Consultation with a family doctor prior to coming to Bangalore is advisable to determine which vaccinations and/or medications are recommended. These may include:

Tetanus and Diphtheria
Typhoid
Hepatitis A and B
Cholera
Anti-malaria medication
Worming tablets

For more specific information concerning immunisations, refer to Travellers' Health | CDC.

• Insects in India transmit several diseases. To minimise risks here, people use insect repellent (particularly when sitting out in the evenings), and some use bed nets, although many rely on their air-conditioners to ward off mosquitoes. Window screens are now readily available here, too.
• Disease is also spread through contaminated water. It is advisable to use only bottled or filtered water. This also applies when washing teeth. Many of us have installed a water filtration system in the home, which provides safe drinking water.
• All fresh fruit and vegetables should be washed thoroughly. All meat and fish should be cooked before consumption.
• Fresh milk should be boiled for 5 minutes and then cooled and stored in the refrigerator. However, long-life milk is now available, which is safe to consume without boiling.
• Public toilet facilities are often of a very low standard. Avoid using them if possible, and always carry paper tissues and wet wipes.
• A well-stocked medical kit at home and/or in the car is recommended.
• As in all hot climates, dehydration is a common occurrence for newcomers. This can cause fatigue, dizziness, and stomach-ache, and can lead to diarrhoea. Carry bottled water when you travel, and enjoy the best local cure for dehydration, a fresh lime soda salty or sweet. To prevent dehydration, drink more water than you normally would in your home country, even if the weather does not feel too hot, or you do not notice excessive sweating. For every 9 kilograms of body weight, you should drink at least one glass of decaffeinated, sugar-free fluids.

Many medical professionals here in Bangalore have studied and worked abroad. Several of the hospitals and clinics offer comparable medical care to that found overseas and usually at a fraction of the cost. A growing proportion of their business is now coming from health tourism.
Disclaimer: The OWC provides this information for the benefit of its members but cannot accept responsibility for the level of care that you may receive at the institutions named below.
Some of the more reputable hospitals are:

The OWC publication, In and Out of Bangalore, provides a comprehensive list of medical specialists ranging from Ophthalmologists to Dermatologists and Gynaecologists.

It is recommended that a supply of prescription medicines should accompany you to Bangalore until such time as you can find a supply or substitute for your medications. Pharmacies here in Bangalore are well-stocked, and many prescription drugs are available over-the-counter for a much reduced cost. The larger hospitals have 24-hour pharmacies.

Allergies and asthma can be a problem here due to the change in air quality. See your physician ahead of time to ensure that you have an adequate supply of your allergy/asthma medication. For those who wear contact lenses, they may find their eyes drying out due to the dust in the atmosphere so moisturising drops may be useful. Some eye glasses shops carry imported contact lens solutions such as Renu and Opti-Free.

Alternative medicine and homeopathy are well-developed here in India. Recognised practitioners are plentiful.

Most areas in India are safe; however, some regions where there is political unrest should be avoided. Bangalore is a rapidly growing city and with that comes an increase in petty crime. Some precautions that should be adopted to reduce this risk are as follows:

• Large amounts of cash should not be carried on your person.
• Be attentive to those around you when withdrawing cash at ATMs and in banks. Always secure your money prior to moving away from the machine or the teller.
• Avoid travelling alone, especially at night.
• Keep jewellery to a minimum.
• When staying in hotels or temporary accommodation, keep all valuables locked in a secure place.

Beggars:

Beggars are a fact of street life here in India. It is worth noting that they are often working for unscrupulous individuals. There are several ways of helping the underprivileged here in Bangalore through organised charitable foundations. Click here to learn more about the charities the OWC supports. Small snacks or coins can be given if you feel obliged to give “on-the-spot”; however, it is recommended to give just as you are leaving a place to avoid drawing a crowd (i.e. just as the traffic signal turns green or you leave a temple).

Safety on the Roads:

The roads of Bangalore are over-congested, often without lane-markings; and cars, auto rickshaws, cows, beggars, motorbikes, hawkers, pedestrians, and trucks are all vying with each other for pole position! Crossing of roads should be done with utmost caution, and whenever possible, cross at traffic lights or use over-passes. Walking on sidewalks can also be hazardous as many of the pavement slabs are missing or broken. Congestion on the sidewalks on weekends and holidays can restrict movement due to the increased density of pedestrians.

