Relocating To Chennai......?

Deekish · Apr 19th, 2009, 15:29

Hi,
We are a young couple with no children who have been living for a very long time in the UAE. Due to the current Global Economic situation, we are considering moving out of the Gulf. My husband an Engineer has been offered a position in Chennai. We both are basically from Bombay and have never even visited Chennai. We have been out of India for so long, we have no idea whats waiting for us back home. It would really help if someone could give us some idea bout the living conditions in Chennai.

First of all, kindly advice what would be considered as a good Salary for a Civil engineer in chennai. He has currently been offered an annual package of 12lacs. Would that be enough to have a decent lifestyle?
We have unfortunatley been pampered in the Gulf way of life and live in quite a spacious flat and are a 2 car family. Can our lifestyle in Chennai even come close to that with this kind of income.
His workplace is somewhere in Anna Salai. Can anyone tell me something about this place and which is the closest residential area from there. What would be the rent like for a 2 bedroom apartment?

Alongside working for an MNC, I have also been doing some free-lancing feature writing for a reputed english daily. What would be my chances of finding a writing job in Chennai?

Relocating is a big decision and unfortunately we do not have much time to consider. If we agree we are to relocate by May mid.
I would greatly appreciate any advice and help provided.

Thanks.

Nick-H · Apr 19th, 2009, 17:05

With no children to spend expensive-school fees on, it is a large amount of money! These things are relative, and often spawn arguments. To me, it would be a fortune

Anna Salai (Mount's Road) is like Chennai's "Main Street" --- it is long, extending from Guindy to Georgetown, and passing through many areas. Chennai is well covered by Google Maps; take a look and you'll see what I mean. Google Earth is also useful for finding your bearings in Chennai.

I've never been to the Gulf; I'd think that Chennai would be a huge change in environment for you, and it might take some getting used to --- but we must have members who know both places who could give more than a vague impression about this. Notwithstanding the ability of the super-rich to create an island of whatever they want, wherever they want, ultimately what life is like is going to depend on the city, rather than on how much you earn.

Check out the other threads in this section: you'll probably find much of what you want to know is already here!

Ambler · Apr 19th, 2009, 20:23

I'll second what Nick says--100,000 rupees per month is a very generous amount to live on here. I bring home less than that and we have a very comfortable lifestyle. We're heading back to the US in a month or so and the adjustment to a more "realistic" lifestyle--no cooks, no maids, etc. is going to be a bit tough!I may actually have to do my own ironing.

If you really want a swanky lifestyle see if your husband's employer will cover or subsidize your housing, which will most likely be the biggest expense for you in Chennai. Although since you are of Indian descent perhaps your rent will be lower than ours...other members? What do you think? My Indian friends tell me that few Indians would pay the rent we're paying for our comfortable apartment, they would be charged somewhat less (but only somewhat).

Anna Salai is long. You'll need to figure out where on Anna Salai your husband will be working then we can give you some suggestions on neighborhoods.

Nick-H · Apr 19th, 2009, 21:30

Even Indians are paying 'high' rents in Chennai now. Even poor Indians who used to be able to live within hundreds for rental are now being asked thousands --- or so my wife tells me, and I expect it is right.

Deekish · Apr 20th, 2009, 12:13

Thanks for the advice guys.
We are actually thinking of coming down to Chennai over the weekend before taking a final call on this.
Will keep you posted.
Thanks again
Deepti

Raghu.Kumar · Apr 20th, 2009, 13:40

Hi Deepti,

Welcome to Chennai. You dont have to think twice. You can sure have a decent life style with that kind of salary that has been offered to your husband. Of course it remains to be seen how much is the actual take home after tax and also the kind of salary allocation your husbands company has interms of saving tax.

For eg. We have a salary system in which you can allocate part of your salary towards medical ( 15000 INR max) Telephone 1 landline and 1 mobile phone ( 60000 INR Max ) Leave travel Allowance ( equivalent to 2 months base salary ) Car Maintainance and Car Lease ( depends on the Grade / Seniority )

If the salary is allocated as above then you can save on tax. The bills needs to be submitted to claim reimbursement and the same would be credited along with the salary.

