| Bangalore, now known officially as Bangaluru, is hardly | | | | those who speak English and other common |
| one of India 's greatest tourist destinations. The city | | | | expatriate languages. There are also wealth of |
| has heavy pollution, crazy traffic, few sightseeing | | | | private schools that rival or top those in the West. |
| opportunities, and the rest of India 's population | | | | Some utilize Western education theory and offer |
| density related issues. However, as the Silicon Valley | | | | different types of learning environments, such as |
| of India, the fourth-busiest airport hub in the country, | | | | Montessori schools. There are dozens of |
| and home to a burgeoning middle class, it's a | | | | English-language bookstores available. Art lessons, |
| cosmopolitan city you just might want to call | | | | music instruction, horseback riding, and every other |
| “home.” | | | | pursuit an expatriate family might want for spouses |
| Bangalore is home to thousands of expatriates from | | | | and children abound. |
| around the globe. Most have been stationed there by | | | | Of course, it is still India, and there will still be culture |
| their companies, though some have been hired and | | | | shock. Traffic will seem insane and the streets |
| imported by local companies. Others are spouses or | | | | labyrinthine; Bangalore was not a planned community |
| children of expats serving in the enormous IT sector, | | | | and has grown at dizzying speed. Religious customs |
| and have become the customers to an ever-greater | | | | and traditions will be very different from home life. |
| array of services and products aimed at giving | | | | Differences in customs may make relationships with |
| foreign residents a taste of home. Still more now run | | | | locals confusing and awkward at times. Food may |
| businesses or work in companies that surround and | | | | take some getting used to, and occasionally an expat |
| support the IT industry or Bangalore 's growing | | | | will just need a taste of home. (Luckily, |
| economy. | | | | Western-style supermarkets and malls are getting to |
| Cost of living is reasonable, comparing quite well with | | | | be more common than they were a few years ago.) |
| cities in Western Europe and North America. Though | | | | The most well adjusted expatriates accept these as |
| this is expensive by Indian standards, the well-fueled | | | | a fascinating subject to study and as a new and |
| economy in Bangalore has brought a thriving sector | | | | interesting lifestyle. Others won't fare so well, and |
| of well educated Indians and foreigners to the city. | | | | may seek the comfort of an expatriate group or |
| As of 2008 the price of an average 2-bedroom | | | | community. |
| apartment might range from roughly $350 to $1,100 | | | | The best method for preparing yourself and your |
| per month. | | | | family for life in Bangalore is to talk to others who |
| There are also extensive communities of expats | | | | have lived there. If your company is sending you on |
| from every country that does businesses in | | | | assignment, ask them what resources they have to |
| Bangalore 's IT and BPO (business process | | | | ensure that your stay and that your eventual return |
| outsourcing) sectors. Into these communities have | | | | home, is as smooth as possible. Read expatriate |
| come vast arrays of businesses that cater to them, | | | | blogs online, and meet with people who have been |
| and service professionals in a variety of roles, | | | | there. Those relationships may be your most valuable |
| speaking a babble of languages. Maids, cooks, and | | | | asset during your time in Bangalore. |
| nannies can be found at reasonable cost, including | | | | |