Shipping to India
Are you looking to move to India but are not sure where to start? With visas to obtain, jobs to organise and living costs to account for, there is more than enough to be thinking about.
One thing you most certainly will need to consider at some point however is how you are going to move all your belongings.
You have most likely moved home before at some point and can appreciate the massive amount of upheaval and planning that goes into such a move.
Moving internationally is a whole new experience altogether and comes with added considerations and pressures. That is where choosing the right international removal company is crucial. With so many to choose from, it is not an easy task.
White & Company can help make the transition as smooth and worry free as possible.
A family owned business established in 1871, and founder members of BAR, FIDI & Omni, White & Company have shipped thousands of people around the globe and should be your first choice for international relocations.
Survey
Our experienced surveyor will visit your home to conduct a pre-move survey to ascertain the volume of effects being shipped.
This involves him/her walking through the property room by room noting what items are to be exported and recording it on his electronic tablet.
The purpose of the survey is to determine the volume of effects you will be shipping.
The cost of shipment is based on the space your effects will take up in the container. Following the visit, you will receive a written quotation within 48 hours.
Storage
You may find you need to store some or all of your possessions for a period of time prior to moving abroad.
White & Company have storage facilities at all our 19 branch depots across the UK. All our warehouses are clean, dry, secure and accredited to European standard BS EN 14873.
Our partners in India can also offer you storage. You may be renting for a while and may not need all of your effects to be delivered immediately.
You can arrange for certain items to be delivered and once settled in your new home, the rest can follow. Please note that storage rates may apply.
Packing
When our quotation has been accepted and a move date has been secured, the vehicle and removal team will arrive at residence.
The removal team will proceed to export pack and wrap all items being shipped and load onto vehicle for delivery to our closest depot.
We use a modern range of environmentally friendly, purpose-made packing materials and can pack everything for you prior to your move.
All china and glassware will be wrapped in special paper and then packed in double-thickness cartons. Furniture can be wrapped in bubble blanket for extra protection.
Items requiring specialist care, such as antiques, can be packed in made-to-measure wooden crates.
Shipping Effects to India
The whole moving experience can be incredibly stressful, especially so when relocating abroad.
White & Company, with its 145 years of experience in the removal industry, can help make the process a lot smoother
All effects are transferred to the export warehouse to await loading into a 20ft or 40ft container.
The container is booked with the shipping line onto the first available vessel destined to the closest port of entry to your final destination in India.
Upon arrival at your residence in India, our trusted agents will place boxes and furniture in appropriate rooms as directed. They will unpack your belongings onto flat surfaces and dispose of all packing materials.
Moving to India? Get a Quick Quote
Why move to India?
If variety is the spice of life, India has it in abundance. From, the hustle and bustle of the major marketplaces of Delhi and Mumbai, to the peaceful spirituality and sands of Goa, India is a truly diverse and ever changing nation with no shortage of sights and smells to experience.
In the 60s and 70s many people left India to escape extreme hardships and set up a new life abroad, traditionally in the US and UK. However, while poverty and crime persist, many are now returning and it is estimated around 30,000 Brits have departed in search of India’s serious untapped potential for growth and development.
Alongside other emerging global economies (BRICs) India has experienced exponential economic growth, particularly when compared with stagnating European economies. The digital economy for one has unlocked opportunities for budding entrepreneurs and start-ups to tap into a variety of unsaturated markets in India such as the smartphone industry.
Expats are attracted to the relatively high standard of living on offer for very little cost. Most leisure activities, from eating out or watching films are very affordable in India. Although pay packets are often a fraction of those in the UK and other developed nations.
In your downtime you’ll be able to explore India’s ancient cultural heritage, such as the man-made wonders of the Taj Mahal and the golden temple. For the intrepid expat there is a mass of unblemished natural beauty, including jungles, rainforests and the majestic Himalayas. There is also the wide range of delectable dishes on offer, from curries to chapatis.
India is not for the feint-hearted however. With high levels of poverty, scorching summer temperatures and a population set to overtake China, India is a here are also some cultural and religious traditions to become acquainted with, such as the national anthem being played before the start of each film at the cinema, where everyone is expected to stand up.
Once the initial culture shock has subsided you will find India is a truly fascinating and colourful country with lots of opportunities to immerse yourself in a vibrant community with excellent hospitality and plenty of opportunities.
Visas
An employment visa and work permit is needed to work in India. They cost £495, and last up to five years at a time.
Employment visas require that you be employed by an Indian company or do honorary work with a registered NGO in India. All visas have a limited time of duration, although it is possible to have them extended.
If you plan to stay in India for more than 180 consecutive days you will need to register at the Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office (FRRO) within 14 days of your arrival. Failure to do so could mean that you are stripped of your Indian visa.
India has also recently introduced mandatory biometrics as part of its visa enrolment for visitors. The biometric-based 12-digit personal identification number is called Aadhaar (meaning ‘Foundation’ in Hindi) and is compulsory for all nationals.
Fingerprint biometrics are now also a part of the visa application process for expats looking to work in India.
Finding work
Traditionally, the bulk of expats living and working in India, were on assignment from large multinationals back home.
These were typically placed in the big cities of New Delhi and Mumbai. Some well-known employers include, Maruti Suzuki, the State Bank of India and the Tata Group.