Safety in the Home:

• All valuables should be under lock and key. Consider purchasing a safe.
• If you use domestic support to run errands, always request a receipt and the correct change.
• Before employing domestic support, obtain their addresses and a recent photograph, and check with their previous employer.
• If you are travelling away from home, cancel all deliveries, but do not advise on how long you will be absent.
• Be sensible in relation to leaving doors and windows open when you are either leaving the house for a short period of time or when you are working in another area of the home.
• Personal belongings should be insured.

All of the schools listed below offer the International Baccalaureate or the Cambridge University (IGCSE, A levels and AICE) curricula or the one from the Education Ministry of Ontario, Canada. Most of these schools are also in the process of bringing in the PYP and MYP at the primary and middle school levels, back-to-back with the IGCSE and IB syllabi offered. At this time, none of the international schools listed function on the American system of education, but American students should be able to transition between the systems offered with relative ease.

For those opting for local Indian schools, it should be noted that the admissions process is very strict. Application must be made at the time when the admissions process is starting. Some of the private Indian schools (referred to as “Public”) can be more flexible. However, class sizes can be large and learning is often done on a rote basis. The school year runs from June-March with the 1st term generally being from June till August/September, the 2nd term being from August/September to December, and the last term being January to end of March. The timing of local holidays may alter this somewhat.

Kindergartens and Nurseries are opening up all the time. The Montessori method is taught, as is the Reggio-Emila method, along with more conventional methods, offering fun things to do in a caring and nurturing environment.

For a more comprehensive listing of the schools in Bangalore, refer to our Publications page and In and Out of Bangalore.

When you first arrive in Bangalore, you may need temporary accommodation, particularly if you are still waiting for your shipment to arrive. Hotels and serviced apartments are available; however, hotels can prove to be the more expensive option as they struggle to keep up with demand. Serviced apartments are often preferable, particularly if you are travelling with small children or if you anticipate a lengthy stay in temporary accommodation. These come furnished and with basic appliances.

Long-term Accommodation

There is a wide range of good quality expatriate rental accommodations available in Bangalore. This ranges from independent houses to semi-detached homes, gated compounds, condominiums, and apartments. Both furnished and unfurnished homes are available.

There is no shortage of real estate companies in the city. Once the lease agreement has been signed, the agent collects a fee (usually one month’s rent) from both you and from the landlord. The lease agreement is usually for 11 months, which is renewable at the beginning of the 12th month, though the lease period will be for 2 to 3 years. When terminating the lease, a period of 2 months notice is required.

Utilities:

For both houses and for apartments, the payment of utility charges is the responsibility of the tenant.

Electricity:

The electric current is 220V AC, 50 cycles; and the Euro(Continental) and Schuko plug is used. Every house/apartment is allocated a certain amount of power, and this often needs to be shed to prevent overloading the system and the subsequent blowing of fuses. The landlord may apply for additional power, but this is not always granted. The purchasing of a surge protector, a UPS for your computer, an emergency lamp, and some candles will help to minimise the inconvenience of living with fluctuating electricity levels.

For U.S. expats, it is a good idea to buy some transformers before leaving home if you intend to bring US appliances with you. Check your appliances for a 110V to 250V rating, as some appliances and cords are now being manufactured to run on both voltages, needing only a plug adapter to operate in other countries. Most appliances are now available locally; but some are in short supply, can be expensive, and cannot be used back in the States.

Water:

The supply of water in Bangalore is fairly reliable; however, rooftop reservoir tanks can ensure a better supply. For the safety of you and your family, it is advisable to install a water filter/purifier system in your home. They can be purchased at any larger appliance store in Bangalore. Hot water is rarely provided in the kitchen so hot water geysers for the kitchen and bathrooms may need to be requested from the landlord prior to you taking up occupancy.

Telephones:

Before you move into your home, make sure that you have a telephone line, as applying for one is often a very lengthy process. If however, you do not have one, apply to the Karnataka Telecommunications Department. Your landlord should be able to assist you with this.
Mobile phone providers are plentiful, and setting up a phone account is a straightforward process.

