Expat groups in Chennai?

Im an Aussie girl who moved from London to live in Chennai with my Indian boyfriend 6 months ago now.
Does anyone know of any other Aussies living here or any expat groups that i could join?

I did know a couple of aussies here, but they couldnt handle the heat and left!
I havent spotted any more...

Mairangi_vice comes from that side of the planet: wouldn't he do?

well, I am an ex-pat group unto myself.

Very helpful thanku!

seriously though, I dont think there are any official expat groups, at least I havent heard of any, which is strange considering the number of foreigners around Chennai.

There are plenty of forums on the net for expats in various cities (including this one, which is the best, we meet up occasionaly)

If you just want to meet some people, then try going to the leather bar in the park hotel, there always seem to be a lot of foreigners there.

The Leather bar?

I don't dare imagine what the dress code is!



IM Chennai meets tend not to be very frequent, but remember that anyone can suggest one any time. It doesn't have to big: any number greater than one qualifies

Getting off the subject now......have you learnt to speak tamil since living in Chennai Nick?

As admitted on other threads, no.

Apart from a few bird and animal names.

I'm here for 5 months from Melbourne but am based in Kanathur on ECR road so may be too far for meets....I do go to TNagar for shopping trips on Fridays afternoons but have to get back to pick up kids from school at Neelangkarai ...would love to meet some people whilst here but the logistics may be challenging. Email me at vasugi.sanjayan@gmail.com if you are interested in chatting and I can give you my tel number.

SUGI

There is the Overseas Women's Club:
http://owcmadras.blogspot.com/

Hint: go on Tuesdays, because everybody else doesn't .

Unless, of course, you enjoy the experience of the crowds and the crush!

The main expat hangout is the Leather Bar at the Park Hotel. Named after Chennai's famous leather export business. I'm in there at least 2 nights a week for the last 4 years with a large group of expat friends. Plenty of Aussies, Brits, Germans and French around, along with a couple of kiwi's as well. Other places to meet are Distill in the Connemara, 10 Downing St in North Boag Road or the Bike and Barrel in the Residency. You need to spot the 'locals' from the tourists - most of the main bars are filled with westerners on business so just in town for a few days.

The BBSC (British Business Social Club) is well worth tracking down (can point in the right direction) - membership is cheap and open to anyone, although its a bit higher for non-commonwealth citizens. They do balls, bbq's, games nights, etc etc. The Hash's are also a good place to find fun, the main hash is run by an expat (again can point you to them if you want) and the main expat ringleaders are big gamblers - often poker games going on.

Plenty of expats, plenty of groups, lots going on, you just need to know where to look.

Hop.

Hi Stacey,

How are you getting on? I am a kiwi girl currently working in Hyderabad and consideraing taking another contract in Chennai (after a quick trip to the UK). Jo.

Hi steejo, so are you coming to Chennai? I'm European living in Chennai, married to Indian