However, in recent years there has been a real upsurge in mid-level companies taking on people from abroad.
There has also been a growth in entrepreneurs and start-ups who come to the country looking to tap into a number of unsaturated markets, most notably IT.
There is also a blossoming arts scene, particularly in Goa and demand for English teachers is always high.
Despite the reputation of being incredibly high-tech, India is generally a very difficult place to find a job without the right connections or being placed on assignment.
The sheer diversity of different languages, despite the relatively good level of English proficiency in some areas, is also a barrier.
Buying Property
Due to India’s population boom, the demand for affordable housing far outstrips supply.
Most expats will have accommodation arranged for them and their family in one of the major cities, typically an apartment, as part of their relocation package.
For those going alone and looking to purchase a property in India it can be very difficulty unless they speak Hindi, the most spoken language (30%). It would be advisable to hire a local estate agent and talk them through your specifications to avoid viewing unsuitable properties.
They can also help you navigate the buying process which is fraught with bureaucracies. If you want to buy a property, you’ll need a bank account, various permission letters and valid work and residence permits.
The Rental Market
Unless expats are moving to India long-term, more often than not they will seek to rent. Leasing can be a difficult prospect also, as landlords frequently like to side-step tax regulations by renting to people informally.
Expats should look to guarantee that a solid rental agreement is in place or risk having no proof of residency, a prerequisite for most administrative processes.
Typically, expats will either be offered a lease agreement of at least 12 months that is covered by rent control laws, or a lease and license agreement of up to 11 months.
The latter option is more common as they are not covered by rent control laws and so are preferred by landlords.
For a deposit you can expect to pay two or three months’ rent and the agent’s commission fee (typically around half of the agreed rental rate).
Healthcare
Public hospitals in India often have doctors and staff with good levels of English, however because of a lack of equipment and other resources the level of state provided medical care is perceived by the Western world as being well below standard.
Waiting times can also be large and there is a long list of medication that is just not available.
Food and water hygiene is very poor in India and so it is advisable to always use bottled or filtered drinking water, even when brushing your teeth. Malaria is also rife and so it is important to take adequate precautions, including covering up exposed areas and spraying a repellent with a high level of DEET.
Private Health insurance
It is generally well advised to take out adequate medical coverage for you and any family members who are moving with you.
Some international insurance providers aren’t recognised by Indian hospitals, and in some cases expats have found themselves seriously out of pocket. It is best to do your research thoroughly.
For a guide to taking out healthcare see below:
• www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health
• expatexplorer.hsbc.com/country-guides/india/living
Customs Information
India has a number of customs laws which must be observed. It is a good idea to do your research ahead of moving your items to India.
You’re allowed to take household goods into India duty free as long as you’ve owned them for at least a year prior to departure.
Goods must arrive within 15 days of your arrival if you ship them by air and 30 days if they’re sent over land or by ship container.
Certain items which are banned include:
• Plants
• Politically sensitive literature
• Narcotics
• Firearms
• Pornography or sexually explicit material
• Certain types of recording devices or cameras
For a more comprehensive list of items you can and cannot take see below:
• www.indiamarks.com/moving-india
Currency Conversion
The official currency of India is the Indian Rupee (₹).
When you are relocating to a new country, making sure you get the best currency exchange rate possible is crucial. Moving large amounts of money, such as when you purchase a new home, could potentially increase your return substantially.
If you want to beat your banks rates and services, simply contact our trusted FX partners. Opening an account with them couldn’t be simpler and it is totally free of charge. You can compare their rates with your own bank and see how much you can save.
Contacting White & Company
For further information on our removals service to India, or any other international destination, contact our international office on 01489 858757.
Alternatively complete the form below with your details and we will contact you.
Education
Choosing a school in India is somewhat of a minefield. Public schools in India are free for children between the ages of 6 and 14. However, these schools tend to underfunded, lack resources and do not teach in English, making it extremely hard for expats to integrate.
There are also a number of private schools but these tend to be fraught with the same types of issues and are incredibly expensive.
The admissions policies to schools are often corrupt and because of the language barrier many expats will often choose to send their children to international school. There are a wide range of these types of schools on offer and many will teach the curriculum of the child’s home country.
Places are high in demand and so it is highly advisable to apply well in advance to stand the best chance of your child securing a place at the school you want them to go to.
Fore more information and guidance on schooling options and how to apply see the following web resources:
• www.expatarrivals.com/india/education-and-schools-in-india
• www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/international/india/
White & Company
International Removals To India since 1871
We recommend a visit from one of our Surveyors for all International moves, so that we can assess your requirements, and the volume of goods to be moved.
Below is a guide to the top ten largest cities in India:
Ahmadabad
Bangalore
Chennai
Goa
Hyderabad
Jaipor
Kolkata
Mumbai
New Delhi
Surat
What Others Say…
Wayne Middleton and Brian Witherford were professional and extremely helpful. Did a brilliant job. Would recommend Whites to anyone. Thanks very much.
Have used this company regularly for 5 years including my time in the armed forces. They are professional and efficient. Will use them again on our next move.
The move went very smoothly and they were very polite.
A very smooth move by White and Co. The team worked very hard and were polite, professional and helpful.
