India guide

For families moving to India, from abroad or within it2026 edition

Discovering India

An IKAN Talent Mobility orientation guide

An introduction and orientation guide to the world's largest democracy, its people, languages, regions, rhythms and rituals. Designed for you and your family, to better understand life in the country you are about to call home.

Republic of India · Bhārat Gaṇarājya  ·  Republic Day 26 January  ·  Independence Day 15 August  ·  Capital: New Delhi  ·  National Anthem: Jana Gana Mana

The Gateway of India, Mumbai, seen through a doorway
The Gateway of India, Mumbai, seen through a doorwayPhoto: Pexels, Pexels License

Before you land

Emergency, all services112Police 100, ambulance 108, fire 101Emergency numbersTime zoneUTC+5:30India Standard Time (IST), one zone for the whole countryThe countryCurrency₹ INRThe Indian rupeeMoney and taxCountry code+91For calls and WhatsApp from abroadEmergency numbers

The numbers to save before the flight. Every emergency line is in the last chapter.

In this guide

9 short chapters. Read them in order, or go straight to the one you need.

  1. 01Welcome to IndiaA Welcome From IKAN2 min read
  2. 02The countryGeography, Society, Weather11 min read
  3. 03Customs and festivalsSociety in practice, The year in colour10 min read
  4. 04Food and the artsA continent on a plate, Sound, screen & sport8 min read
  5. 05Nine citiesIndia's Expat Map4 min read
  6. 06Living hereDay-one orientation, Healthcare, Schools & Universities10 min read
  7. 07Rules and paperworkThe first 14 days, Home & lease, The IKAN Method, After you settle, Tax & utilities33 min read
  8. 08EverydayMobile-First Country, Things they wish they'd known, Words That Open Doors, When India shuts down14 min read
  9. 09Leaving and helpLeaving smoothly, Save these tonight4 min read
Where are you in your India journey?
Jump to what matters right now.
This guide is designed to be opened in phases, not read in one sitting. Pick the moment that matches you.
3+ months out
Pre-departure
Big-picture orientation. Geography, climate, culture, food, festivals, the India you're about to live in.
Geography · Climate · Culture · Festivals · Cuisine · Cities · Visa Types
Days 1-14 in India
Arrival week
The 14-day compliance window. Form C, FRRO registration, SIM card, language essentials.
Compliance · Form C · FRRO · SIM · Practical Tips · Hindi & vernacular phrases
Weeks 2-6
First 30 days
Settling in. PAN, bank account, home search, lease, schools, healthcare.
PAN · Bank · Lease · Schools · Hospitals · Apps · Utilities
Month 2 onwards
Settled in
Day-to-day living. TDS on rent, post-move tenancy, festivals, daily life apps.
TDS on rent · Tenancy · Apps · Festivals · Holidays
90 days before exit
Departure
Wrapping up well. Lease termination, FRRO exit, deposit recovery, school transfer.
Departure · Repatriation · Tenancy red flags · Emergency contacts
Each chapter is short and stands on its own. You don't have to read them in order.

IKAN in India

“India will surprise you, exhaust you, charm you and change you, usually in the first six weeks. Your IKAN team is the steady hand through all of it.”

Already moving with IKAN?

Your homes, dates and papers are in i-Navigate, IKAN's app for families. It opens with the email address your IKAN consultant has for you, then sends you a six digit code.

Open your move Not moving with IKAN yet? Write to enquiry@ikan.com or message IKAN on WhatsApp and a consultant will reply.