CHAPTER USEFUL INSIGHTS
What is your location?
1. WHEN ARRIVING
What to bring
• Indoor toys and books to keep the children occupied. If you arrive in July, it will be hot and humid outside. Used toys and other items can be purchased through Delhi networks mentioned in point 3. • Dengue repellant. July-December is dengue season. Repellant with/without Deet can be found in Delhi, but WBFN members prefer US and UK products. • Mosquito nets for beds. Be prepared from day 1. • 3M pollution masks for children. Pollution masks are available in Delhi but NOT in the small size. Choose the reusable masks; they are less fancy but more effective.
Family Network in the location
• Make sure that you get in contact with the Family Network in Delhi. WBFN members share advice and experiences. You can make new friends and learn how other members navigated through the first time. Join gatherings and the Facebook group for Delhi members. • Members may also be able to point to leaving families who recommend hiring the household staff they have employed, and to used vehicles and household items for sale.
2. HOUSING AND LEASING
Based on WBFN members’ experiences, here are recommendations for what to look out for when choosing housing in Delhi, and what to pay attention to when negotiating the rental lease.
❖ When you choose housing
When being shown properties, maintain a check list of what you specifically wish to see and need to have in your new home.
1. Keep residential air pollution management in mind • Choose a home with smaller rooms, new/fitted windows and doors, mosquito nets on all windows. Avoid homes with open floor plan, very large rooms, tall ceilings, old/ill- fitted windows and doors. 2. Keep cooling in mind • Choose an apartment on lower or middle floors rather than the top floors, as top floor apartments are often too hot for half of the year • Make sure there is AC in all rooms, including the kitchen
3. Choose location and residence based on: • Easy access to schools/office (to minimize traffic time as traffic and pollution in traffic can be really bad) • Indoor play space for kids (preferably an apartment with a basement play space, not gardens) • Decent quarters for nanny/help if you employ one • Also refer to WBFN TIPS on neighborhoods
4. Avoid homes that are close to a busy road, to a construction site, or to an empty area, as this space could pose a security risk or turn into a construction site.
5. Avoid a house close to lots of greenery or water as there these come with more mosquitoes.
6. Avoid indoor plants and large outdoor gardens. Plants host mosquitos, and kids have to spend lots of time indoors when it’s too hot or too polluted outside.
❖ When you negotiate the rental lease Reflect on the selection of homes you are being shown. Does the selection appear in sync with your (budget) preferences, and does the rent pricing appear reasonable?
Here are further recommendations:
1. Don’t disclose the actual ceiling of the allowance available for housing to the realtor and/or future landlord.
2. Always include the diplomatic clause in the contract; the standard paragraph that allows you to terminate the lease if the staff is relocated for any reason. Inexperienced landlords may get nervous, but the clause is a must.
3. Bear in mind that currently the rental market is in a low.
4. Negotiate hard on the price, as landlords are known to hike the price when they know it's for UN or WB staff or other foreigners - however, this can be negotiated down
5. You can also negotiate the addition of certain appliances (extra AC, water filter, etc.) with the landlord.
6. Look out for the notice period.
7. Set timely deliverables for any repair, new installations etc. with the landlord, and be strict about deliverables from the outset.
8. Check with the previous tenants, if they had any issues with the landlord whenever possible.
9. Keep an eye on any suspicious rise in electricity or water bills (they can get super high in Delhi) - some landlords are known for stealing water and electricity from the tenants or simply not responding when things need fixing. Could be a child’s or a housekeeper’s chore to keep a log of weekly meter readings.
❖ Additional notes on rental lease • If you are provided support from Metrica, the destination service provider contracted by the WBG, you should have help with navigating issues. However, some members have shared mixed reviews. Some members felt that Vinita Verma at the Delhi office makes sure the contract process is managed well.
• Advance Rent Payment: In Delhi you often have to pay a year's rent in advance. This can be used to negotiate a lower rent (in India interest rates are high so you end up paying 5% more on a yearly basis). Also note that the WBG can offer settling-in loans.
• Low in Rental Market: Currently the rental market in Delhi is in a low, in part, as fewer expats move there due to the high levels of pollution. As a result, new families moving to Delhi should definitely be able to get more for less, and have greater success negotiating rent prices.
