Bengaluru, popularly known as Bangalore, is the capital city of Karnataka state in India. With a population of over 11 million people, the city ranks as the fifth most populous urban agglomeration in the Asian nation. If you regularly visit the Nomad List website, you must have spotted it ranking top 10. With over 1400 cities listed there, it means that Bengaluru is a significant digital nomad destination.

Widely considered by locals as India’s Silicon Valley, the city is well urbanized, complete with modern infrastructure and a fast internet connection. You will find many nomad-friendly cafes, coworking spaces, and a host of other necessary facilities.

Bengaluru’s main tech hub is the Whitefield district, where the majority of ex-pats and digital nomads live, work, and interact. 

The city is endowed with several historical and cultural attractions in the form of nature parks, impressive architecture, museums, and an interesting culinary experience. If you are arriving from a country in the winter season, the city’s mainly tropical climate would be a welcome change. Bengaluru typically enjoys gentle summers and mild monsoons, which are ideal weather elements for most holidaymakers.

Let’s dive deeper to learn more about this rising digital nomad destination.

The Visa application

Visa regimes are often complex and tiring to make one’s way around. This forms part of why the ease or difficulty in getting a visa plays a key role in determining the country you want to go to as a digital nomad. Although India doesn’t have a custom digital nomad visa, it offers several visa options for digital nomads, the most ideal being the tourist visa.

The Indian tourist visa

India has a fairly friendly visa regime, especially for the visa types available on the e-visa portal. The tourist e-visa is particularly easy to apply for because application forms are available online. This means you may not need to visit an embassy, immigration office, or consulate to initiate the process.

The e-visa falls into three subcategories, namely;

1. The e-Tourist visa is mainly for recreation, a visit to meet a friend, sightseeing, or attending, say, a yoga program.
2. The e-Business visa for activities is allowed under a normal business visa.
3. The e-Medical visa for medical attention, including treatment under local traditional medicine.

Of the above categories, the e-tourist visa is the ideal option for a digital nomad. India offers single-entry and multiple-entry tourist visas, with their main distinction being the permitted number of entries. A multiple-entry visa may be issued as a one-year or five-year visa. Both visas have no limit on the number of entries and exits, making it ideal for digital nomads in India who also wish to visit nearby countries.

It is essential to note that India doesn’t allow tourist visa holders to work while in the country. Therefore, while applying, it would be wise to focus on your traveling aspect should questions regarding the purpose of your visit arise. What’s more, the digital nomad concept may not be well understood, which might lead to misinterpretation by immigration officers.

The e-tourist visa application process

According to the government website, you may apply for an e-tourist visa in a few simple steps;

1. Fill out the forms online and upload the required documents, including your photo and passport page.
2. Pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card.
3. Submit and wait for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to be sent to you by email.

Requirements for an e-tourist visa

1. Scan your passport’s first page and submit it in PDF format. It may be a maximum size of 300KB or a minimum of 10 KB.
2. You must upload your photo in JPEG format. It may be 1 MB maximum or 10KB minimum.
3. The photo’s width and height must be equal.
4. The photo must capture your front view, showing your full face with open eyes.
5. Your image should be centrally placed within the photo frame
6. The photo background may be plain colored or white
7. It must have no shadows on the face or background.
8.  It must have no borders.

The Visa application fees

Visa application cost varies from one country to another depending on visa type and local factors, including the currency exchange rates. For example, data at the Consulate General of India in New York City displays e-tourist visa charges as follows;

• The thirty-day e-Tourist visa during April, May, and June costs $10
• The thirty–day e-tourist visa during the period of July to March attracts a $25 cost
• The one-year e-Tourist visa costs $40
• The five-year e-Tourist visa costs $80

A bank transfer fee of 2.5 % applies on each of the above transactions.

