18 and moving to Chennai in the summer

gertro44 · Apr 15th, 2009, 04:30

Hi Guys,

I am 18 and currently have plans to move to chennai in the summer and work there for one year have got a few questions i would like to get some advise on before i do

1. i will be getting paid 33 000rs/month before tax my accommodation is being paid for by my employer would this be enough to live a basic but comfortable life.

2. How do you go about getting a phone/sim for use in India I have been told it can be a bit difficult.

3. I have also been told that the police/legal system can be a bit heavy handed (dont know if this is ture or not, not a very reliable source)

4. would you recomend a private driver or try the roads myself i have heard they can be a bit crazy

5. How is the nightlife in and around the city is there many clubs and pubs that have some good music and dance space

Thanks in advance,
Youre help is very appreciated...Riain

Mod note: Hi there - I've moved your thread to the "moving to Chennai" forum - where I guess it'll be more at home

Nick-H · Apr 15th, 2009, 04:43

Very quick answers for now (it's an hour past bedtime!), but its a start...

Quote:

Originally Posted by gertro44

1. i will be getting paid 33 000rs/month before tax my accommodation is being paid for by my employer would this be enough to live a basic but comfortable life.

Yes, with accommodation paid for you will be able to live very nicely on 33,000

Quote:

2. How do you go about getting a phone/sim for use in India I have been told it can be a bit difficult.

I think that, these days, you need proof of address.

Quote:

3. I have also been told that the police/legal system can be a bit heavy handed (dont know if this is ture or not, not a very reliable source)

There really should be no reason for you ever to find out! Don't worry about it!

Quote:

4. would you recomend a private driver or try the roads myself i have heard they can be a bit crazy

Depends on your transport needs. I'd suggest that you use autos, taxis, trains, buses, walking on an ad-hoc as-appropriate basis. A full-time car/driver will take a big chunk out of your pay; unless you can wangle one from your employers, I wouldn't bother. You're going to be quite well paid, by local standards, you'll be able to aford to have your place swept and cleanded, your washing done and stuff, but employing a driver is a notch up. Tell us where you will live, and where you will work, area-wise, and you'll get more specific advice.

Driving yourself? Yes, it is possible; one gets used to the roads and the way that they work, but the car has to be bought... a whole trip in itself. Bike is a possibility, more 2-wheelers on our streets than anything else, and many of them are lethally mad. Bring a International Driving Permit, which will be valid one year, just in case you get the chance to drive. It will save you local-licence hassles.

Quote:

5. How is the nightlife in and around the city is there many clubs and pubs that have some good music and dance space

Nightlife to me is Indian classical music, and we possibly have more of that (the Carnatic, Southern variety) than anywhere else. The kind of nightlife one normally associates with the age 18... Hmm... Probably not so hot, but better someone else answers this.

gertro44 · Apr 15th, 2009, 18:25

Thanks for you're help on this Nick im sure i can find more info in other Threads aswell...Thanks

It has not been released exactly where i will be working or living i only no i will be sharing a house/flat with 3 other Irish people. Everything is being kept very confidential. I will be working for HCL in there call centres if that helps at all. they will be paying for a private car to and from work so its not to bad i can just find my own way around

ISN · Apr 15th, 2009, 23:18

1. i will be getting paid 33 000rs/month before tax my accommodation is being paid for by my employer would this be enough to live a basic but comfortable life.

This will be a good amount to live a comfortable life in Chennai.

2. How do you go about getting a phone/sim for use in India I have been told it can be a bit difficult.

There are many phone companies that provide cellular service in Chennai, so you will not have any problem getting a connection get the following documentation

A letter from your employer with residential proof.
Passport Copy
A copy of your employment agreement

3. I have also been told that the police/legal system can be a bit heavy handed (dont know if this is ture or not, not a very reliable source)

There should not be a any problem unless you break the law.

4. would you recomend a private driver or try the roads myself i have heard they can be a bit crazy

I would not advice you to drive in Chennai (You will understand this first hand once you arrive in Chennai) There are numerous public transport system and you can hire a taxi anytime (Get connected with your local office staff so that you will not be ripped off with ridicules fare)

5. How is the nightlife in and around the city is there many clubs and pubs that have some good music and dance space

Pubs and Discotheques in Chennai

http://www.explocity.com/Info/showch...=3457&Did=3523
http://www.chennaihub.com/discothequ...n-chennai.html

There is an Chennai Expats Network group in Facebook get connected with that group, they will keep you updated with all the fun things going on in Chennai.

Chennai Expats Network http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=31998666105

Nick-H · Apr 16th, 2009, 01:38

gertro44, however you managed to land this chance, especially at such a young age, Congratulations and Well Done!

Although your work (employers are demanding, and hours can be long) may not leave you as much time as you might like for exploration and stuff, so many people would just dream of being paid to be here! I'm sure the whole thing will be quite an experience.

gertro44 · Apr 16th, 2009, 03:19

Thanks for the info and links ISN, very helpfull info.

