| Banking | Clearing Customs | Visas | Documents & Resident Permits | Health | Pets | The Move | Relocation Companies | What To Pack | In Your Luggage | In Your Shipment | What NOT to Bring | Arrival Information | Essential Precautions | Monsoon | Toilet Facilities |

Before the Move

Moving countries can be both exciting and stressful. In between saying farewell to family and friends at home, you may have to decide what you will take with you and what will be stored. Having some information about the city you are moving to and being organized will help avoid problems when you arrive.

Banking

Check whether your bank has a branch in Mumbai and what services they offer. Replacement credit cards can be stolen if sent through the mail so ensure that you have a valid credit card for the duration of your stay or ensure that your company will be covering all your local costs until you have opened a local bank account and have a new credit card. You must open a local account. If you use your home credit card even if it is with the same bank you have in India, you will not be able to pay it off with rupees, but pay it in your home country. Check that you have good internet banking facilities so that the odd bill or money transfer from your home country can be done while you are in India.

Clearing Customs

Customs regulations into India should be obtained from your relocation company as the regulations change frequently - as do the customs duty rates. At present under a Transfer of Residence, an expatriate can bring in their used household goods and personal effects free of customs duty. However, certain electrical items are subject to customs duty whether new or used. Alcohol is subject to massive amounts of duty. You may be able to bring small quantities with you in your freight and reduce the duty, if you have a “friendly” customs agent . Customs will open all your goods, so do not send jewellery and other valuables! Food stuffs can be bought in up to the value of US$1000 without being subjected to duty (naturally select foods which are non perishable). But it is advisable to recheck this with your agent.

Visas

All visitors to India, with the exception of Nepalis and Bhutanis, are required to obtain visas from Indian diplomatic missions or consular offices before entering the country.

Applying for a visa is a relatively straightforward process however it may take time. Often if time is of the essence a short term visa is first issued and then a longer term visa (or employment visa in the case of the working spouse) This may require a trip out of the country to have the visa changed. However, it is very important to check that you are applying for the correct visa, as it is not possible to change the visa once you are in the country. Application for a visa should be made at the country of origin or country of last employment. Further, one should always apply for a multiple entry visa. You should make sure that the words multiple entry visa are on the visa itself or at least the initials “MEV” This is necessary for any travel outside India undertaken by the employee and family members during the period of assignment in India.

There are four main categories of visas:

• Employment Visa: To be applied for if you are coming to Mumbai on account of employment. Can be accompanied by spouse and family.
• Business Visa: This visa is to be applied for if you are going to India on business. This is usually for a short duration. Cannot be accompanied by family.
• Tourist Visa: As the name suggests, this is for tourists and is valid for a period of 180 days only. It cannot be extended and cannot be converted to another visa.
• Spouse or Dependent Visa: This visa is for a spouse and other accompanying family members. Anybody holding this visa cannot be employed in the country. If an accompanying spouse is interested in working in the country, they should have an employment visa., however this is difficult to acquire.

1. Three passport size photographs
(recommended you have plenty of extras as they are always needed)
2. Copy of your passport
3. Employment letter from your company
4. Depending on the duration of the visa sometimes an AIDS test is required
5. Often it specifies that you must have at least 2 blank pages available in your passport

Documents and Residents Permits

The following list of documents will make life a lot easier when settling in to Mumbai:

• Work permit obtained in home country
• Police clearance from home country
• Passport (up-to-date and valid for at least 6 months beyond the assignment period for all members of the family
• Visas – obtained in home country. Should be a work and not a tourist visa. Work visas should be as long as the contact you have in the country
• Driver’s License / International Drivers License
• Birth Certificates
• Marriage Certificates
• Medical Records
• Medical Examination reports
• Inoculation Certificates including pet certificates
• Qualification Certificates
• Insurance Documents
• Children’s School Records
• Power of Attorney
• Important and emergency telephone numbers
• Will
• Letter of credit
• Passport photographs

Documents and Issues Related to Employment

• Assignment location cost of living
• Terms of employment
• Tax implications and advice
• Home leave and travel allowances
• Benefits covered
• Social security
• Emergency evacuation procedures
• Medical Insurance
• Registration with the local consulate

Resident permits must be obtained once you are in Mumbai. Your relocation company will assist you with organizing the permits or alternatively your company may employ a specific agent to carry out the necessary paperwork and applications.