Difficulty in the visa application

Compared to several other countries, getting an Indian e-Visa is much easier. However, the hurdle to getting this travel document is slightly higher if you are a UK, China, Indonesia, Canadian, or Macau national. Actually, India disallows these countries’ nationals from applying through the e-Visa portal. This doesn’t restrict such nationals from entering India, though. Instead, they have to walk into an embassy or consulate’s office to fill out physical forms and sometimes attend an interview for their visa applications to be considered.

Currently, over 165 countries can use the portal. The process is easily accessible through any digital device, meaning a digital nomad can submit their application anytime. Moreover, processing the e-visa is relatively fast, taking just three to five days.

Cost of living and cost of living arbitrage 

Like other cities worldwide, the cost of living in Bengaluru can vary depending on various factors. This may include one’s lifestyle, the city’s location, and whether you own a home or rent. Some analysts think living in Bengaluru is cheaper than other major Indian cities such as New Delhi and Mumbai. Indeed, this is disputable, but how does it compare with distant jurisdictions like New York?

A nomad living on $9100 in New York would need $1552.9 in Bangalore to keep the same lifestyle (Assuming you are paying rent in both cities). Here is a quick index summary;

• Bengaluru’s consumer prices, including rent, are 82.9% lower than in New York City.
• Bengaluru’s consumer prices without rent are 74.4% lower than in New York City.
• Bengaluru’s grocery prices are 73.4% lower than in New York City
• Bengaluru’s restaurant prices are 80.1% lower than in New York City
• Bengaluru’s local purchasing power is 6.8% lower than New York City’s.

An average of the above statistics shows that a digital nomad from New York City will spend 63.52% less in Bengaluru. The results would be almost the same for costlier cities like London or Zurich, which explains, in part, why this Indian city is ranking high on the Nomad List website.

The Table below compares commodity prices between the two cities.

What is the accommodation like in Bengaluru?

Accommodation in Bengaluru comprises Hotels, rental apartments, Airbnb, hostels, and co-living spaces. Information shared on Nomad List shows that hotel rooms in Bengaluru cost a median price of $539 per month and $25 per night. The other options are as follows.

• Airbnb median prices – $932 per month / $31 per night
• 1- bedroom studio rent in the city center – $879 per month

You may find hostels for as low as $10 per night ($300 per month). However, most nomads would rather settle in a decent co-living space that costs roughly $150-$350 per month.

Best co-living spaces

Owing to Bengaluru’s popularity as a digital nomad destination (and the country’s IT capital), the city has attracted several co-living spaces to meet the corresponding demand for accommodation. These facilities are elegantly designed, with some being strictly for men or women while others accommodate both sexes. A closer look will reveal that most co-living spaces in Bengaluru are built with the user’s luxury, comfort, and safety in mind.

 The popular co-living spaces to check out include;

Edmund StayAbode

The Edmund SayAbode is no doubt among Bengaluru’s leading co-living spaces. It is well-furnished with huge windows, comfortable box beds, cozy sofas, and chic furniture. You will also find private and double-sharing rooms alongside amenities such as ample parking, high-speed internet, a three-course meal, CCTV surveillance, and more. The space is ideal for users from diverse backgrounds, including professionals, students, and digital nomads.

LOCL Clive and Work

This is arguably a stunning and lively co-living facility in Bengaluru. It offers both twin and triple-sharing rooms, including private rooms. Some happy users have testified that living at LOCL, is no less than being in your home because the entire space is furnished with modern amenities, including a personal work desk, kitchen, security, and more.