• Use networks mentioned in point 9 to purchase used furniture.
3. HEALTHCARE PORVIDERS and EMERGENCIES
Also refer to WBFN Bridge on Health Briefing and Medical Advice available to WBG families. The briefing and advisory is provided by the WBG Field Health Specialist for India and the region, Quinn McLean ([email protected]).
• WBG Medical Directory Delhi This list of healthcare providers and facilities is made by administrative office staff, and is based on staff experiences and other recommendations. It is not an official publication and serves as guidance. The list can be obtained from the relocation focal points in the WBG offices in Delhi. The list is also uploaded in the WBFN Facebook group for Delhi.
Members use this list for reference, and also identify doctors in Delhi by word of mouth from trusted individuals.
• Medical Directories The US Embassy in Delhi has a medical directory that some members would use for reference. • Healthcare Providers The recommended, or somewhat recommended, providers are: General Practitioner: Dr. Dhillon Pediatrician: Dr. Kumar Dentist and orthodontist: Dr. Giroti and Dr. Bhagat in Sterling Dental Clinic Dentist and orthodontist: Dr. Siddharta Mehta Gynecologist: Dr. Meenakshi Ahuja at Apollo Chiropractor: Dr. Shiv Bajaj Physiotherapy: Aktiv Ortho Ophthalmology: Dr. Samir Sud (when he treats you directly, or overseas every step of his colleagues)
American Embassy School has a Health Center which takes care of minor medical problems in students (playground scrapes, fever, minor sports injuries etc).
However, most healthcare providers are not as reliable, and most facilities are not as clean, as members would wish. Members use healthcare providers in Delhi for the most basic medical problems, and would seek medical attention elsewhere for serious medical problems, if possible. Some members would not recommend any of the providers/facilities they have been to in Delhi. In particular, the concern is about hygiene and that procedures are not followed properly/timely.
• Emergencies and Ambulances Members advise that: o There is no real 911 equivalent; the emergency response center often doesn’t answer or doesn’t speak English. o Ambulances often don’t come when called, and they are not equipped with medical equipment or medically trained personnel. It is unlikely that drivers speak English. o Don’t waste time waiting for emergency response; get in your own car or take an auto- rickshaw (which can go where cars can’t) and go straight to the hospital. o Have protocols in place for household staff, so everybody can work together in handling an emergency situation, especially if you have a baby or young children.
• MERC Card The MERC card is a little card with contact numbers for WBG Emergency Response Coordinator, the WBG Security, and other important WBG roles to contact in case of medical and safety emergency, urgent care, evacuation and similar. Have the MERC card in your purse, in the car, in the home and put the MERC phone numbers in your phone. Staff can print it from the WBG Intranet at http:/merccards
Note: WBG encourages staff and families to report accidents and emergencies.
4. SECURITY
5. NEIGHBORHOODS Our members stressed that a good neighborhood means you enjoy walking and running, and the air is better than other parts of the city as it is not close to the Ring Road. And, you may want to consider an area where you can find a newer apartment as they tend to be better sealed thus enabling much better residential pollution management.
It is considered a great mistake to get a huge house with old widow, an almost impossible task to keep indoor air quality good.
Among the highlighted neighborhoods, these areas are considered top areas:
1. Golf Links Golf Links is considered a lovely place to live, and Jorg Barg which is basically next door.
2. Vasant Vihar The neighborhood has its pros which is its proximity to the IFC office (10 min. drive); proximity to wide range shops and services (including the Vasant Kunj shopping malls); is half way between the IFC office; and there are also small parks throughout the neighborhood. There are a few stand-alone houses, low-rise flats, and many other expats with kids live in the neighborhood. (2/17).
3. West End West End neighborhoods include:
Mulcha Marg. Another area to consider as it is very close to AES, and kids can walk there and back. It is also right next to ACSA (American Embassy Club). Mulcha Marg and Chanakyapuri are very close to each other and are very similar, like Jorg Barg and Golf Links. (3/17)
Chanakyapuri. Diplomatic Enclave, is close to WB office, walking distance to AES, British school, German School, and Wuick drive is close to the French school. It has a small market nearby, good restaurants, and quiet neighborhood with parks. Apartments are smaller than West End and Shanti Niketan. There is ongoing construction as lots of old houses are being torn down to give way to new apartment buildings. (3/17)
Sunder Nagar. The positives of Sunder Nagar is that it is a 5 min. drive from Khan market/WB office and Lodi gardens but one still has to drive unlike Golf Links and Jorg Barg.
