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System structure

In the past, the Hong Kong schooling system was modelled on UK education. However, since the handover to Chinese governance in 1997, a number of reforms have taken place to move the education system closer to that of mainland China. At the age of six, students begin nine years of compulsory education – six years at primary school and three at junior secondary school. It is also becoming increasingly normal for children to continue for at least another three years in senior secondary school and perhaps continue to university or enter vocational training.

Academic year

In Hong Kong, most primary and secondary schools operate a three-term academic year that runs from late August through to June. Universities usually run two terms from September through to May, although depending on the course type some students may not finish until July.

Higher education

There are currently 18 degree-awarding institutions in Hong Kong, including some of the top-ranked universities in Asia. Eight are publicly funded through the University Grants Committee (UGC), while others are privately or independently financed. Although the majority of university students in Hong Kong currently come from mainland China, there is a growing international student community there too. Applications for university are administered by the Joint University Programmes Admissions System (JUPAS). Most institutions are oversubscribed and competition for places is high, but unsuccessful applicants have the alternative to enter vocational training.

Funding

Despite the relatively substantial public funding on offer, universities in Hong Kong do charge tuition fees. These vary between different intuitions and course types, and international students often pay significantly more than Chinese students. Scholarships may be available to help students pay for their studies, while the Student Financial Assistance Agency provides a range of financing options too.

Courses

The recent educational reforms have made a major change to university courses in Hong Kong. Where previously undergraduate students studied for three years, most now remain for four. Institutions offer a full range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. English is the main language of tuition, although most establishments also offer courses in Chinese and will provide language tuition to those who need it.

Research

As in mainland China, research is a growing area in Hong Kong and carries considerable prestige. There are a number of public and private research funds available through the government and the UGC, and universities are increasingly trying to attract corporate funding to help raise research standards even further.

Primary and secondary education

Since the education reforms, Hong Kong’s state primary and secondary schools have followed a new curriculum with the aim of improving standards and adjusting the system to be more in line with that of the rest of China. The curriculum content is broad and is mostly taught in Chinese. However, large numbers of private and international schools remain and they primarily teach in English. Expats often choose to send their children to these schools to study specific qualifications such as British GCSEs or A-Levels, American Advanced Placements (APs) or the International Baccalaureate (IB). Private and international schools are usually fee-paying, although some employers may subsidise education for the children of staff members.

Preschool and childcare options

Although not compulsory, children in Hong Kong may attend kindergarten for up to three years before starting school. Early-years education is regarded as high priority and there are various schemes in place to help parents to cover the cost, including the Pre-primary Education Voucher Scheme, which can be accessed by foreign nationals with right of abode in Hong Kong.

Geographical variation

Hong Kong is notoriously expensive, with limited space and high demand from its large international community driving up the cost of housing. Everyday items including groceries and fuel are also expensive, especially when compared to the relatively low average cost of living in mainland China. Kowloon or the New Territories are usually cheaper than the more prestigious Hong Kong Island, so it pays to be open-minded when considering where to move to.

Accommodation

With the high cost of housing, it’s estimated that expats in Hong Kong can spend up to half of their income on rent or mortgage payments alone. The limited area for building means that over 90% of the available accommodation is in high-rise flats or apartments, and while some can be more reasonably priced, they tend to be extremely small. One tip for finding a cheaper place to live is to look for a fourth-floor flat, as many Chinese are superstitious about the number four and will avoid taking rooms on this level.

Buying property in Hong Kong is also extremely expensive and prices have continued to rise despite the global financial crisis. On the positive side, there are few obstacles to foreign nationals purchasing property in Hong Kong. Estate agents’ fees are typically around 1%, and there is a 15% stamp duty to pay.

Rental deposit

Deposits for accommodation in Hong Kong are typically between one and three months’ rent, and you are usually asked to pay rent for the first month in advance too. There is a standard process for agreeing a tenancy agreement and the government provides a template lease, but many landlords will add their own clauses to this so use a reputable estate agent to ensure you know what you are signing. Remember that most apartment-type buildings will also require you to pay management fees for communal amenities and maintenance.