Here are some suggested co-living spaces according to their categories

The most affordable co-living spaces

• Garrett Stayabode
• Niles Stayabode
• HelloWorld 19th Main
• HelloWorld HRBR
• HelloWorld Forum

Ideal spaces for males

• Zolo Sepia
• Zolo Gemini
• Zolo Spring
• Zolo Mitra
• Your Space Bannerghatta

The best spaces for ladies

• Zolo Aurora
• Zolo Dream A
• Zolo Amber
• Zolo Eternal
• Greater Avalon

Ideal spaces for couples

• Covie Bannerghatta
• The Hub Peepal Tree
•  HelloWorld Daffodil 

Utilities

If you settle in an 85m2 apartment, basic costs involving electricity, water, and garbage come to about $30. Meanwhile, making a one-minute call on a prepaid tariff may cost you $0.011, with a subscription to an internet service running at 60 Mbps costing roughly $11

Internet 

Private internet service providers in Bengaluru, like Tata Play fiber, offer internet at exceptionally high speeds. The fiber broadband connections offer speeds ranging between 50 Mbps – 1 Gbps. You can subscribe to the monthly, three months, six months, or whole-year unlimited data plans at rates ranging between 1050 rupees (roughly $13) – 9600 rupees (roughly $116)

However, according to data from speedtest.net, most of the city runs on the following speeds currently;

Mobile

• Median mobile download speeds – 23.34 Mbps
• Median mobile upload speeds – 5.76 Mbps
• Median latency – 27 ms

Fixed broadband

• Median download speeds – 74.98 Mbps
• Median uploads speeds –   73.60 Mbps
• Median latency – 4ms

Best coworking spaces

Coworking spaces have become popular in Bengaluru for reasons ranging from the city’s excellent infrastructure, networking opportunities, connectivity to central business locations, and so much more.

Hustlehub Tech Park

It provides spacious and comfy private cabins, hot desks, and dedicated desks.

91springboard Koramangala

91springboard Koramangala provides an open workspace with a gaming zone, a beautiful lounge area, a reliable internet connection, and well-equipped meeting rooms. They also offer professional housekeeping staff, office supplies, a beverage vending machine, conference rooms, and a pantry.   

WeWork Embassy Golf Links

This ranks among the premium coworking spaces in Bengaluru. The place is built with utmost dedication featuring modern and exciting furnishings. The space offers an exclusive range of hot and dedicated desks, a private cabin, and ultra-premium wooden chairs. It is located at the center, meaning anyone can access it easily.

Other coworking spaces include;

• Quest Offices MG Road
• Golden Square JP Nagar
• ClayWorks CBD
•  Awfis MG Road
•  BHIVE Residency Road

The list is quite long! Therefore, to discover more coworking spaces, you may visit and explore platforms like cofynd.com.

The best locations for coworking in Bengaluru

These include the areas of Whitefield, Indiranagar, HSR Layout, and Koramangala.

Blockchain and cryptocurrencies 

Over time, blockchain has risen to become a significantly transformative force in diverse aspects of public and private sector operations. Consequently, global nations, technology companies, and international organizations have recognized and highlighted its potential benefits in cutting operating costs and improving efficiencies. 

Like many other countries, India has continued on the path of indecision, trying to decide whether to proscribe or embrace resilient blockchain use cases like cryptocurrency.

Is crypto legal in India?

So far, India hasn’t enacted any legislation regulating digital currencies. However, the country’s income tax laws have been amended to allow the taxation of virtual digital assets comprising virtual currencies. The government’s position on virtual currencies will be clear once the proposed bill entitled “The cryptocurrency and regulation of official digital currency bill 2021’ is shared with the public.

Is Bitcoin a legal tender in India?

While you may freely invest and trade in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, the government does not recognize it as a legal tender. This means using bitcoin to make payments for goods and services is premised more on a gentleman’s agreement rather than the law.

Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India plans to roll out the pilot phase of its CBDC or Central Bank Digital Currency, which it considers a safer store of value than Bitcoin. Also called the digital rupee, the CBDC is not very different from the regular banknotes, only that the digital rupee will be transacted digitally.

Taxation

India levies a 30% tax on income from the transfer of virtual digital assets. So, what is taxed exactly?