Health

It should be noted that diseases such as hepatitis, rabies and TB do occur in India so check with your local doctor regarding immunization before you arrive. Take out good international medical insurance before you arrive. It should contain a medical evacuation clause, which although you may never need to use it, could be beneficial to you or your family if you believe that the local facilities cannot cope with the required treatment. It should be noted that many wealthy and influential Indians do not opt to travel outside of India for major surgeries.

Pets

Before considering bringing your pets to India be aware that rabies, a fatal disease, is prevalent in India. If you intend to bring your pet, it is essential to have it vaccinated against rabies prior to departure. Contact your relocation company to determine the up-to-date information regarding quarantine regulations and the expected transit time from your country of origin.

Your pet must have a health certificate stating that the pet is free from Leptospira icterohemorrhagi tuberculoisis and have a rabies certificate issued by your veterinarian. Note also that time is needed for the required course of inoculations so consult your vet well in advance of travel date. The certificates must show that all vaccinations were given at least 30 days and not more than 180 days prior to entry into India.

Even though there is no requirement coming into the country it is advisable that you check what the quarantine regulations of your home country should you need to repatriate your pet & family back at the end of your posting. Some countries which are rabies free like Australia require the pet to be resident in a rabies free country (such as Singapore) for a minimum period of 6 months before they are allowed back into the country. This is an important consideration if you are definitely returning to a rabies free country after your posting in India.

Tips for moving pets;

• It is recommended where possible to take your pet on the same flight as you as accompanying baggage. Note Very few airlines permit small pets in the airplane cabin but most have suitable space in the cargo area for pets. It is recommended that you provide your own crate as using one provided by the airline may not have the same sanitation standards.
• Do not tranquilise your pet without your veterinarians approval and recommendation.
• Give your pets water but not food prior to departure to avoid air sickness.
• Make travel arrangements for a weekday arrival to ensure that customs facilities are open. A weekend arrival may mean no care no food.
• You or your agent should telephone the connecting airline to inform them of your pets needs and confirm their specific practices for in transit animals.
• If sending pets on a separate flight ensure you have all the details of your home veterinarian and pet transport agent so that you can be kept up to date on your pets arrangements.
• An import Permit is required and may be obtained at the time of entry by the agency handling your shipment.
• Hotels do not normally accept pets and most kennels are not up to western standards. However some serviced apartment will. It is advisable that you check this well in advance when planning the transport of your pet or coordinate for your pet to arrive when you have secured and moved into your accommodation which does permit pets.

The Move

You will need to employ the services of a reputable international moving company in your home city. Your moving company will then allocate the Mumbai leg of the relocation to a local relocation company.

Relocation Companies

Relocation companies usually offer a number of services for the relocating expat. They could include the following, however check with your company of choice as to the services they offer:

• Preview Trip
• Advice on temporary accommodation
• Immigration and Visa Assistance
• Household Shipment, Storage, Customs Clearance and Protection
• Pet Transfer
• Home Search
• School Search
• Handyman and Maid Service
• Orientation
• Cross Cultural Training
• Ongoing Support
• Tenancy and Expense Management
• Total Relocation Management

Mumbai Relocation Companies include:

• Writer Corporation
  105, Dr. B. Ambedkar Road, Mumbai 400 033, India
  Tel.: + 91-22-2372 3688/2008/4058
  Fax: +91-22-2373 8307, 2375 2416
  Email: writer.relo@writercorporation.com
  Website: www.writercorporation.com
  