Depending on your take home salary you can decide on how to allocate for the house, Car, and other expenses. if the company is willing to offer a car lease, then you can save on the tax also. You can still have two cars a big one and a smaller one, provided there is suffcient parking space in the apartment you are going to reside. Normally they offer one car park, and the second one is a luxury. If you want to engage a driver it would cost around 6500 plus over time beyond 12 hours.

If you want to use your savings and buy the car upfront then there is no issue of the car EMI. Atleast you can look at this option for one of the cars so that you dont feel the burden much.

You can get a decent 2 bed room apartment for abt 15 to 18 k and for a 3 bed bet 18 K up to 25 K ) As Nick mentioned ANNA Salai is the dividing line between South Chennai and North Chennai.You can stay on either side of Anna Salai. it starts from the Munroe Statue near the Beach side and goes up to the airport and then it becomes GST road. it depends on where your hubby's office is located in Anna Salai. If you can let us know may be we can suggest a few places closer to work.

You can get a maid who would do the washing and cleaning for about 1500 Rs. ( Attendance twice a day )

if you need a cook, add another 3500 Rs. They also come on part time, come and go types or stay in cook for which we have to be very careful as we can employ them without proper references.

Do let me know what other info you are looking at and I can help you with the same. You mentioned you are visiting Chennai this weekend. if you want a professional help to take you around, i shall recommend one or two, may be it might help you on the look see. Even otherwise I can draw up a schedule and pass it on to you just like I do for my company expats and you are at liberty what to choose and what to skip.

Best Regards, Raghu

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deekish

Hi,
We are a young couple with no children who have been living for a very long time in the UAE. Due to the current Global Economic situation, we are considering moving out of the Gulf. My husband an Engineer has been offered a position in Chennai. We both are basically from Bombay and have never even visited Chennai. We have been out of India for so long, we have no idea whats waiting for us back home. It would really help if someone could give us some idea bout the living conditions in Chennai.

First of all, kindly advice what would be considered as a good Salary for a Civil engineer in chennai. He has currently been offered an annual package of 12lacs. Would that be enough to have a decent lifestyle?
We have unfortunatley been pampered in the Gulf way of life and live in quite a spacious flat and are a 2 car family. Can our lifestyle in Chennai even come close to that with this kind of income.
His workplace is somewhere in Anna Salai. Can anyone tell me something about this place and which is the closest residential area from there. What would be the rent like for a 2 bedroom apartment?

Alongside working for an MNC, I have also been doing some free-lancing feature writing for a reputed english daily. What would be my chances of finding a writing job in Chennai?

Relocating is a big decision and unfortunately we do not have much time to consider. If we agree we are to relocate by May mid.
I would greatly appreciate any advice and help provided.

Thanks.

Nick-H · Apr 20th, 2009, 18:33

I should have mentioned, as Deekish obviously doesn't know, and might find it useful --- Salai is the Tamil for Road, so any ____ Salai is a street name.

ISN · Apr 20th, 2009, 22:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-H

I should have mentioned, as Deekish obviously doesn't know, and might find it useful --- Salai is the Tamil for Road, so any ____ Salai is a street name.

Nick you are all set to start a Tamil tutoring class, when I entered college It was a great relief for me (I did not have to learn Tamil anymore) I always wondered how an foreigner would learn Tamil, but you always amaze me with your Tamil knowledge.

Nick-H · Apr 20th, 2009, 23:26

You pay me too much compliment on that one, I'm sorry to say.

Actually, I am a duffer at languages, and Tamil is no exception. I'd put my vocabulary at less than a dozen words, and my grammar at nil. Only the two days ago, Mrs N asked me how I was, and I replied that, yes, I had eaten the prawns

.

But, the essential words, like cat, dog, rat, housefly, mosquito, street, yes, no and thank you... Hmmm, Did I say a dozen? Maybe not that many!

And I have met foreigners who get by very well in the language, and some of them don't even live here.