According to the Finance Bill section 115BBH, a taxable event is reckoned as,

• Conversion of a virtual digital asset to USD, Indian rupee, or any other fiat currency.
• Conversion of virtual digital assets from, say, Bitcoin to Ethereum or a stablecoin.
• Payment for goods and services with cryptocurrency or another virtual digital asset.

Blockchain startups in Bengaluru

Bengaluru is popularly known as India’s Silicon Valley (Or the IT capital of India) because of its pioneering role in establishing the country’s IT infrastructure. Ranked as India’s second-fastest-growing metropolis, Bengaluru is home to various research and educational institutions, including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). It also hosts Indian tech organizations such as Wipro, Infosys, ISRO, and HAL.

With such a potential for scientific research and innovation, you can expect several startups in the city.

Here is a list of some blockchain startups in Bengaluru;

1. Wow blockchain labs: It is a software development firm focused on Blockchain and AI development services. The firm is on a mission to assist you in building excellent Web3 products. The Wow blockchain has been excelling in the space since 2011.
2. Cartoon Mango: A design and development studio majoring in UI/UX, digital transformation, and product development.
3. Next brain: Nextbrain is among India’s mobile and web application development industry forerunners. The startup is equipped with proficient experts, highly specialized in creating loaded mobile applications, progressive web apps, and in-app platforms. They also engage in web designing and website development.
4. aNumak & Company: A global Management and Tech Consulting firm specializing in deriving scalable business models.
5. Storytime: A blockchain and software development firm focusing on developing high-end SAAS and software development products. It is headquartered in Dubai, with branch offices in India and Canada. 

The list of blockchain startups in Bengaluru is long. Therefore, to sample more of these firms, you may visit techy platforms like Tracxn, Clutch, and others in that niche.

Digital nomad communities

Data at Nomad List shows that Bengaluru currently hosts approximately 1600 digital nomads. Of course, the number is higher because nomadlist data does not capture all digital nomads. Like other cities, the Bengaluru digital nomad communities are established around co-living spaces, coworking spaces, residential neighborhoods, and on social media. 

The Expat population

There is no doubt that Bengaluru is among the world’s fastest-growing tech hubs. As discussed earlier, the city is home to hundreds of startups and software firms powered by funding from global tech companies and blue-chip foreign investors, including Goldman Sachs and Sequoia Capital. 

Although official figures regarding the current population of ex-pats are unavailable, past data published in credible sources may give a hint. For example, The Times of India (the third largest newspaper in India by circulation) issued the following data from the Foreigners Registration Office;  

Assuming registrations maintained that positive trajectory, Bengaluru city has over 11,500 expats currently. If you wish to meet and interact with other expatriates, forums like the InterNations would be a valuable place to begin. Facebook groups, including The Expats in Bangalore, also comprise a significant community.

Popular recreational activities and fun spots

Bengaluru is indeed a beautiful place with many recreational activities and fun spots to go to. Compressing these activities in a section of an article would be practically impossible, which deserves no wonder because what less could you expect from an entire country’s Silicon Valley?

WonderLa Amusement Park

Located along 28th Km, Mysore Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka 562109, India, WonderLa has remained a lively entertainment spot, especially during the summer holidays. The place offers many activities, including rain showers, virtual reality shows, dance floors, laser shows, musical fountains, water rides, joy rides, and so much more. 

The theme park has five multi-cuisine restaurants and numerous kid-friendly activities too. The facility is open from Monday – Friday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, but during weekends and public holidays, it is open from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Gaming Cafes

If you are a gaming fan, the sheer number of gaming cafes along Bengaluru streets will, no doubt, meet your expectations. The highly equipped gaming places will enable you to sample and experience the full range of virtual realities you’ve ever dreamt of.