Cooking Gas:

A cooking gas connection should already be in place in your home. The connection comes with 2 gas cylinders. If you do not have one, speak to your landlord about procuring a connection.

Noise:

Bangalore is a noisy city, so to ensure a good night’s sleep, check the location of mosques, temples, shops, and convention halls before making a decision on a property.

Furniture and Furnishings:

If you are bringing your furniture and paintings here to Bangalore, you should consider the climate. It is hot, humid, and very dusty. Many rented homes do not provide window treatments, but a wide variety of fabrics and ready-made treatments are available in several sizes. It is very easy to have custom window treatments made at a reasonable price.

Travelling in and around Bangalore can be stressful. The safest option for the newcomer in getting around is hiring a car with a driver. If you decide to drive yourself, please note:

• Driving is on the left side of the road, and cars are all right-hand drive.
• Expect heavy traffic congestion almost everywhere in Bangalore.
• Cows have the right of way: They are considered sacred in India. Hitting or killing a cow can have serious implications.
• Foreigners require an International driver’s licence, which is valid for one year. This can only be renewed in the country of issue. To obtain an Indian driving licence, foreigners usually need to do a driving test and pass a verbal examination.
• Insurance is highly recommended.
• Roads are often in poor condition in comparison to what most people have in developed countries.
• Avoid night driving, particularly in rural areas.
• Road accidents are commonplace. Angry mobs can sometimes gather at the scene of an accident demanding compensation, whether it was your fault or not. It is advisable to leave the scene of the accident, and go to the nearest police station to report the incident or to the nearest place of safety.

Transportation Methods:

Taxis: Bangalore does not have colour-coded taxis which can be hailed on the streets. Most private taxis are white in colour and can either be found at private stands or hotels. You can also call some of the larger taxi services to make a reservation. Book ahead of time to avoid problems as there are a limited number of taxis available, particularly at peak times.

Auto-Rickshaws: These are available everywhere and rarely need to be flagged down as they invariably appear alongside you as if by magic! They are metered. Current rates and the driver’s permit should always be on display. This can be an enjoyable way to see Bangalore, but your safety and health should always be considered before you climb into one of these vehicles because of the often reckless nature of the driving and the pollution levels in heavy traffic. At major shopping centres, there are Prepaid Auto-Rickshaw stands to ensure you get the most fair price.

Bus Transportation: Public bus routes are marked in the local Kanada language. These buses are usually overcrowded, and they need to be flagged down. The front section of the bus is usually reserved for women, with men standing in the back. The recent arrival of a new fleet of Volvo buses offers a comfortable and air-conditioned journey, but they are more expensive.

Rail Network: India has an extensive rail network. Tickets should be booked in advance, and air-conditioned, 1st class coach travel is recommended. “Mail” or “express” trains make fewer stops than “passenger” trains.

Air Transport: International and domestic carriers service Bangalore. The airport has both a domestic and an international terminal, but because of space constraints, only those passengers travelling are allowed entry to the terminal buildings. A new airport is currently under construction in the north of the city, and this is scheduled for completion in 2008.

The currency in India is the Rupee (Rs), and one rupee is comprised of 100 paise (p). Many well-known banks operate in Bangalore, including:

Citibank
HSBC
Ing Vysya
HDFC
ICICI – one of India’s largest consumer banks

Credit cards are accepted in most of the larger shops, hotels, and restaurants. ATMs can be found all over the city.
Opening a bank account: Only one checking account per person is allowed under Indian Foreign Exchange laws. This enables the expatriate to deposit his paycheck or to remit his salary (received in foreign exchange overseas) to India through his account. No other money can be deposited in this account. To open an account you will need:

• Copy of your passport
• Copy of your visa
• Passport-size photograph
• Proof of residence in India
• Completed application forms
• A letter of reference from your employer
• A minimum deposit
• NRI Permit (received from Foreigners Regional Registration officer, obtained within two weeks of your arrival)

Shopping in Bangalore can be great fun, and for the newcomer, several familiar brands and products are available in the shops, making you feel instantly at home.

