First Post: Are You Thinking of Returning to India?

First Post: Are You Thinking of Returning to India?

I first started talking about going back to India to my friends and family many years ago. I had never entertained the thought of settling in the U.S. since I came here, but I also found that the more time I spent in the U.S., the harder it became to go back to my homeland (Bhumi). It’s true regardless wherever we live because we are well settled. It became more difficult because we were in US and were accustomed to quality life style compare to India.  I have also heard stories of people  being discouraged by their friends and extended families, reason being simple — more money, quality lift style and craze of US.  But  my wife  was with me, and we were determined to go back. We had always put our families first and had never once imagined  living without them. We are U.S. citizens, but our parents who are in India do not want to come live with us. Even if our parents were in agreed to come live with us, there is long wait time for siblings who are also in India to get green cards. Another good decision we took was not to buy home in the U.S. This helped us avoid the hassle of having to sell a home.

Now we are back in Indore, India. I have not quit my job yet, but my wife has. My wife and child are here for good.  We will see how it goes for them here over the next few months, and, if all goes well, I will quit my job then too and also return for good. If for any reason it does not work out, then at least we will have the option with my job to go back. We have come back many times to India, but we can already see that coming back for good is not going to be so easy. Even though we were mentally prepared, it has been much more difficult than we expected –the hot weather, pollution, service problem everywhere etc. However,  we are determined and will do whatever it takes to settle here.

I will write my blog especially for people who are thinking of coming back to India for good. However, because I live in Indore, some of the situations I have encountered may not true in your city.


3 Comments

Priti

March 25, 2012 at 1:15 am

Hi Sudershan,

I am planning to do the same. After almost 20 years in Australia I plan to settle down once again in India. I read all your steps. Good information.

If you can respond as I am totally confused weather to take my normal household good or sell it here. eg. I have collections of beautiful new bedcover and sheet sets, also very nice collections of crystal glasses and bowls. Also, almost 5 sets of dinner sets formal and informal and other kitchen gadgets.

When you said you were asked to open boxes by custom officer, did they went through each box as you said your container was full (hopefully 20′)? How many details they go through? or they onlu concentrate on electronics?

Also, you said you lied about funiture and your furniture was brand new so did you cover your furniture with rugs and sheets or left in its original packing? Did they made any fuss about your furniture being new? Did they ask for any invoices? I plan to get some nice beds and mattresses and also entertainment unit but was to use it here before moving. But now after reading your blog I am thinking if I could just buy it copuple of months in advance than I dont have to unpack and pack. I also plan to buy new home theater system and take advatage of 15% duty as TR.

Please help me as I plan to move next year but was planning to buy furniture now so it becomes one year old before I leave. Please give me more details on what boxes they concentrated on and how much weight they put on household goods.

Thanks. Will wait to hear from you soon.

Thanking you once again.

Regards,

Priti.

    sudershan

    April 1, 2012 at 8:14 pm

    If you can respond as I am totally confused weather to take my normal household good or sell it here. eg. I have collections of beautiful new bedcover and sheet sets, also very nice collections of crystal glasses and bowls. Also, almost 5 sets of dinner sets formal and informal and other kitchen gadgets.

    It’s totally up to you. You need to see price difference in India vs Australia.

    When you said you were asked to open boxes by custom officer, did they went through each box as you said your container was full (hopefully 20′)? How many details they go through? or they onlu concentrate on electronics?

    They look for mainly electronics because those are the mainly dutiable items and they can make the money. But don’t lie about electronics it’s not worth it.

    Also, you said you lied about funiture and your furniture was brand new so did you cover your furniture with rugs and sheets or left in its original packing? Did they made any fuss about your furniture being new? Did they ask for any invoices? I plan to get some nice beds and mattresses and also entertainment unit but was to use it here before moving. But now after reading your blog I am thinking if I could just buy it copuple of months in advance than I dont have to unpack and pack. I also plan to buy new home theater system and take advatage of 15% duty as TR.

    They looked for my electronics items and they found it true so they didn’t look other items. It’s good idea to have invoices. I took my furniture as is in original packaging but they didn’t ask much about furniture.

    Bottom line- Don’t pay agent any fees. Talk directly to the officer not through you agent. No need to lie about electronics. You should be fine.

    Pramila

    May 23, 2013 at 11:46 pm

    Hi priti

    i read your post , i am also planning settle in india at present we are in melbourne , where about you are in australia please share details if you have already return to india .

    thanks

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