Snow City

If you are visiting from a region with low temperatures, you may also want to experience that in Bengaluru. A tour of Snow Park (also called winter wonderland) will allow you to

• Experience sub-zero temperatures
• Play with real snowfall
• Click photos with characters
• Climb a mountain wall
• Enjoy a snow slide

Go clubbing  

Every city has its nightlife, and Bengaluru is no exception. If you wish to unwind and let off steam after a tough day, the city offers several scintillating cafes, clubs, and pubs. Some popular joints you may want to visit include;

• The Sugar Factory along Sankey Road
• The Byg Brewsky along Sarjapur Road
• NoLimmits Lounge and Club along Brigade Road

You may also take a fantasy flight, ride a bicycle to Sholay village, tour the Nandi hills, and much more.

Transportation

Air, road, and railway networks are the main modes of transport that underlie Bengaluru city’s infrastructure. An intentional Airport, Kempegowda International Airport serves the city. The facility is built over a 4000-acre piece of land about thirty kilometers north of the city, close to the Devanahalli suburb.

All factors being constant, a taxi cab would take roughly 50 minutes from the airport to the city center.

Railway transport

Railway transport is a major mode of transportation in Bengaluru, India. The city is served by the South Western Railway division of the Indian Railways. It has several railway stations, including the Bengaluru City Railway Station and the Yesvantpur Junction Railway station. The city is also connected to the rest of the country through a network of railway lines. In addition to serving as a means of transportation for passengers, the railway system in Bengaluru also plays a significant role in transporting goods.

Passenger trains are operated by the Indian Railways. Several passenger trains operate in and out of Bengaluru, connecting the city to other parts of India. Some popular trains you should expect to find easily are;

• The Bangalore Rajdhani Express,
• The Bangalore Duronto Express,
• The Bangalore Garib Rath Express,
•  The Bangalore Express.

These trains provide a convenient and comfortable mode of transportation for both short and long-distance travel. In addition to these trains, several local trains operate within the city and its suburbs, providing connectivity to various parts of Bengaluru.

Bus transport

Bengaluru is known for its high levels of traffic congestion although the authorities are moving to address the problem by upgrading the public transportation system. The city’s main modes of road transportation include buses, auto rickshaws, and taxis.

It has a well-established bus network operated by the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). The BMTC operates a fleet of over 6,000 buses, serving over 4 million passengers daily. The buses connect various parts of the city and provide service to the suburbs.

Auto rickshaws, also known as “autos,” are a common form of transportation in Bengaluru. These are three-wheeled vehicles that can be hailed on the street or at designated auto stands. They are an affordable option for short trips within the city.

Taxi services

Taxis are also widely available in Bengaluru and can be booked through various apps or hailed on the street. However, they can be more expensive than buses or autos. Owing to the city’s size and importance, you can expect many taxi firms, particularly those offering app-based services. Here is a list of taxi firms in major Indian cities, including Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

• Uber
• Ola cabs
• Carzonrent
• Fasttrack Taxi App
• Tab Cab
• My Taxi India
• SPICE CABS
• Gozo Cabs
• Bharat Taxi
• Mega Cabs
• Savaari Car Rentals
• Meru Cabs

These apps run on both Android and iOS. In recent years, Bengaluru has also introduced shared mobility options such as bike-sharing and electric scooters. These services can be accessed through apps and are an environmentally-friendly option for short trips within the city.

Is Bengaluru a safe city?

In a recent survey by Bloomberg, Bengaluru was ranked among the six best cities globally. While this report does not allude to the city’s security status, ranking that high with security problems would be impossible. The growing number of ex-pats further supports its safety status, particularly revealed in the city’s high number of startups.

However, statistics by numbeo.com rate Bengaluru’s overall safety in the moderate category. Consider the following data; 

Religious composition

Bengaluru is home to a diverse range of religious communities. The city has a significant Hindu population and sizable communities of Muslims, Christians, and Jains. There are also smaller communities of Buddhists, Parsis, and Sikhs. The city is famous for its rich history and cultural diversity, reflected in the various religious traditions.

Bengaluru’s dominant region is Hindu. Results from the 2011 religious census show that the Hindu religion is far ahead of Islam and Christianity in percentage popularity. Konappana Agrahara town, for example, registered 93.51% Hindu, 2.76% Muslim, and 2.74 % Christian.