• Crown World Wide Movers Pvt. Ltd.
  Plot 6, Marwah Estate, Krishanlal Marwah Marg, Andheri (East), Mumbai, 400 072, India
  Tel: +91 22 2857 1534 to 1537
  Fax: +91 22 2857 3989
  Email: mumbai@crownrelo.com
  Website: www.crownrelo.com
  
• IOS Pvt Ltd
  233 A to Z industrial Estate Fergusson Road Lower Parel Mumbai, 400 013, India
  Tel: +91 22 2496 8362 /4085
  Fax: +91 22 2496 4747

The length of transit times of the household shipments varies dependent on the port of departure. Below are estimates of the length of time the shipment takes:

• USA & Canada – 4-6 weeks
• Europe – 3 weeks
• Australia – 6-7 weeks
• Africa – 3-4 weeks
• Other parts of Asia – 3 weeks

Customs clearance is relatively quick and can take only a matter of days. However be prepared to travel to the customs dock and be present for your shipment inspection. Time is also required for the packing and moving at your port of departure and shipment timing may vary depending on the regularity of shipper departing for Mumbai India. If any stop over ports are required on the way this can add to the time of transit.

What to pack

Bringing over a few of your favourite belongings will help you feel at home while you become accustomed to living in Mumbai. If you are going to be in a hotel for a month or two before your permanent accommodation is ready (renovation etc) then a few family photos are a nice touch to make you feel more at home.

India has the same or if not even stricter rules which apply when travelling by air into and out of India. No sharp items, pocket-knives, matches and batteries as well as anything that the airlines warn against is strictly a no-no here. Since tighter security measures have been put in place, they also enforce the limits on liquids/gels etc so ensure that if you have any toiletries in your hand luggage that they meet the current restrictions.

In your Luggage

Ensure you have all your essential documents with you as well as your hotel details. All luggage is x-rayed once you arrive at Mumbai airport, with authorities mainly checking for the import of alcohol and cigarettes. The “one bottle per person” is not really enforced for wine unless you bring in a case or two. Most people find that they can get away with a bottle of wine per piece of luggage. But spirits like whiskey attract attention, as there are desirable items in India. India does not have the same food and agriculture concerns over meat and other products like other countries, but obviously for perishables you must have a fridge or freezer once you get here. There is no reason not to bring a few goodies from home however, make sure that they are well sealed and wrapped if any chance of leakage. Meats are best vacuum-sealed if possible and kept in the hold luggage which is much colder than the cabin – that way they should in the unlikely event of your luggage going missing the whole contents will not become spoiled.

In your shipment

Below is a list of items provided by a number of the expats in Mumbai. Note that the list may change as imported product become more available in Mumbai. Also be aware that the season when you are shipping your goods may be over the very hot period and certain items such as wine and candles may not survive the trip as well as you hope for.

