Keeping in Touch in India

Expats shouldn't have much trouble keeping in touch with family and friends while they're in India, especially if they live in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Internet, telephone, mobile phone and postal services are available and service standards are generally good.

Internet in India

Internet speeds in India generally lag behind other large economies. Nevertheless, broadband usage is steadily growing and even though a relatively small percentage of the population has access to high speeds and fixed lines, this still translates to millions of people. Internet connectivity is unlikely to be a major concern for new arrivals in India.

There are numerous companies and services to choose from, expats shouldn't have too much of a problem finding an internet service provider and fibre setup that suits them. Costs vary between companies and depend on the package, but they generally increase with download speeds and the amount of data being used, though uncapped packages are available.

When out and about in big cities, expats will frequently come across free WiFi hotspots. Internet speeds can be slow, though. 

Mobile phones in India

Mobile telephones are the most common form of communication in India, offering affordable packages and coverage in remote areas of the country.

The largest operators in India include Airtel, Vodafone Idea, Reliance Jio and BSNL. While Jio seems to dominate in terms of 4G availability across the country, Airtel and Vodafone Idea tend to offer faster internet speeds using mobile data.

India offers one of the world's lowest rates for mobile data, and internet costs therefore bring down the overall cost of living. Payment plans for cellphones can either be pre-paid or post-paid, but navigating the different available packages can be challenging. If at all unsure, expats should consult the locals for recommendations.

Postal service in India

India Post is the national postal service and is generally reliable. Regular post usually takes two to three days between major cities or neighbouring states, and up to a week to the rest of the country. At higher prices, expats can send registered post and speed post at their local post office, and India Post has recently begun delivering medication too.

Though many people rely on India Post, expats may prefer the reputation of private courier companies. These guarantee secure arrival of post and offer competitive rates, with same-day delivery in metros and next-day delivery to most towns. 

English media in India

Indian newspapers are printed in all of its major languages, including English. The Times of India is published nationally and is available online. The Hindu is popular in the south, while Hindustan Times has a large readership in the north. There are also plenty of foreign newspapers available in major cities.