So... if I have been amazing you, it was pure luck!

Damn... I should have kept quiet!

Raghu.Kumar · Apr 25th, 2009, 14:48

Hi Deepti,

Whats news ? did you visit Chennai last weekend ? let us know if you need any more info ?

Raghu

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raghu.Kumar

Hi Deepti,

Welcome to Chennai. You dont have to think twice. You can sure have a decent life style with that kind of salary that has been offered to your husband. Of course it remains to be seen how much is the actual take home after tax and also the kind of salary allocation your husbands company has interms of saving tax.

For eg. We have a salary system in which you can allocate part of your salary towards medical ( 15000 INR max) Telephone 1 landline and 1 mobile phone ( 60000 INR Max ) Leave travel Allowance ( equivalent to 2 months base salary ) Car Maintainance and Car Lease ( depends on the Grade / Seniority )

If the salary is allocated as above then you can save on tax. The bills needs to be submitted to claim reimbursement and the same would be credited along with the salary.

Depending on your take home salary you can decide on how to allocate for the house, Car, and other expenses. if the company is willing to offer a car lease, then you can save on the tax also. You can still have two cars a big one and a smaller one, provided there is suffcient parking space in the apartment you are going to reside. Normally they offer one car park, and the second one is a luxury. If you want to engage a driver it would cost around 6500 plus over time beyond 12 hours.

If you want to use your savings and buy the car upfront then there is no issue of the car EMI. Atleast you can look at this option for one of the cars so that you dont feel the burden much.

You can get a decent 2 bed room apartment for abt 15 to 18 k and for a 3 bed bet 18 K up to 25 K ) As Nick mentioned ANNA Salai is the dividing line between South Chennai and North Chennai.You can stay on either side of Anna Salai. it starts from the Munroe Statue near the Beach side and goes up to the airport and then it becomes GST road. it depends on where your hubby's office is located in Anna Salai. If you can let us know may be we can suggest a few places closer to work.

You can get a maid who would do the washing and cleaning for about 1500 Rs. ( Attendance twice a day )

if you need a cook, add another 3500 Rs. They also come on part time, come and go types or stay in cook for which we have to be very careful as we can employ them without proper references.

Do let me know what other info you are looking at and I can help you with the same. You mentioned you are visiting Chennai this weekend. if you want a professional help to take you around, i shall recommend one or two, may be it might help you on the look see. Even otherwise I can draw up a schedule and pass it on to you just like I do for my company expats and you are at liberty what to choose and what to skip.

Best Regards, Raghu

arvivair · Apr 28th, 2009, 04:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deekish

Hi,
We are a young couple with no children who have been living for a very long time in the UAE. Due to the current Global Economic situation, we are considering moving out of the Gulf. My husband an Engineer has been offered a position in Chennai. We both are basically from Bombay and have never even visited Chennai. We have been out of India for so long, we have no idea whats waiting for us back home. It would really help if someone could give us some idea bout the living conditions in Chennai.

First of all, kindly advice what would be considered as a good Salary for a Civil engineer in chennai. He has currently been offered an annual package of 12lacs. Would that be enough to have a decent lifestyle?
We have unfortunatley been pampered in the Gulf way of life and live in quite a spacious flat and are a 2 car family. Can our lifestyle in Chennai even come close to that with this kind of income.
His workplace is somewhere in Anna Salai. Can anyone tell me something about this place and which is the closest residential area from there. What would be the rent like for a 2 bedroom apartment?

Alongside working for an MNC, I have also been doing some free-lancing feature writing for a reputed english daily. What would be my chances of finding a writing job in Chennai?

Relocating is a big decision and unfortunately we do not have much time to consider. If we agree we are to relocate by May mid.
I would greatly appreciate any advice and help provided.

Thanks.

Hello Deepti,

Welcome to Chennai.
Chennai is a land of opportunities.
You get everything available in chennai starting from a pencil till an Volkswagen.

This is a city of cultural heritage with a modern outfit.
Being from UAE, you may need to get to learn a few things.
plan accordingly.