Its a regular thing my employers do every 3 years they send around 40-50 people from the U.K over for a year. i will be working set shifts of 9am to 5pm monday to friday so there should be plenty of time to explore the city i am also interested in finding out more about the Indian culture and the different sights there is do use have any favourites

asha210 · Apr 16th, 2009, 04:08

If you dont mind, I cant help working what sort of job that pays 33K pm, an 18 year old from Ireland could have landed in Chennai. Is it a software or a film animation job??

gertro44 · Apr 16th, 2009, 04:24

No its call centre work i will be working for HCL is that good money for living in Chennai

Nick-H · Apr 16th, 2009, 04:29

It's not lavish-life-style money --- but the manager of a state-owned bank branch would support his family on it, so a single youngster should do ok

gertro44 · Apr 16th, 2009, 04:38

Thanks guys use have put my biggest worry at rest. the home my employer will be providing is fully furnished is there any other essentials i should bring over with me. Also what would be a good amount to bring over as i will not be getting paid until the end of the first month, any other info i should know about living in Chennai would be very helpful...Thanks

Nick-H · Apr 16th, 2009, 04:50

Quote:

any other info i should know about living in Chennai

It's all here, well, a lot of it anyway, as I am sure you are discovering. Just check out this section. other peoples worries, questions, and experiences.

You can use your ATM card to draw rupees on your home bank account, but do check out the fee that your bank charges for foreign withdrawal.

How much to bring? How much have you got*?

How about £500, which is more than your month's wages will be. How about £1,000 so you'll always have an emergency stash of cash.

*some clever travel writer once wrote:

Take all your clothes, and all your money, and lay them out on your bed. Take half the clothes, and twice the cash...

gertro44 · Apr 16th, 2009, 05:01

Yea i have found alot of useful info this site is briliant, ill just see what i can save up and bring that will i need to bring any heavy clothes or will that just be a waste of time i have read that there is some heavy rains

rsk11584 · Apr 16th, 2009, 10:05

mmm nowadays even call centres are paying 33K , nice , to hear that.

Anyways the call centres are full of 12 passed people only,, enjoy you stay in Chennai,

vjay17 · Apr 16th, 2009, 11:31

Hey,

Its going to be summer here for the next two to three months. So you need not the pack your winter cloths.

As for your phone line, you may ask your company to provide you a number. Its hard to get it by yourself as you will need lots of documents.

As for the transport, just take the Auto or taxi. Save you the driver and maintenance cost. If you take auto, try to flag down one or two just to get the feel of the price, then you can nego. with them too.

Nightlife here is almost dead. But there are still some good bars and pubs, mostly in the hotels. The auto driver can take you around these places. You can also pay them a sum to take you around for the day.

Nick-H · Apr 16th, 2009, 14:30

gertro44 is going to be here for a year, so a phone will be necessary, and it is not all that difficult to get. Maybe there will already be one on the place he is sharing, but he is bound to need a mobile too.

Don't bring any 'heavy' clothes! Even in mid winter it will be HOT to a Northern European. You will never need to wear more than one layer of think cotton. If you have any ultra-light, breathable waterproofs, that would be handy for monsoon, but, although it can be intense, this is a short period, little more than a few days in the year.

If you are coming soon, you will be arriving at the worst climatic time for adjustment. Between now and mid June, the temperatures may reach, and even exceed, 40C, and even the nights will be dreadfully humid.

Apr 15th, 2009, 04:30	#1
gertro44 Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Northern Ireland, Belfast Posts: 15	18 and moving to Chennai in the summer Hi Guys, I am 18 and currently have plans to move to chennai in the summer and work there for one year have got a few questions i would like to get some advise on before i do 1. i will be getting paid 33 000rs/month before tax my accommodation is being paid for by my employer would this be enough to live a basic but comfortable life. 2. How do you go about getting a phone/sim for use in India I have been told it can be a bit difficult. 3. I have also been told that the police/legal system can be a bit heavy handed (dont know if this is ture or not, not a very reliable source) 4. would you recomend a private driver or try the roads myself i have heard they can be a bit crazy 5. How is the nightlife in and around the city is there many clubs and pubs that have some good music and dance space Thanks in advance, Youre help is very appreciated...Riain Mod note: Hi there - I've moved your thread to the "moving to Chennai" forum - where I guess it'll be more at home Last edited by Kingstonian : Apr 15th, 2009 at 23:27.

Apr 15th, 2009, 18:25	#3
gertro44 Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Northern Ireland, Belfast Posts: 15	Thanks for you're help on this Nick im sure i can find more info in other Threads aswell...Thanks It has not been released exactly where i will be working or living i only no i will be sharing a house/flat with 3 other Irish people. Everything is being kept very confidential. I will be working for HCL in there call centres if that helps at all. they will be paying for a private car to and from work so its not to bad i can just find my own way around Last edited by gertro44 : Apr 15th, 2009 at 22:26.