Nizamudin East. Nizamudin East is a favorite as it is a 10 min. drive from Khan market/Lodi/WB. It's a smaller community with a small community center, tennis court, good shop, pharmacy, small cafe, etc., many small parks and it's next to Hinayana tomb. It is very safe and quiet, and feels like a community as many expats live there and you can easily walk around. Rent is much cheaper, too. Lots of expats also live in Defense colony as it’s cheaper. It has a market with many shops like Khan market and Gege restaurants. It has many parks but it is a very busy neighborhood with lots of building constructions, limited parking, it has a canal. (3/17)
Most WB families live in Chanakyapuri, West end, Shanti Niketan, Anand Niketan, Vasant Vihar neighborhoods (10-15 minutes drive from AES)
6. SCHOOLS AND DAYCARE Schools with Pre-K options • AES (American Embassy School) International school with Pre-K (age 3 years) through grade 12, IB program, and summer programs. This is unanimously the top choice and best option for children of all school ages. Teachers, academics, after- school programs, and facilities, including air quality management, are seen as the top. One couple sent their 3 kids (one in elementary, one in Middle school, and one in High school) to AES and would definitely recommend it. Apparently, a number of families extended their stay in Delhi because they are so happy with the school. It is even regarded by some as one of the best American schools in the world. It is also said to be the most expensive school, including the Pre-K and Kindergarten programs for children under 5. • The German School Pre-K (age 3 years) through grade 12. The German school has a very good reputation, it is smaller and does not offer the overall campus experience AES does, but it's a very good school, and they have just upgraded their air purification system. • The British School Pre-K (age 3 years) through grade 12. The British school is expensive but not as much as the American school. One couple's British husband felt that the approach is somehow old-fashioned. For younger kids it does not have many good options.
Pre-schools • Learning Matters Pre-school (age 2,5-5 years). A couple used this school In Defense Colony for both their daughters. They loved the school because the curriculum is great, and the teachers are very well trained, but they were never enthusiastic about the facilities. Afternoon program for children with special needs. (3/17)
Daycare Centers • Most Indians do not send their children to daycare centers or schools until late, as they use nannies, and daycare/nurseries tend to open only a few hours a day. • American Embassy School Daycare
More school options Some other options cited are the French school, Lancers, Pathways, and Metro Delhi International School. Vasant Valley is a well-known local school in Vasant Vihar that has a good reputation. Another similar school is Shri Ram which is apparently difficult to get into.
Special needs schools • In covering special needs, while there is a wide range of schools, services in general are difficult to come by as in occupational therapists, speech language therapists, teachers outside of schools trained in supporting students with needs, psychologists, etc.
• For the special needs you could ask for advice from Sonia who worked for AES a long time ago, and funded the Learning Matters foundation that provides support for kids with special needs in the afternoon. The family could write to her for advice on which school/therapist could be best for their specific case at [email protected]
• The other option is to contact Dr. Kumar for advice. He is a well-known pediatrician whose wife runs an NGO for disadvantaged children with special needs or disabilities. He can be reached at [email protected]. He is very busy, so it is good to follow up with him. Do mention that he his advice/guidance on support and education is recommended in the WBG community.
• In view of the above-mentioned on special needs, AES is still recommended as first choice for a school. One could write to its director to ask if they take a special needs child, maybe with an additional teacher for special needs. Other options are to also to try the German, English, and French schools. If this does not work, one member suggested asking former colleagues at UNICEF if they know of any good schools, but one would need to know more about the specific needs.
• The US State Department produces a list of schools worldwide that support special needs education https://www.state.gov/documents/organization/176076.pdf
7. SHOPPING
8. RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
• PLAYGROUNDS
Lodhi Gardins. When it's not too hot or too polluted, Lodhi Gardens is very nice outdoor area. It's a big park with beautiful vegetation, a duck pond and big fountain, lovely birds, etc.