With a 1 lack per month salary plus your income added up, you may spend lavishly, but be cautious to plan for tax in advance. I would suggest you to buy a house instead of renting one so that you get the double benefit of Tax exemption and an investment (than making your rent as monthly expense.

With reference to opportunities to you, you do have bigger opportunity as you do have publishing houses in the city with a higher level readers for good reading stuff.

Best wishes for your future in Chennai. Welcome back home.

Regards,

Arvind

Deekish · May 4th, 2009, 15:50

I'm so sorry for the late reply guys.

Actually IndiaMike didnt send me an email when new replies were posted and I assumed no-one answered on the thread.
Its just that I checked on an off-chance today and saw all your replies on the same.
First of all a big thank you to you for the advice offered.

My Trip to Chennai was good. I was there for just 2 days out of which one day was a bandh and so I couldnt see much of the place.
My husbands office is located in T-Nagar which I heard is a very good area. We even stayed at the Residency towers which was very close to his office.
We have decided to take up the offer and go ahead with it as the company was very impressive in terms of career growth.

I have more queries which I had listed on a seperate thread. Would really appreciate if you could help me out in that as well.

And Raghu, Thanks a bunch for the update on the Tax. We will be able to get more details only once we come down there I suppose.

Deekish · May 4th, 2009, 15:57

We plan to be there in the first week of June.
Its a Huge decision and I hope we are making no mistake here.

Raghu.Kumar · May 4th, 2009, 15:57

Hi Deepti,

Great to know you have seen our posts now. I have responded to your other post regarding accommodation. do drop a line and i would be able to advise.

Raghu

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deekish

I'm so sorry for the late reply guys.

Actually IndiaMike didnt send me an email when new replies were posted and I assumed no-one answered on the thread.
Its just that I checked on an off-chance today and saw all your replies on the same.
First of all a big thank you to you for the advice offered.

My Trip to Chennai was good. I was there for just 2 days out of which one day was a bandh and so I couldnt see much of the place.
My husbands office is located in T-Nagar which I heard is a very good area. We even stayed at the Residency towers which was very close to his office.
We have decided to take up the offer and go ahead with it as the company was very impressive in terms of career growth.

I have more queries which I had listed on a seperate thread. Would really appreciate if you could help me out in that as well.

And Raghu, Thanks a bunch for the update on the Tax. We will be able to get more details only once we come down there I suppose.

Raghu.Kumar · May 4th, 2009, 19:27

Hi Deepti,

Of course I dont see any reason that you would regret moving to Chennai. As long as the job front is secure, rest is immaterial and you dont have to worry a bit.

We are here to guide you dear !

Raghu

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deekish

We plan to be there in the first week of June.
Its a Huge decision and I hope we are making no mistake here.

Apr 19th, 2009, 15:29	#1
Deekish Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dubai, UAE Posts: 7	Relocating To Chennai......? Hi, We are a young couple with no children who have been living for a very long time in the UAE. Due to the current Global Economic situation, we are considering moving out of the Gulf. My husband an Engineer has been offered a position in Chennai. We both are basically from Bombay and have never even visited Chennai. We have been out of India for so long, we have no idea whats waiting for us back home. It would really help if someone could give us some idea bout the living conditions in Chennai. First of all, kindly advice what would be considered as a good Salary for a Civil engineer in chennai. He has currently been offered an annual package of 12lacs. Would that be enough to have a decent lifestyle? We have unfortunatley been pampered in the Gulf way of life and live in quite a spacious flat and are a 2 car family. Can our lifestyle in Chennai even come close to that with this kind of income. His workplace is somewhere in Anna Salai. Can anyone tell me something about this place and which is the closest residential area from there. What would be the rent like for a 2 bedroom apartment? Alongside working for an MNC, I have also been doing some free-lancing feature writing for a reputed english daily. What would be my chances of finding a writing job in Chennai? Relocating is a big decision and unfortunately we do not have much time to consider. If we agree we are to relocate by May mid. I would greatly appreciate any advice and help provided. Thanks.

