Indian expats: Life, challenges, and tips for Indians living abroad

When you’re an Indian expat, an Indian citizen living and working outside India. Also known as Indian diaspora, it’s not just about moving countries—it’s about rebuilding your life in a new culture, often alone. Millions of Indian expats are scattered across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, the Gulf, and beyond. They’re engineers, nurses, IT workers, students, and entrepreneurs. But behind the success stories are quiet struggles: missing home-cooked meals, dealing with visa stress, or explaining why you don’t drink alcohol at a work party.

Being an Indian expat means balancing two worlds. You keep your traditions—celebrating Diwali in a foreign apartment, calling your mom every Sunday—but you also adapt. You learn to order coffee without sugar (because "chai" isn’t on the menu), explain why you don’t eat beef, or handle awkward questions about caste or poverty. It’s not about losing your identity; it’s about carrying it differently. Many Indian expats rely on community groups, WhatsApp chains, or local Indian grocery stores to stay grounded. These aren’t just convenience stores—they’re lifelines.

Money matters, too. Sending money home is a routine part of life. Whether it’s supporting parents, funding a sibling’s education, or saving for a house back in India, remittances are a quiet responsibility. And while salaries abroad might look huge on paper, the cost of living—health insurance, rent, taxes—can eat it up fast. That’s why many Indian expats cook at home, avoid tourist traps, and track every rupee. They know what $100 can buy in India—and they don’t want to waste it.

There’s also the emotional side. Homesickness doesn’t always show up as crying. Sometimes it’s scrolling through photos of monsoon rains, or hearing a Bollywood song and suddenly needing to sit down. The best Indian expats aren’t the ones who never feel lonely—they’re the ones who built small rituals to stay connected. Maybe it’s a weekly video call with friends from Pune, or joining a local Indian book club. These aren’t luxuries. They’re survival tools.

And then there’s the question of return. Some plan to go back in five years. Others realize they’ve built a life abroad that feels more real than the one they left. That’s okay. There’s no right path—only what works for you. Whether you’re just starting out or have been overseas for decades, the experience is yours to shape.

Below, you’ll find real stories and practical advice from Indian expats who’ve been there. From food safety tips in South India (yes, even expats get sick), to comparing costs between India and Thailand, to understanding what makes a place feel like home—you’ll find answers that matter. No fluff. Just what you need to know.