Siri Fort Sports Complex. Also, the Siri Fort sport complex has a nice outdoor playground. There are also options to play Squash, badminton, tennis and golf at the Siri Fort Sports Complex.
• CLUBS
The American Club (ACSA). ACSA comes highly recommended by most members in New Delhi. The Club has a baby pool with filtered water, bowling alley, restaurant and bar. It's a good place for kids as its clean and easy for them to be free to run around. It also has small playgrounds. But ACSA is only for members, and the membership is around 2400 USD per year per family.
• SWIMMING
Water Town Swim School Delhi. Good place.
ACSA. This comes highly recommended for swimming as well as other sports and outdoor activities.
The American Embassy School. The American Embassy School also offers swimming to its students, and sport camps during the summer break for students and children who are non- students.
Siri Fort Sports Complex. There is a swimming pool at the Sports complex. However, some members experssed concern over the pool water quality here.
• LIBRARIES/BOOK STORES
Reading Caterpillar. There is a small library for kids in the Nizamudin area called Reading Caterpillar, the owner is nice and the kids enjoy it as they do art and craft and reading. Some members felt that facilities and capacity of staff could be better.
Café Turtle and Full Circle Book Store. This book store/library is located in Khan Market and is another recommendation by one of our members with teenage children. A bit small but nice.
• ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
Sports facilities are excellent at the American Embassy School, but for children younger than 4 years old or for the ones that can't access the American Embassy School the options are limited especially in terms of facilities.
There are a number of indoor soft-plays. Mmbers are of the opinion that the quality is average and they are usually quite busy. There are a couple of ballet schools and football tournaments and other sports too but members sometimes feel the facilities could be better.
Lots of families end up organising activities at home. One of the members mentioned there is a lovely man that does pottery for kids. One member had a taikondo teacher that came home once a week. The Family Network can help you connect with other members with kids, if you would like to organize or co-organize an activity.
One of our member’s son has joined the clubs (based at AES but open to non-AES students) and has enjoyed lots of activities with them; eg archery, camping, carpentry, swimming. AES is very good at organising activities and ensuring all kids are given access to the sports regardless of ability.
Another member’s daughter took ice skating lessons at the ice rink in the Ambience Mall in Gurgaon last year and enjoyed the experience.
• CINEMAS
PVR Director’s Cut. This place comes recommended to take your teenagers out. One member even states that the Cinema is better than theaters in Washington dc. All seats are reclining chairs, and service available with waiters coming in.
Others theaters recommended by our members are Sangem or Vasant Kunj.
• WEEKEND GETAWAYS with children
Ziplining at Neemrana
White water rafting in Rishikesh
Tiger safaris at Jim Corbett National Park
Scuba diving in the Andamans (calls for a long weekend/week)
9. COMMUNITIES
• Delhi Dish. This Facebook Group is for expat newcomers and veterans helping each other in learning how things work and finding the best parts of Delhi. No advertising, no apartment listing, no contacting individual members. https://www.facebook.com/groups/674116349345030/
• Yuni-net. This Facebook Group has many thousands of members – expats and Indians. Rentals, accommodation, buying and selling furniture. https://www.facebook.com/groups/expathelplinedelhi/
• Delhi Babies. Delhi Babies has a Yahoo group and a smaller Facebook group. It is a community of families in Delhi providing support and information sharing on navigating the world of parenting in Delhi. https://sites.google.com/site/delhibabiestest/
• New Delhi NCR Kids and Babies. A large Facebook group for mutual support, information sharing, buying and selling etc. Also private advertisements for nannies. https://www.facebook.com/groups/delhikids/
• CONTACTS IN THE WBG OFFICE: Senior Administrative Assistant Vinita Verma in the WB office has lots of contacts. Members have enjoyed Vinita’s great support in the past; sourcing household staff, furniture rentals, temporary housing, housing etc. However, Vinita’s role has changed. If you have relocation support through Metrica, the destination service provider contracted by the WBG, Metrica’s agents should be able to help you identify such options.
10. USEFUL RESOURCES
11. OTHER THINGS THAT YOU MIGHT THINK ABOUT