Rates and government rent

Both owners and occupiers of properties in Hong Kong are liable to pay rates to contribute to general tax revenue. Rates are decided annually but are typically around 5% of the estimated rental value of the property. Government rent is usually the responsibility of the property owner. For more information visit the Rating and Valuation Department website.

Utilities

Most tenancy agreements in Hong Kong do not include utilities. There are a relatively small number of suppliers in Hong Kong, so you are unlikely to have a choice of provider for electricity or mains gas. Some suppliers will request a deposit payment at the start of their service. Water is supplied centrally by the Water Supply Department and is quite reasonably priced. The communications sector is more competitive, so shop around for internet and telephone contracts.

TV

Despite being a former British colony, Hong Kong does not have a TV licence system. However, free-to-air services can be limited so many expats pay for a wider choice of channels.

Healthcare and medical costs

Both public and private healthcare in Hong Kong are of a generally high standard. Public health services are administered by the Hong Kong Department of Health and the Hospital Authority and are usually available to foreign nationals for a relatively small fee provided that they hold a Hong Kong identity card. However, waiting lists can be quite long so many people prefer to use private services. Private healthcare can be very expensive, but medical insurance schemes can cut this cost dramatically and many employers in Hong Kong offer private medical insurance as part of their employee benefits package.

Shopping

Hong Kong’s shops are a top tourist attraction and despite the high cost of day-to-day items, there are bargains to be found in other areas of the retail sector, particularly on branded goods. Most products are sold without taxation, while regular sales also attract shoppers.

VAT and sales tax

There is no standard VAT or sales tax in Hong Kong, with the majority of goods and services untaxed. The exceptions are alcohol, fuels and tobacco products, which do carry a duty.

Price guide

• Rent on 1-bedroom apartment in city centre – HK$17,659.09 (≈£1,763.97) per month
• Rent on 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre – HK$12,644.74 (≈£1,263.08) per month
• Price of apartment in city centre – HK$233,690.43 (≈£23,343.34) per square metre
• Price of apartment outside city centre – HK$157,645.17  (≈£15,747.18) per square metre
• Loaf of bread – HK$17.08 (≈£1.71)
• Milk (1 litre) – HK$24.05  (≈£2.40)
• Bottled water (1.5 litre) – HK$12.09 (≈£0.21)
• Draught beer (0.5 litre) – HK$14.79  (≈£1.48)
• Packet of cigarettes – HK$69.00 (≈£6.89)
• Petrol (1 litre) – HK$22.40 (≈£2.24)
• Cinema ticket – HK$100 (≈£9.99)

Source: www.numbeo.com (accessed July 2023)

Budgeting and savings

The high cost of living in Hong Kong makes budgeting really important. Websites like Money Hero can be really useful in finding the best deals to help you keep spending in check.

Driving

Although relatively modern, the road network in Hong Kong is very congested. The geographical limitations of the country make increasing road capacity very difficult, so government policy is geared towards encouraging people to use public transport to minimise the number of private vehicles on the roads. This means that driving in Hong Kong can be expensive, with high fuel taxes, toll charges, insurance and vehicle import tax all raising the cost of owning a car.

If you do decide to drive in Hong Kong, you will need a valid driving licence and vehicle insurance. Temporary residents may be allowed to drive on international licences for up to 12 months depending on their nationality. Otherwise, you will need to apply for a Hong Kong licence by direct issue or by taking a test. In a nod to its British heritage, vehicles are still driven on the left-hand side of the road in Hong Kong. Motor vehicles can be imported but are subject to various restrictions, and left-hand drive vehicles are not usually permitted unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Taxis and minicabs

There are three types of taxi in Hong Kong, with each identifiable by their colour:

• Red – Urban taxis
• Green – New Territories taxis
• Blue – Lantau taxis

Each type of taxi has a limited operating area, although all are allowed to serve Hong Kong International Airport. Fares are metered according to a centrally-set rate scale for each type of taxi.

