Moving to Gurgaon!!!

AwayFromHome

Hi IMers!,

AwayFromHome is soon to become AtHome - perhaps as soon as December.
We (self, better half and 8 and 9 year old kiddos) will be relocating to Gurgaon. A couple of quick questions:

1) We have decided the kids (non-Hindi speaking) will go to either Scottish High or American Excelsior. We are leaning towards Scottish High because we think the academic standards are a higher there, but American Excelsior has the advantage of having more ex-pats (more native English speakers). Any thoughts would be most welcome.

2) What appliances should we consider moving to India from the US? I have heard that adapters are available for fridges, TVs etc. We will be living in one of those 100% power back-up high-rises, if it makes any difference.

3) Apart from ourselves, we are also taking 2 big dogs and 2 big cats with us. This will necessitate owning one SUV type vehicle. We thought that we also will need a smaller car for local shopping abd errands, given the difficulty in finding parking in Gurgaon. We have a budget of Rs. 20-25 Lakhs for these 2 vehicles. What would you recommend.

4) Will the AwayFromHome family arrival be enough to warrant a seperate Gurgaon meet-up?


Look forward to all suggestions! Thanks, all.

brownboy66

Congrats! and now the adventure really begins. A couple of replies below......

so the voltage here will be 240 volts and your US appliances will be rated for 110 volts? So you're going to need a step down transformer for each major appliance.

You could get a ford endeavour for about 14-18 lakhs , leaving more than enough for a 4 door sedan (maybe a small honda or Suzuki)? The Endeavour is the local equivalent of a the ford explorer - but with a much smaller engine (for the above price it would likely be the 2 wheel drive model - but still has lots of space inside).

certainly - and we make no distinction between Delhi and Gurgaon meetups (basically any excuse will do).

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puchoo

i agree with BB...spend the bulk of the money on the SUV. You could also look at something like the Tata Safari which are cheaper than the explorer's etc.

Your second car can be a hatchback like the Swift and will cost between 4-6 lacs on road depending on the model..

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AwayFromHome

Much appreciated! BB, I have this eeire feeling that a few beverages will be imbibed in your presence.

AwayFromHome

Thanks, Puchoo!

These will be AC and automatic (non-manual gear shift) right? As much as I'd like to get a shift, the Mrs does not drive those and has no interest in learning how to.


Also, ex-pats, please comment on the schools I asked about (there should be a supplication emiticon - like on your knees, in abject need of guidance).

karuna

Hmmm...how about these, posted on your behalf:


karuna- useless at the big stuff, but knows her smilies.

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AwayFromHome

Karuna, you are a gem!
(Filed away safely for future use).

KABAARY

Reports from people I know who have their kids there are not very encouraging.

AwayFromHome

Hi Kabaary,
DSo you mind giving a few specifics? If you are not comfortable posting, please PM me.

Thank you!

KABAARY

Frequent changes in teachers...principals have changed too..run very much as a corporate enterprise. Let me talk to my friends and revert further.

AwayFromHome

Thank you very much - any detail would be extremely helpful. Also, where are their kids studying now?

brownboy66

you're speakin ma language!

chances are....no - not unless its a fully built up import. Most of the cars assembled/ manufactured here are manuals (stick shift). Presumably - its to keep the cost of purchase and maintenance down.

KABAARY

One still there as mid-term change of schools is tough. Another has shifted to Shri Ram school...

shashank.aggarwal

Automatic cars are available here, but they are not very popular. But yes there are options. And talking about SUV, if you do not mind something not very flashy, then Bolero is a very good option. Complete VFM and extreme utility. Cheap to own and maintain and well proven in Indian conditions.

And for the small car, go with any Maruti car, they are VFM.

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puchoo

I think the Honda CRV is an automatic transmission...