Tradition and cultural norms 

There are many traditions and cultural norms that are followed in Bengaluru. One popular tradition is the celebration of festivals such as Deepavali (also known as Diwali), which is the festival of lights, and Ganesh Chaturthi, which is a festival honoring the Hindu god Ganesha.

Another important tradition in Bengaluru is the concept of “namaste,” which is a way of greeting others by placing one’s palms together in a prayer-like position and saying “namaste” or “namaskar.” This sign of respect is commonly used as a greeting in India.

Regarding cultural norms, it is important to dress modestly in Bengaluru, especially when visiting temples or other religious sites. It is also considered polite to remove one’s shoes before entering someone’s house.

Overall, Bengaluru is a city that values tradition and cultural norms, which are an integral part of daily life in the city.

Cultural dos and don’ts

Here are some cultural do’s and don’ts in Bengaluru, India:

Do’s:

• Use your right hand to eat and give or receive items, as the left hand is considered unclean.
• Offer a small gift when visiting someone’s home for the first time.
• Respect the traditional hierarchy and authority within families and organizations. One way to do so is by addressing your elders as aunty or uncle, regardless of whether you are related.
• Eat with your hands, as it is considered more traditional and allows you to fully experience the flavors of the food.

Don’ts:

• Avoid public displays of affection, as they are considered inappropriate in most parts of India.
• Do not touch someone with your feet, as the feet are considered an inferior body part.
• Don’t point with your finger, as it is considered rude. Instead, use your chin or thumb to indicate something.
• Do not eat with your left hand.
• Never show the soles of your feet or point them toward someone, as it is considered disrespectful.
• Do not touch someone’s head, as it is considered the body’s highest and most sacred part.

Political and economic stability

The world bank periodically collects and compiles development indicators to assess global nations with regard to political stability and the absence of terrorism. In 2021, the financial body reported India at 36.79%.

India is a developing country with a mixed economy characterized by a combination of public and private enterprise. It is the world’s 6th-largest economy by nominal GDP and the third-largest by purchasing power parity (PPP). Over the past few decades, India has experienced strong economic growth, and it is projected to be one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world in the coming years.

Several factors contribute to India’s economic growth, including a large population, a relatively low labor cost, and a large domestic market. The country’s service sector is a major contributor to its GDP, accounting for around 60% of its economic output. Other important sectors of the Indian economy include manufacturing, agriculture, and mining.

In recent years, the Indian government has reformed and liberalized the economy, reducing barriers to foreign investment and trade and easing business regulations. These efforts have helped to boost economic growth and development in the country. However, India still needs to overcome several challenges, including infrastructure bottlenecks, a large informal sector, and a relatively low level of human development.

Language and language barriers 

The 8th schedule of the Indian constitution recognizes 22 languages, namely (1) Hindi, (2) Manipuri, (3) Marathi, (4)) Assamese, (5) Konkani, (6) Telugu, (7) Kashmiri, 8) Bengali (9) Tamil 10) Santhali (11) Oriya (12) Sanskrit (13) Kannada 14) Maithili (15) Nepali (16) Sindhi (17) Gujarati (18) Bodo (19) Urdu (20) Malayalam (21) Dogri (22) Konkani.

Of these, Hindi is the most popular language, being spoken by approximately 43.63% of the total population. Bengali comes second at 8. 03%, and Marathi is in the third position at 6.86%.

English is one of India’s official languages and is widely spoken and used throughout the country. It is used in government, education, media, and many other fields. English is also the main language of instruction in higher education in India. While Indians prefer local languages like Hindi, English plays a significant role in society. It is an important language for people to know to succeed in many fields.