Buses

Bus services in Hong Kong are efficient and very cheap, although exact change is usually needed if you are paying cash. The main bus services are divided into franchised (the public timetabled services run by regional operators within a locality) and non-franchised (additional services targeting specific passenger groups).

Minibuses

Minibuses, known as public light buses (PLBs) and carrying around 16 people, offer another alternative. Green minibuses operate specified routes at fixed prices, while red minibuses run flexible routes, more like a taxi service. Red minibus passengers can get on and off anywhere along the route and pay as they leave the service. Once full, minibuses don’t stop for new passengers until someone else gets off.

Coaches

Although public transport is sufficient for most journeys within Hong Kong, coach companies such as China Travel Service offer cheap long-distance services to cities in Guangdong and further afield in mainland China. Be aware that you will need the correct paperwork to travel to the mainland – depending on your visa status this may be more or less difficult to obtain.

Trains

Hong Kong’s Mass Transit Railway (MTR) is the backbone of the public transport network. Transit across the ten major lines accounts for a large proportion of all journeys made in Hong Kong each day. The network covers much of Hong Kong, including stops at the border with mainland China. Tickets are very reasonably prices and the trains are difficult to beat for speed and comfort.

Trams

Hong Kong Island has a historic tram system, which has been operating since 1904. It is the only tram fleet in the world to be made up entirely of double-deck trams, and the cheap fares make it a very attractive way to travel.

Ferries

As the only way to reach some of Hong Kong’s smaller offshore islands, and a cheap way to move between the major islands, ferries are a vital part of life in the region. There are many operators providing different routes within Hong Kong and to mainland China too.

Air travel

Hong Kong International Airport is a major international hub, with over 100 airlines operating services to hundreds of destinations around the world. Built on an artificial island to the north of Lantau Island, the airport is among the busiest in the world.

Planning a journey

Good maintenance and investment means Hong Kong’s public transport network is by far the most efficient and popular way to travel in Hong Kong. The Transport Department’s eTransport Planner is a useful tool for planning your journey, and can also be downloaded as a mobile app. Most regular travellers pay with an Octopus card, a universal smart payment card that is accepted by almost all public transport providers in Hong Kong, including some taxi and ferry companies. The card is also accepted for a huge range of other services.

Working hours

The working week in Hong Kong is from Monday to Saturday, although many companies work half days on Saturday. With no legislation to restrict the working time for most employees, long hours are typically expected. However, workers aged 15 to 18 are limited to a maximum of 48 hours a week, and the Standard Working Hours Committee is currently reviewing the implications of capping working hours for adults too.

Holidays

In Hong Kong, employees on a long-term or permanent contract are entitled to annual leave after completing 12 months of continuous service. Leave entitlement runs on a progressive scale from a minimum of 7 days to a maximum of 14 days depending on length of service. Sick leave and maternity leave may also be paid, although pay durations may be limited.

Public holidays

There are two types of public holiday in Hong Kong: statutory and general. The Employment Ordinance states that all permanent contract workers are entitled to paid leave on the 12 statutory holidays. If employers require staff to work on these days, they must give notice of at least 48 hours and a day off in lieu. General holidays include the 12 statutory holidays, an additional five holiday dates and every Sunday.

Statutory holiday dates

• The first day of January – 1st January
• Lunar New Year’s Day – 10th February
• The second day of Lunar New Year – 11th February
• The third day of Lunar New Year – 12th February
• Ching Ming Festival – 4th April
• Good Friday – 29th March
• Easter Monday – 1st April
• Labour Day – 1st May
• Birthday of the Buddha – 15th May
• Tuen Ng Festival – 10th June
• Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day – 1 July
• The day following the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival – 18th September
• National Day – 1st October
• Chung Yeung Festival – 11th October
• Christmas Day – 25th December
• The first weekday after Christmas Day – 26th December

Visas and eligibility to work

Hong Kong is a bustling commercial hub and large numbers of people make short business trips there on a regular basis. To encourage international trade, the immigration regulations for short visits are more accommodating than in mainland China. People of many nationalities may be granted a visa-free visiting period of between 7 and 180 days. Business activities including negotiations, conferences and contract signing are usually allowed within this period, but if you intend to take employment or remain in Hong Kong for a longer period, you will need to apply for a visa. For working visas, you may require your employer’s sponsorship.

