1894-1962)

capt_mahajan

Do browse the Mumbai forum too, if not done so.

Working in Andheri East, Powai is a good option.

__________________
.
Outside the machine

charlie123

Thanks Haylo and Capt Mahajan, will follow up on the meetups and the mumbai forum - how long do you think it would take to get from Powai to Andheri East and back when I'm working? I guess a best and worst case scenario would be useful

Thanks. C

capt_mahajan

Depends on where in Andheri east, some areas are very close to Powai.

By autorickshaw,anything from 5 mins to 25 would be my guess.

machadinha

Just to add:

Mumbai (sub-) forum.

Moving to Mumbai forum.

That's not a call to post repeat questions in all of them btw, which this site doesn't appreciate as it can only confuse the hell out of everyone including yourself, as answers will get repeated and spread around etc. As this site's Forum Rules specify: "Find the board you want your post in and post it. Posting the same message in multiple forums is not allowed."

__________________
Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links

rohit2travel

hello Charlie!!
you told to say Hello so did i !

I Stay in Powai Mumbai it takes around 20 mins if no traffic and with traffic around 1 hr so depends on traffic luck

yes you can get paying guest option, as well as you can also get flat for rent will take number from friends as some of them they are living in rent, and also let me know are you willing to pay broke range?

Have Rocking time ahead!!

AusE

Hi Charlie,

I am another female living in Andheri(e), been here around 3 1/2 months and a little more settled then I was 2 months ago...I would be happy to take you out for a drink or something when you come to Mumbai. I am not too sure about the whole paying guest/apartment rental situation, as my company took care of it all. Haven't been to Powai but hear its okay, has supermarkets etc so you wouldn't have to travel for groceries. Some Indians have told me I should make a visit to Haiko supermarket so I can socialise with some Westerners in the isles...haha.Haven't had any safety issues so far, I think as long as you keep your wits about you and dont get stuck in walking in a dark street at 4am or something its a great place to live, and much safer to be out in the evenings then Delhi (or so I hear). There always seems to be something going on in this city, and i have met a couple of girls through IM who I socialise with (sometimes too much haha) so I think like others have suggested, the net as a great way to meet people -just don't be turned off by the random messages in even more random text-message language that might arrive in your inbox by countless men wanting to meet you! Basic costs of items has been covered here in one of the other sections, think its in the Travel somewhere

Welcome to to the family!

charlie123

Hey Aus E great to hear from you and thanks for the info and tips - esp about the strange texts and messages!! I 'll be based for work in Andheri (e) and as I am sorting out my own accomodation I am a bit worried as the brokers seem really slippery and each time I make contact with someone who has advertised a place the prices mysteriously rise! As long as I can get something decent for a few weeks near work initially, I can then look for a place properly.

Anyway I am sure it'll be fine I can't wait to get there - you sound like you're really having fun! Would be good to catch up with some girls for sure, esp as the socialising is the best part about moving anywhere

AusE

Charlie123 did you find a decent guesthouse to stay in yet? I see your work must be just down the road from my palace. I have heard so much about the whole brokerage thing, I guess the words dodgy and real estate agent go together Let me know if you get stuck and I will try and suss out a good guesthouse

snehansu-love2travel

Not related to this topic- Sometime back saw on TV that a kid was lifted by a Leopard in Powai. Seems like mankind encroaching into rapidly declining Powai natural habitat.

charlie123

That leopard story is actually a bit scary, but I have heard really positive things about Powai!

Aus E are you anywhere near mahakali caves road? Thats near where i'll be working. No, no luck with temporary accomodation
Yes I'd be so grateful if you do know of any decent places, I'm stressed with it all and dodgy is about the right word!

I could manage anywhere between 15-20000 RS for the month but I want a pretty good standard (ok obviously I wont get the Marriott but my pre-requisites are modern, clean, convenient with all expected amenities inc AC, got to have my own bathroom too) and thats it!I just dont do grunge very well but at the same time just cant afford to spend a massive amount on short term lodgings!

life_is_journey

hey welcome to idnia and mumbai. well its better for you to take a paying guest or room sharing if you want to avoid the brokorage. cause brokorage is 2 months (non returnable)and you have to give 11 months(returnable during you leave) in advnce to the owner of house.so total you have to give 13 months in advance. so its better to stay in a guest house for sometime to find a sharing flat. or you need to take help of your coluge who is a local to search and negociate for price with the brokers. so that you will get it in good price.if you want i can provide you few websites wher you can get the price and contact details about different flats.
let me know. cheers

life_is_journey

hey aus where do you staying in andhery? i was in andhery west from 2001-2005.

Concern

In response to brits working in India..I can say its been pleasurable. the best thing about Mumbai is that its quite safe in comparison to say Delhi. Food is affordable and yet there are some great delicacies to savour!
I moved a couple of years back and since then its been a whirlwind. India is exciting for professionals like us who are enamoured by opportunities. I havent had much trouble with accomodation as i opted to stay in long term stay guest houses which cater to professionals. the concept of serviced apartments have only just caught on and as yet still a good option. unfortunately my job involves a lot of travel so i have to opt for alternatives.

You will enjoy India. Dont forget to always carry Identification as there are certain holidays when bars are shut and you can get a drink by showing your foreign national status at hotels

Drop a shout if you need any specific advice!