The city can be divided into two main shopping areas – the Cantonment area (MG Road, Residency, Brigade, St. Marks, Commercial, and Infantry) and the City area (Majestic, City Market, Chickpet, Avenue Road, and BVK Iyengar Road).

The Cantonment area is full of shopping malls, internationally known stores, and local Department stores such as Westside and Landmark. The City area is comprised of small shops and stalls where bargaining is commonplace, and the variety of goods on sale is overwhelming. Factory outlet shopping is located in Marathahalli.

Some helpful hints for shopping in Bangalore:

For specific shopping needs, refer to In and Out of Bangalore for a full and comprehensive list of recommended stores, offering everything from food to furniture and fittings.

Bowling
Water parks
Amusement parks
Planetarium
Horse racing
Go-Karting
Cinemas
Golf
Theatres and concerts
Art galleries
Arcades
Cricket
Outdoor pursuits, such as orienteering and mountaineering
Libraries

Should you wish to do some sightseeing when you arrive, Tipu’s Palace, Vidhana Soudha (State Legislature), the City Fort, Bangalore Palace, and Bull Temple are all places of interest.

For a comprehensive and up-to-date listing of what’s going on in Bangalore, refer to the monthly publication 080 or check out the local newspapers.

The procedure to bring an animal into the country is relatively straightforward:

• Contact the airline to check if they transport pets to Bangalore. Different airlines have different policies regarding pets.
• An updated Veterinary Certificate is required from your country of departure.
• One month prior to travel, an anti-rabies vaccination is required.
• Call the Airline that the animal is travelling on, and give them the dimensions of the crate in which your pet will be flying.
• Make sure that a travel booking has been made for the pet.
• 48 hours prior to flying, the animal must be checked by a Veterinary Surgeon and a letter must be issued to verify that the animal is in healthy condition, with no communicable diseases and can travel by air.
• On arrival in India, the Veterinary Certificate must be shown to the Customs Officer. If the certificate can be shown to the Customs Officer, the animal is allowed entry; however, it is often a good idea to have a Vet here at the airport to clear the pet into the country.

The following is a list of some Vets in Bangalore, which could be contacted prior to your pet’s arrival into the country.

Disclaimer: The OWC provides this information for the benefits of its members but cannot accept any responsibility for the level of care that your animal may receive while under the care of these vets.

Boarding kennels for dogs and cats are available here in Bangalore; however, many pet owners opt to leave their pets with domestic staff or with friends when travelling.

Pet grooming is not well-developed as a service here in Bangalore. One reputable groomer is:

Fuzzy Wuzzy Grooming Parlour
Shop No.1
17th F Cross off CMH Road
Indiranagar II Stage
Bangalore 560038

Pet shops in Bangalore sell a wide variety of pet food (both imported and locally produced), toys, and grooming products as well as beds, leads, toys and treats. Two of the better stocked stores are:

Several Veterinary Surgeons also sell pet food and pet accessories along with animal health pharmaceutical products from their clinics. For the duration of your stay in Bangalore, it is important that your pet has drinking water at all times. They should be de-wormed every three months and vaccinated annually.

Rodents
Termites
Cockroaches
Moths

Simple precautions to safeguard your home against these pests can be taken:

• Houses and apartments can be sprayed regularly to control pests.
• Kitchens should be wiped clean at all times, and food should never be left lying around.
• The use of naphthalene balls (Camphor) on all drains and sink holes can and will discourage cockroaches.
• Mothballs can be placed in cupboards where clothes are kept.
• Gardens can be sprayed and protected from both mosquitoes and rodents.
• Avoid living in areas near open water, as mosquitoes will thrive there.
• Use insect repellent and mosquito nets, along with window screens.
• Never kill a cockroach as you may spread their eggs, it is best to remove them and put them outside.
• Several over-the-counter products are available to discourage termites and cockroaches from entering your home.

For a comprehensive listing of pest control companies, refer to the OWC Publication, In and Out of Bangalore.

http://www.bcp.gov.in/english/foreigners/index.html

Click here to see a comprehensive list of recommended reading on our Publications page. These resources have been especially helpful to some of our members prior to their move.