According to the EF English Proficiency Index website, ef.com, India ranks 52 /111. The other scores read as follows;

• EF EPI score – 516
• The global average score – is 502
• Position in Asia – 6 out of 24

The above results clearly show that digital nomads from English-speaking backgrounds would not hit any major communication barrier while in the city. 

Healthcare in Bengaluru

India is well known for medical tourism, and Bengaluru is no exception. The city’s healthcare system is robust and balanced enough to meet the needs of wealthy and poor people. It is home to many super-specialty hospitals equipped with cutting-edge technology. 

Over the years, even local centers have improved their quality of service and increased in number. As a result, many people, especially from third-world countries, visit Bengaluru for further treatment each year.

Some of the best hospitals to consider while here include;

Bangalore, Mazumdar Shaw Medical Center, Bommasandra

• Address: 258/A, Bommasandra Industrial Area, Hosur Road, Anekal Taluk, Bangalore, Karnataka – 560099

• Helpline:180 0309 0309

• Emergency: +91 97384 97384

• Emailinfo.msmc@narayanahealth.org

Bangalore, Narayana Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Bommasandra

• Address: 258/A, Bommasandra Industrial Area, Anekal Taluk, Hosur Road, Bangalore, Karnataka – 560099

• Helpline: 180 0309 0309

• Emergency: +91 97384 97384

• Emailinfo.nics@narayanahealth.org

Bangalore, Narayana Medical Centre, Langford Town

• Building No.9, Langford Road, Civil Station, Hosur Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560025 

• Helpline: 180 0309 0309

• Emergency: +91 97384 97384

• Emailnmclangford@narayanahealth.org 

Let’s consider the following statistics to gauge the quality of healthcare services in the city. 

Medical insurance

Several medical insurance options are available for expats in India, including private insurance plans and government-supported insurance schemes.

Various companies offer private insurance plans that can be customized to meet your specific needs. These plans typically offer a wider range of coverage options and may include inpatient care, outpatient care, maternity benefits, and coverage for pre-existing conditions. However, they can also be more expensive than government-supported insurance schemes.

Government-supported insurance schemes in India include the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) and the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). The RSBY health insurance scheme mainly serves poor and vulnerable families. 

At the same time, the AB-PMJAY is a National Health Protection Scheme that provides coverage of up to INR 5 lakh (approximately $7,000) per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. Both schemes are available to expats living in India, although the eligibility criteria and coverage may vary.

Vaccinations

It is generally recommended that travelers to Bengaluru, India ensure they are up to date on routine vaccines, such as the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and the flu vaccine. You should also consider getting vaccinated for hepatitis A and hepatitis B if you have not previously received these vaccines.

Additionally, the CDC recommends that you take precautions against bugs that cause diseases, including,

• Chikungunya  – Mosquito bite
• Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever – Tick bite / touching contaminated fluids
• Dengue  – Mosquito bite
• Leishmaniasis – Sand-fly bite and mosquito bite
•  Zika – Mosquito bite
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Hantavirus – Eating food licked by infected rodents
• Avian/Bird Flu- Interacting with Infected poultry

You should consult with a healthcare provider or visit a travel medicine clinic at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to determine which vaccines you may need based on your specific travel plans, medical history, and other factors.

How to protect yourself

Vaccines are good but cannot protect you from many other diseases in India. Hence, learning the actions to take to stay safe would be a great idea.

• Prevent bugs bites
• Do not share body fluids
• Eat and drink safely
• Minimize exposure to germs

The electronic standards

India’s standard voltage for household electrical outlets is 230 volts (V) alternating current (AC). The standard frequency is 50 hertz (Hz). Most appliances with standard voltages and frequencies should work properly in India. If you are traveling to India from a country with a different voltage standard, you may need to acquire a voltage converter or transformer to use your appliances safely.

