Lloyd moved from Houston, Texas, to New Delhi, India, with his wife and 16-year-old son after being awarded a company promotion. In his opinion, the inconveniences of living in a developing country are outweighed by the city's "rich history, wonderful people and high quality of life".
Read more about Delhi in the Expat Arrivals expat guide to Delhi , or read more expat experiences in India.
About Lloyd
Q: Where are you originally from?
A: Moved from Houston, TX (born New Orleans, LA)
Q: Where are you living now?
A: New Delhi, India
Q: How long have you lived in Delhi?
A: Almost 2 years
Q: Did you move with a spouse/ children?
A: Yes. Wife and 16-year-old son.
Q: Why did you move; what do you do?
A: Company Promotion; Hospitality Company Executive
About New Delhi
Q: What do you enjoy most about New Delhi? How’s the quality of life in India?
A: Delhi has a rich history and wonderful people; the quality of life is very good, with very minor inconveniences.
Q: Any negatives? What do you miss most about home?
A: Poor infrastructure. What do we miss most? Our college-age son and family that we left behind.
Q: Is New Delhi safe?
A: While I have never felt “unsafe”. I am careful as to where my family and I go. The same is true for living in any major metropolitan area in the US – there are places I wouldn’t venture to for safety reasons.
About living in New Delhi
Q: Which are the best places/suburbs to live in New Delhi as an expat?
A: It varies around Delhi. We chose an area as recommended by the school our son would be attending as it had a high concentration of students from his school.
Q: How do you rate the standard of accommodation in New Delhi?
A: Very high. We are very pleased with our housing and the choices that were available when we were searching.
Q: What’s the cost of living in India compared to America? What is cheap or expensive in particular?
A: Very high rent where we live. Food is very reasonable and almost cheap compared to home.
Q: What are the locals like; do you mix mainly with other expats?
A: My family and I work and socialize with locals and expats. We have embraced the culture and enjoy meeting and making friends from various backgrounds and cultures.
Q: Was it easy meeting people and making friends?
A: Yes, for the entire family. The expat community is very close-knit; work has also provided opportunities to make friends, and also through the school.
About working in New Delhi
Q: Did you have a problem getting a work visa/permit?
A: No problem whatsoever.
Q: What’s the economic climate like in New Delhi? Is there plenty of work?
A: India as a whole has a very robust economy at present and was not terribly affected by the global economic downturn.
Q: How does the work culture differ from home?
A: Greatly different. I could write a book about work culture/customs/nuances/idiosyncrasies – not enough space to do this question justice!
Q: Did a relocation company help you with your move?
A: Yes.
Family and children in New Delhi
Q: Did your spouse or partner have problems adjusting to their new home?
A: No, they were well-prepared. They were coached to “expect the worst, and you will be pleasantly surprised!"
Q: Did your children settle in easily?
A: Our son did and is still doing extremely well, despite joining in the middle of his freshman year of High School.
Q: What are the schools in New Delhi like? Any particular suggestions?
A: The quality of our son’s schools is excellent; a better education than he was receiving in the US. Teachers, faculty, ambience, technology, curriculum and sports – well-rounded. The cultural experiences and extracurricular trips are priceless opportunities for exposure that are not available in the US. Not all schools are equal – don’t sacrifice taking an overseas assignment at the cost of your children's education. Great schools are available, but do your research.
Q: How would you rate the healthcare in New Delhi?
A: In India, it varies. I had minor surgery (non-elective/emergency) and ended up in a clinic that looked like it was from circa 1920. Must be careful!
And finally…
Q: Is there any other advice you like to offer new expat arrivals?
A: Wherever you decide to live, it is important to embrace the culture, accept the fact that things are going to be different than the comforts of a more developed nation, keep a sense of humour, and surround yourself with like-minded people. If you socialize with people who are not having a good time, are always negative, or hate their existence, it can be cancerous and infect your attitude as well.
~ Interviewed January 2010