Once you arrive in Hong Kong, you will need to apply for a Hong Kong identity card. This card is mandatory and must be carried at all times by anyone aged 11 and older. The type of card issued will depend on your visa type and residency status. For the most up-to-date information on immigration laws in Hong Kong, visit the Immigration Department website.

Tax

Foreign nationals working in Hong Kong are liable for salaries tax the same as permanent residents, although taxes are comparatively low and various allowances mean that not all of your income will be taxed. Unlike many countries, tax is not taken directly from workers’ wages. Instead, employees are provisionally taxed based on their previous year’s salary, and must file a tax return to correct the figures. Visit GovHK or the Inland Revenue Department website for more details.

Pensions

Employees and self-employed workers in Hong Kong are required to contribute at least 5% of their total earnings, including salary, holiday pay, commission, fees, bonuses, gratuities and allowances (excluding housing) to the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF). If you are a member of a retirement scheme in your home country, or if your visa for Hong Kong runs for less than 13 months, you will be exempt from joining an MPF scheme. If you later extend your visa and remain in Hong Kong for over 13 months, then you must enrol.

Benefits

Social security benefits in Hong Kong are controlled by the Social Welfare Department. Most schemes are not accessible to foreign nationals in the short-term, but are worth understanding if you reside in Hong Kong on a long-term or permanent basis.

Disability

The rights of disabled workers in Hong Kong are protected under the Disability Discrimination Ordinance (DDO). For more information on the law as it relates to a specific disability, visit the Equal Opportunities Commission website.

Organisational structure

The structure of businesses in Hong Kong depends very much on their cultural influencers. Chinese businesses tend to be hierarchical in nature, and decision-making very much top down. However, the large numbers of western businesses operating within the territory often retain their parent-country’s flatter organisational structure or show a compromise between the two styles.

Management style

Personal reputation is very important in Hong Kong, and managers do command a great degree of respect. Employee’s positions are also respected though, and it is unusual for anyone to be told to perform a task which is below someone of their stature as this would reflect badly on both the employee and their manager. Although business in Hong Kong is considered more westernised than in mainland China, many managers prefer to maintain a professional distance from their staff and tend not to socialise with them outside work.

Formality

Politeness and honour are important values in Hong Kong, so it’s best to remain relatively formal, particularly with new contacts. Address people by their title and surname. People of Chinese heritage who do business in Hong Kong often adopt a western name to make it easier for their foreign contacts to address them correctly. Beyond the customary handshakes, physical contact is unusual in Hong Kong business culture, so avoid exaggerated gesticulation, backslapping or hugging.

Relationships

Although perhaps less important than in mainland China, networking and relationship building remain integral to doing business in Hong Kong. It can be tricky to develop rapport with new contacts, so giving and receiving appropriate gifts in line with Chinese culture can be helpful. The value of a gift is not particularly important, but the ritual will create a good impression. Gifts should be wrapped in a sensitively-chosen colour and are not usually opened in front of the giver. Don’t be surprised if your gift is refused initially – persist and it will most likely be accepted.

Dress code

In Hong Kong, business dress is fairly conservative, with both men and women typically choosing dark business suits. Men should wear a collar and tie, while women tend to go for a blouse or modest top in muted colours. Remember that colours have specific meanings in Chinese culture – for example white is the traditional colour of mourning.

Greetings

Most business associates shake hands on meeting, although a small bow may also be appropriate. Try to greet the most senior person first, and if your contacts speak Chinese it will create a good impression if you take the time to learn a local greeting. Business cards are usually exchanged as part of the greeting, so ideally prepare some with one side printed in Chinese and one in English. Show your respect for the person by accepting their card with both hands and reading it carefully rather than putting it away immediately.

Punctuality

Punctuality is important, but deadlines are often flexible in Hong Kong. Make sure you confirm meeting details well in advance and keep checking deadlines with the various stakeholders in case there are any changes.