Apr 15th, 2009, 23:18	#4
ISN Maha Guru Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Minnesota, USA / Chennai, India Posts: 627	1. i will be getting paid 33 000rs/month before tax my accommodation is being paid for by my employer would this be enough to live a basic but comfortable life. This will be a good amount to live a comfortable life in Chennai. 2. How do you go about getting a phone/sim for use in India I have been told it can be a bit difficult. There are many phone companies that provide cellular service in Chennai, so you will not have any problem getting a connection get the following documentation A letter from your employer with residential proof. Passport Copy A copy of your employment agreement 3. I have also been told that the police/legal system can be a bit heavy handed (dont know if this is ture or not, not a very reliable source) There should not be a any problem unless you break the law. 4. would you recomend a private driver or try the roads myself i have heard they can be a bit crazy I would not advice you to drive in Chennai (You will understand this first hand once you arrive in Chennai) There are numerous public transport system and you can hire a taxi anytime (Get connected with your local office staff so that you will not be ripped off with ridicules fare) 5. How is the nightlife in and around the city is there many clubs and pubs that have some good music and dance space Pubs and Discotheques in Chennai http://www.explocity.com/Info/showch...=3457&Did=3523 http://www.chennaihub.com/discothequ...n-chennai.html There is an Chennai Expats Network group in Facebook get connected with that group, they will keep you updated with all the fun things going on in Chennai. Chennai Expats Network http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=31998666105 __________________ Indian Students Network http://www.IndianStudentsNetwork.com

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Apr 16th, 2009, 01:38	#5
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,188	gertro44, however you managed to land this chance, especially at such a young age, Congratulations and Well Done! Although your work (employers are demanding, and hours can be long) may not leave you as much time as you might like for exploration and stuff, so many people would just dream of being paid to be here! I'm sure the whole thing will be quite an experience.

Apr 16th, 2009, 03:19	#6
gertro44 Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Northern Ireland, Belfast Posts: 15	Thanks for the info and links ISN, very helpfull info. Its a regular thing my employers do every 3 years they send around 40-50 people from the U.K over for a year. i will be working set shifts of 9am to 5pm monday to friday so there should be plenty of time to explore the city i am also interested in finding out more about the Indian culture and the different sights there is do use have any favourites

Apr 16th, 2009, 04:08	#7
asha210 Account Closed Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA Posts: 171	If you dont mind, I cant help working what sort of job that pays 33K pm, an 18 year old from Ireland could have landed in Chennai. Is it a software or a film animation job??

Apr 16th, 2009, 04:24	#8
gertro44 Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Northern Ireland, Belfast Posts: 15	No its call centre work i will be working for HCL is that good money for living in Chennai

Apr 16th, 2009, 04:29	#9
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,188	It's not lavish-life-style money --- but the manager of a state-owned bank branch would support his family on it, so a single youngster should do ok

Apr 16th, 2009, 04:38	#10
gertro44 Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Northern Ireland, Belfast Posts: 15	Thanks guys use have put my biggest worry at rest. the home my employer will be providing is fully furnished is there any other essentials i should bring over with me. Also what would be a good amount to bring over as i will not be getting paid until the end of the first month, any other info i should know about living in Chennai would be very helpful...Thanks

Apr 16th, 2009, 05:01	#12
gertro44 Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Northern Ireland, Belfast Posts: 15	Yea i have found alot of useful info this site is briliant, ill just see what i can save up and bring that will i need to bring any heavy clothes or will that just be a waste of time i have read that there is some heavy rains

Apr 16th, 2009, 10:05	#13
rsk11584 CBCID ;-) Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: then Aurangabad / now Chennai Posts: 263	mmm nowadays even call centres are paying 33K , nice , to hear that. Anyways the call centres are full of 12 passed people only,, enjoy you stay in Chennai,

Apr 16th, 2009, 11:31	#14
vjay17 Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Kuala Lumpur, Chennai Posts: 9	Hey, Its going to be summer here for the next two to three months. So you need not the pack your winter cloths. As for your phone line, you may ask your company to provide you a number. Its hard to get it by yourself as you will need lots of documents. As for the transport, just take the Auto or taxi. Save you the driver and maintenance cost. If you take auto, try to flag down one or two just to get the feel of the price, then you can nego. with them too. Nightlife here is almost dead. But there are still some good bars and pubs, mostly in the hotels. The auto driver can take you around these places. You can also pay them a sum to take you around for the day.

Apr 16th, 2009, 14:30	#15
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,188	gertro44 is going to be here for a year, so a phone will be necessary, and it is not all that difficult to get. Maybe there will already be one on the place he is sharing, but he is bound to need a mobile too. Don't bring any 'heavy' clothes! Even in mid winter it will be HOT to a Northern European. You will never need to wear more than one layer of think cotton. If you have any ultra-light, breathable waterproofs, that would be handy for monsoon, but, although it can be intense, this is a short period, little more than a few days in the year. If you are coming soon, you will be arriving at the worst climatic time for adjustment. Between now and mid June, the temperatures may reach, and even exceed, 40C, and even the nights will be dreadfully humid.