• Bring your prescription medication with you. Once you are in Mumbai, the pharmacist at the Royal Pharmacy in the Oberoi may be able to source your specific medication for you. Other medication not available in Mumbai includes Advil (Ibuprofen).Most medications are available here very cheaply, however the brand may be different.
• Certain brands of toiletries and make-up (including specific brands of toothpaste, make up removal pads) may not be available in Mumbai, therefore you may not be able to find your specific brand or if you do you may find them at inflated prices as imported products are expensive in India due to the high import duties.
• The list of food products is rather long and also dependent on what you are used to having at home. Many of these items are available, you just have to know where to get them and in most cases be prepared to pay. If you are prepared to spend some extra time in the kitchen and make some items you usually buy, you will not need to bring in some of these items. Please note that perishable items should not be packed in your shipment. Food items include: bread crumbs; sage & onion stuffing; tomato puree (available in Mumbai but not concentrated); vacuum packed meat, sausages, pate and tuna; cheese; Bisto/Gravox; malt vinegar; chocolate; biscuits; lemons (limes are available but for some, the lime just doesn’t do it in your Gin & Tonic); salad dressing packets; sports drink concentrate, flour.
• Most household cleaning material is available in Mumbai however there are times where it can be difficult to find dishwasher soap (as dishwashers are not commonly found due to the availability of maids), fabric softener or multi-purpose cleaners. Bring some along with you that will bide you over until you have found the local alternatives to what you are used to.
• Many people find the local mattresses too hard and therefore suggest that you bring your own. Western style mattresses and beds are becoming more freely available.
• If you want a comfortable couch that you can lounge in then it is advisable to bring it along with you. The availability of different styles of furniture is increasing here daily so check out the furniture options on your look and see visit to ensure that you can find the style and quality you are looking for.
• Basin plugs are not routinely supplied to you may want to bring a couple along with you of different sizes.
• Clothing & Shoes. The availability of western wear is increasing on a daily basis but make sure you bring your favourite items of clothing with you, as it may be difficult to find replacements in Mumbai unless you have them tailor made. Clothing made of cotton, cotton mixes or linen is best suited to Mumbai’s climate. Shoes are available here but larger sizes (Mens over size 10 /45, or women's over size 9.5 / 41), sizes for narrow feet or certain styles may be difficult to locate in Mumbai. Sports clothing and equipment is available in Mumbai, however the selection is rather limited or expensive.
• Fitted cotton sheets are not readily available in Mumbai so bring your own with you or once you get here be prepared to have them made out of the lovely Indian cotton that is available at little cost. However, good quality local bedding and towels are available.
• Water sterilization tablets (soaking/sterilising babies bottles and some fruits and vegetables).
  

What NOT to Bring

We suggest that you do not bring the following with you:

• Appliances not compatible with Indian standards i.e.230-240V, 50 HZ. You may want to leave behind your good electrical items such as irons, kettles as the water is very hard, the electricity surges and they are easily damaged. Washing machines, dryers and fridges are available in Mumbai.
• White goods from home as you will have to pay a high duty on these.
• Digital alarm clocks as they run slow and require a converter to ensure they keep time! Note that the clock on microwaves also runs slow.
• Many expatriates do not bring their antiques and high value art works to Mumbai as they are concerned about the high level of humidity experienced here. If you have a safe place to store your antiques and high value art then it is advisable not to transport it to Mumbai.
• Basic generic brand medicines. Cough syrup, aspirin & paracetamol pain killers (no soluble type available though) are all readily available.
• Bicycles, as it too dangerous to ride on the road and most expats do not live in buildings where there is room to ride in the compound.
  

If you do end up bringing items with you that you do not use, don’t throw them away, as there are many needy charities in Mumbai who would gladly have your items.

Arrival Information

International flights to Mumbai tend to arrive in the early hours of the morning. So organize your accommodation and pick up transfer to your accommodation before you arrive. Mumbai has a list of five star hotels that are well known for their service, quality and hospitality both nationally and internationally. It is not recommended that you stay in hotels with less than five stars in Mumbai. Hotels are either in South Mumbai, close to the airport, in Bandra or on Juhu beach. Below is a list of five star hotels, which are recommended while you find your feet in Mumbai and decide on what accommodation will be suitable for yourself

South Mumbai Hotels

• The Oberoi, Nariman Point, Telephone: +91-22-5632 5757 Facsimile: +91-22-5632 4142, Reservations: +91-22-5632 6887, Email: reservations@oberoi-mumbai.com, Website: www.oberoihotels.com
• Oberoi Towers, Nariman Point, Telephone: +91-22-5632 4343. Facsimile: +91-22-5632 4142, Reservations: +91-22-2204 3133. Email: reservations@oberoi-mumbai.com, Website: www.oberoihotels.com
• The Taj Mahal Hotel, Apollo Bunder, Tel +91 22 5665 3366, Website: www.tajhotels.com
• The Taj President Hotel, Cuffe Parade, Tel +91 22 2215 0808, Website: www.tajhotels.com
• The Intercontinental, Marine Drive, Tel: +91 22 5639 9999, Fax: +91 22 5639 9600. Email: marinedrive@interconti.com, Website: www.intercontinental.com