Meetings

Patience and contemplation are valued highly in Hong Kong and despite the perceived fast pace of life there, meetings tend not to be rushed. Don’t be surprised to find you are discussing the same topic repeatedly, or if there are periods of silence while people consider the situation. Avoid the hard sell or high pressure tactics – remaining patient and selling modestly will almost always give better results. It’s vital to be well-prepared for meetings and to support your presentation with facts and figures.

Cultural sensitivity

Be aware of Hong Kong’s multiculturalism. In the course of your business dealings there is every chance you will meet people from all around the globe and open-mindedness will be really valuable. Discussions of political history or the relationship with mainland China or Britain are probably best avoided with new contacts as these topics can still provoke a lot of emotion in Hong Kong.

Business language

As the most international language in the world, English is most commonly used for business dealings in Hong Kong. However, the majority of local people are Cantonese speakers, so it’s always best to check whether translation will be required when you arrange a meeting.

System structure

In India, school education is broken into two main levels: primary education (ages 6 to 14) and secondary education (ages 14 to 18) ahead of university education from 18 onwards. In theory, primary school education is compulsory and free for all children, but in practice, it is estimated that a large number of children are enrolled in school at these ages but do not attend. Although many schools teach in English as well as Hindi, most foreign nationals prefer to send their children to private or international schools. Some employers in India will incentivise international staff by offering to pay school fees for their children.

Academic year

The school year in India usually runs from June through to March, although universities and international schools may set different schedules. The school day tends to start early and end early, but this can vary from state to state and according to the type of educational establishment.

Higher education

With over four hundred university-type establishments, India has the third-largest higher education system in the world after China and the USA. Higher education institutions can be divided into several types:

• Central university – established or incorporated by a Central Act
• State university – incorporated by a Provincial Act or a State Act
• Private university – established through a State or Central Act by a sponsoring body
• Deemed university – a high-performing institution declared to hold equivalent status to a university
• Institution of national importance – established through an Act of Parliament
• Institution under state legislation act – incorporated by a State Legislature Act

University courses are usually taught in English or Hindi. Admission requirements vary between institutions with many requiring entrance exams as well as school qualifications, although this requirement is sometimes waived for international students.

Funding

Although not free, tuition fees in India are very affordable compared to other countries. Even though international students usually pay more than Indian citizens, the low cost of living makes India an attractive prospect for students from around the world. In addition, there are various types of scholarships on offer to support students through higher education.

Courses

Indian universities offer courses in a full range of subjects, but technical subjects tend to be favoured so subjects like IT or engineering may attract better sponsorship from businesses in India. Most universities provide study opportunities from undergraduate level through to postgraduate and doctoral courses, although some institutions specialise in a particular level or subject. The majority of universities in India are internationally accredited, but some are not and international students who take courses at unaccredited institutions can find that the qualification is not recognised by potential employers, so make sure you do your homework before enrolling.

Research

Internationally recognised research is a relatively new area for many Indian universities and funding can be difficult to obtain. However, institutions are increasingly seeking partnerships with industry to support world-class research, so contact the university directly for advice on accessing funding.

Primary and secondary education

Although schools are administered at a state level, the overriding primary school curriculum is set by the National Council of Educational Research and Training and the secondary school equivalent by Central Board of Secondary Education. Examinations are taken according to the framework laid out by the Council for the Indian School Examinations, and these can dictate whether or not students continue into higher education.

Preschool and childcare options

Nurseries and daycare centres are increasingly popular in Indian cities, however, most are privately run and unregulated, so standards and costs can vary significantly. A more traditional and surprisingly affordable alternative is to hire an ayah – a maid or nanny who takes on both childcare and domestic duties.

Geographical variation

South Asia is one of the least expensive regions in the world for expatriates, particularly those who are working on a generous international salary. Consequently, most foreign nationals in India can afford to enjoy a good standard of living, although demand for high-quality housing and accommodation has risen sharply in recent years with prices following suit. Cities are typically more expensive than rural areas, but for domestically-produced consumer goods, the distance to production areas also has an impact on pricing.