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Apr 19th, 2009, 17:05	#2
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,189	With no children to spend expensive-school fees on, it is a large amount of money! These things are relative, and often spawn arguments. To me, it would be a fortune Anna Salai (Mount's Road) is like Chennai's "Main Street" --- it is long, extending from Guindy to Georgetown, and passing through many areas. Chennai is well covered by Google Maps; take a look and you'll see what I mean. Google Earth is also useful for finding your bearings in Chennai. I've never been to the Gulf; I'd think that Chennai would be a huge change in environment for you, and it might take some getting used to --- but we must have members who know both places who could give more than a vague impression about this. Notwithstanding the ability of the super-rich to create an island of whatever they want, wherever they want, ultimately what life is like is going to depend on the city, rather than on how much you earn. Check out the other threads in this section: you'll probably find much of what you want to know is already here!

Apr 19th, 2009, 20:23	#3
Ambler Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Chennai Posts: 142	I'll second what Nick says--100,000 rupees per month is a very generous amount to live on here. I bring home less than that and we have a very comfortable lifestyle. We're heading back to the US in a month or so and the adjustment to a more "realistic" lifestyle--no cooks, no maids, etc. is going to be a bit tough!I may actually have to do my own ironing. If you really want a swanky lifestyle see if your husband's employer will cover or subsidize your housing, which will most likely be the biggest expense for you in Chennai. Although since you are of Indian descent perhaps your rent will be lower than ours...other members? What do you think? My Indian friends tell me that few Indians would pay the rent we're paying for our comfortable apartment, they would be charged somewhat less (but only somewhat). Anna Salai is long. You'll need to figure out where on Anna Salai your husband will be working then we can give you some suggestions on neighborhoods.

Apr 19th, 2009, 21:30	#4
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,189	Even Indians are paying 'high' rents in Chennai now. Even poor Indians who used to be able to live within hundreds for rental are now being asked thousands --- or so my wife tells me, and I expect it is right.

Apr 20th, 2009, 12:13	#5
Deekish Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dubai, UAE Posts: 7	Thanks for the advice guys. We are actually thinking of coming down to Chennai over the weekend before taking a final call on this. Will keep you posted. Thanks again Deepti

Apr 20th, 2009, 18:33	#7
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,189	I should have mentioned, as Deekish obviously doesn't know, and might find it useful --- Salai is the Tamil for Road, so any ____ Salai is a street name.

Apr 20th, 2009, 23:26	#9
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,189	You pay me too much compliment on that one, I'm sorry to say. Actually, I am a duffer at languages, and Tamil is no exception. I'd put my vocabulary at less than a dozen words, and my grammar at nil. Only the two days ago, Mrs N asked me how I was, and I replied that, yes, I had eaten the prawns . But, the essential words, like cat, dog, rat, housefly, mosquito, street, yes, no and thank you... Hmmm, Did I say a dozen? Maybe not that many! And I have met foreigners who get by very well in the language, and some of them don't even live here. So... if I have been amazing you, it was pure luck! Damn... I should have kept quiet!

May 4th, 2009, 15:50	#12
Deekish Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dubai, UAE Posts: 7	I'm so sorry for the late reply guys. Actually IndiaMike didnt send me an email when new replies were posted and I assumed no-one answered on the thread. Its just that I checked on an off-chance today and saw all your replies on the same. First of all a big thank you to you for the advice offered. My Trip to Chennai was good. I was there for just 2 days out of which one day was a bandh and so I couldnt see much of the place. My husbands office is located in T-Nagar which I heard is a very good area. We even stayed at the Residency towers which was very close to his office. We have decided to take up the offer and go ahead with it as the company was very impressive in terms of career growth. I have more queries which I had listed on a seperate thread. Would really appreciate if you could help me out in that as well. And Raghu, Thanks a bunch for the update on the Tax. We will be able to get more details only once we come down there I suppose.

May 4th, 2009, 15:57	#13
Deekish Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dubai, UAE Posts: 7	We plan to be there in the first week of June. Its a Huge decision and I hope we are making no mistake here.