Telephone and Internet plans

Several major mobile operators in Bangalore, India, offer a range of mobile services, including voice and data plans. They include:

1. Airtel: A leading telecommunications company in India, Airtel offers 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE mobile services in Bangalore.
2. Vodafone: Vodafone offers a range of voice and data plans.
3. Jio: Jio offers 4G/LTE mobile services and a range of voice and data plans.
4. Idea:  offers 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE mobile services.
5.  BSNL: BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) is a state-owned telecommunications company that offers mobile services in Bangalore.

The table below gives a sample of Airtel plans

Payment services infrastructure 

The payment services infrastructure in India includes a range of electronic payment systems, such as;

• The National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) system,
•  The Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system, and
•  The Immediate Payment Service (IMPS).

These systems allow individuals and businesses to transfer funds electronically between bank accounts.

In addition to electronic payment systems, the payment services infrastructure in India includes several payment instruments, such as prepaid credit cards and debit cards. These instruments are issued by banks and non-bank financial institutions and can be used to make payments to merchants that accept these forms of payment.

During the fiscal year 2022, the country’s value of credit card payments was roughly 9.7 billion rupees, while the value of debit card payments was reported at approximately 7.3 trillion rupees. Meanwhile, the Indian digital payments market was forecast to hit one trillion USD by the end of 2023.

Currencies and exchange rates

As of 10th January 2023, 1 Indian rupee equals 0.012 US dollars.

Climates and seasons

The city has a tropical savanna climate, which means it has hot and dry winters and warm and wet summers.

The temperature in Bengaluru varies throughout the year, with an average high of around 29°C (84°F) and an average low of around 15°C (59°F) in the winter months. During the summer, the temperature can reach as high as 35°C (95°F), and the humidity can be quite high. The Southwest Monsoon, which runs from June to September, is Bengaluru’s main source of rainfall.

This means the best time to visit Bengaluru is from October to February, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable. However, the city is a popular tourist destination year-round, and there are many attractions to enjoy no matter when you visit.

Popular Cuisine

You may forget everything else about a place except your culinary experience. Accordingly, Bengaluru has finger-licking dishes that could tempt you to extend your stay. The list of dishes relished in the city is long, but we shall sample a few to get a rough idea of what you should expect.

Puliyogare 

Puliyogare (also spelled as Puliyogare, Puliyogare, or Poliyogare) is a South Indian dish typically made with rice and tamarind paste. The dish is flavored with various spices and is usually served as a side – dish with a main course.

Puliyogare is a popular dish in the South Indian states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. In Karnataka, it is popularly known as “Huli-Annam” (Huli meaning “tamarind” and Annam meaning “rice” in Kannada). The dish is often served as a prasadam (offering to the gods) in temples and is also a popular dish at weddings and other celebrations.

To make Puliyogare, the rice is cooked and then mixed with a spicy tamarind paste. The paste is made by cooking tamarind, chilies, ginger, garlic, and other spices in oil. The cooked rice is then mixed with the paste and served.

Gobi Manchurian

Gobi Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese dish made with cauliflower (gobi in Hindi) as the main ingredient. It is a vegetarian dish typically made by deep-frying cauliflower florets and then sautéing them with a flavorful sauce made from a combination of soy sauce, tomato sauce, chili sauce, and other seasonings. The dish is said to have originated in the Indian city of Kolkata. Still, it is popular across India and in many other parts of the world where Indian cuisine is enjoyed.

It is a delicious and spicy dish, popular in Indian Restaurants and street food and also common in Indian Chinese cuisine. Gobi Manchurian can be found in two versions i.e. the dry and gravy version. The dry version is crispier, while the gravy version is saucier.

Other recipes in Bengaluru include Chaat and Pani Puri, Bhel, Pav Bhaji, Shawarma, Samosa Chaat, and more.

Common Concerns 

Here are some common concerns reported by digital nomads registered on Nomad List.

• You may struggle to make friends.
• The roads can be dangerous.
• High Intolerance towards the LGBTQ community
•  Traffic congestion

Nonetheless, Bengaluru is a wonderful place if you take the time to consider the pros of living there.