Airport Hotels

• Hyatt Regency Mumbai, Sahar Airport Rd, Andheri, Tel +91 22 2696 1234, Fax: +91 22 5696 1235, Website: www.hyatt.com
• ITC Hotel Grand Maratha Sheraton & Towers, Sahar Airport Rd, Andheri, Tel +91 22 2830 3030, Fax +91 22 2830 3131
• Le Royal Meridien, Sahar Airport Rd, Andheri, Tel +91 22 2830 0000, Fax +91 22 2838 0101
  The Leela

Bandra Bandstand

• Taj Lands End, Tel +91 22, Website: www.tajhotels.com

Juhu Beach

• JW Marriott Mumbai, Juhu Tara Rd, Juhu, Tel +91 22 5693 3000, Fax +91 22 5693 3100

It is also useful to hire a car with a driver to have at your disposal in order to get around the city. It is not advisable to take the public transport, however the black and yellow taxis and blue and silver cool cabs are a good alternative.

Essential Precautions

On arrival in Mumbai the first impressions can take you aback. Give yourself a little time to assimilate everything and don’t be too tough on yourself as it will take a little time to come to terms with Mumbai. The city can suffer from bad air pollution, especially from traffic fumes. Noise pollution can also be tough to deal with especially the constant honking of horns but try and think about something else and do not dwell too it too much. Mumbai smells can provide quite a baffling mixture – from richly pungent and unpleasant to delicately subtle. Public hygiene or that lack of it can be quite daunting. Give yourself time and space to adjust to all of the above.

Water
The tap water in Mumbai of extremely poor quality so DON”T DRINK THE TAP WATER. Drink only bottled water with intact tamper-proof seals or water that has been filtered through an “Aquaguard” and then boiled. Beware of the ice in your drinks as many establishments will use tap water to produce ice. When making ice yourself use either bottled water or filtered and boiled water to do so. The same should go for all your consumption of water including cooking, making tea or coffee and brushing your teeth.

Bottled Standards - Recently there has been an investigation into the standards of bottled water available in Mumbai as high amounts of pesticides were found in many of the brands. The study showed that it was safe to drink the following brands of water: Himalaya, Kinley, Aquafina. Choose bottled water where the seal is unbroken and once you have finished with the bottle ensure that it is crushed so that it cannot be reused.

Food
If you can’t peel it or cook it don’t eat it! Even in hotels – salad buffets are best avoided but this is improving all the time. Once you are in your own home you will be able to soak your fruit and vegetables in one of the recommended -options and then rinse in clean water. You will then be able to eat fruit and salad without any problems.

Monsoon
The monsoon season, which arrives in Mumbai in June and lasts until early September brings heavy rain together with an enveloping dampness which makes it very difficult to keep things from not getting too moist. Temperatures drop slightly bringing welcome relief from the very hot weather experienced just prior to the monsoon. If you arrive during the monsoon, make sure you have an umbrella with you and avoid walking in the water if possible.

Disruption of traffic can be dramatic if flooding occurs. The flooding usually clears when the tide goes out however blocked drains in certain areas can still cause the formation of large puddles which also slows the traffic flow. If you are travelling around Mumbai during heavy rains allow almost double the said time to get to your destination. Avoid walking in the flooded streets, especially if you have any cuts and abrasions as the water is very polluted. The practice of removing your outside shoes when entering a home is a good idea in monsoon time for this reason.

Toilet Facilities
One of the common ailments suffered by new arrivals in Mumbai is diarrhoea. Travelling with small children can also be a challenge so it is a good idea to know where to find a good public “loo” for emergencies. The major hotels are always a good place to find a good loo as are some of the shopping centres such as Crossroads and the Oberoi Shopping Centre. Alternatives are also coffee shops such as the Baristas which are dotted around the city, Oxford book shop and Crosswords book shop or one of the up-market restaurants.