Accommodation

There are some restrictions on foreigners purchasing property in India. People from many of India’s near-neighbour countries are barred from purchasing property there, while people intending to live outside India must hold documentary evidence of their Indian heritage to purchase property. Even for foreign nationals who work and reside in India, various other restrictions apply, so the vast majority rent property instead. There is no shortage of cheap accommodation in India, however quality can be an issue so many expats end up paying more than they anticipate to secure the type of housing they expect. Typical rental contacts run for 12 months, but many landlords will push for an 11-month deal as this exempts them from rental control laws. To rent or buy property in India, it is almost essential to use an estate agent, so expect to pay a hefty percentage in fees.

Rental deposit

Landlords are free to set their own deposits, so while two or three months’ rent is probably the average, it is not unheard of for people to be charged six months of rent or more as a deposit – a problem exacerbated by a willingness amongst expats to pay such figures to secure a better standard of accommodation.

Property tax

Property owners are liable for property tax in India, and depending on the state the charge is accompanied by levies for municipal services. This charge is calculated based on the market value of the property, the rental value of the property, or the rent received for let properties. For rental properties, the owner may pass on the cost of the tax to the tenant. If the owner is a permanent resident of the property, the tax rate may be zero.

Utilities

Somewhat uncommonly, many Indian landlords will organise the provision of electricity, gas and water to their properties. Costs may be included in the rent or billed separately. If you need to arrange your own connections, mains electricity and water are usually supplied by local state-run companies, although supplies can be sporadic. Tap water is not considered safe to drink in India. Most gas is bottled rather than delivered by mains connection. Telephone and internet services are not usually part of a rental agreement, so you are free to shop around for the best deal – a list of suppliers is available on the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India website.

TV licence

The television licence was abolished in India in 1984 and the industry is now funded largely by advertising. There is a mixture of free-to-air and paid TV channels, with terrestrial services provided by state broadcaster Doordashan in a mixture of Hindi and English.

Healthcare and medical costs

India does provide some free healthcare, however, this is limited and costs can mount up quickly even for minor ailments. Most foreign nationals who live and work in India therefore take out private medical insurance. Mediclaim policies, a tax-deductible insurance product regulated by law are one option, but cover is limited. If you can afford to take out a more comprehensive insurance scheme, or your employer offers one as a benefit, it is well worth taking up.

Shopping

Indian cities have a great choice of shops from family businesses to international stores. In rural areas, choice can be more limited but smaller businesses leave you more room to negotiate on prices. Markets are a great place to shop whether you are in the country or the city – just be prepared to haggle!

VAT

Unlike many countries, India’s value-added tax is administered at a state level rather than nationally. First implemented in 2005, it was initially adopted by just a few states but is now applied almost across the board at varying rates. Separate sales tax also applies on many transactions.

Price guide

• Rent on 1-bedroom apartment in city centre – INR 20,147.54 (≈£190.58) per month
• Rent on 1-bedroom apartment outside city centre – INR 11,844.26 (≈£112.03) per month
• Price of apartment in city centre – INR 207,051.49  (≈£1,958.50 per square metre
• Price of apartment outside city centre – INR 91,278.23 (≈£863.40) per square metre
• Loaf of bread – INR 43.96 (≈£0.42)
• Milk (1 litre) – INR 61.56 (≈£0.58)
• Bottled water (1.5 litre) – INR 29.94 (≈£0.28)
• Draught beer (0.5 litre) – INR 135.14 (≈£1.28)
• Packet of cigarettes – INR 345.00 (≈£3.26)
• Petrol (1 litre) – INR 99.85 (≈£0.94)
• Cinema ticket – INR 400.00 (≈£3.78)

Source: www.numbeo.com (accessed July 2023)

Driving

India’s roads have a worldwide reputation for variable driving standards. The accident rate is amongst the highest in the world, not helped by heavy congestion in many major cities and the number of ageing vehicles on the road. Driving in India is therefore a challenge and many foreign nationals choose not to, preferring to take public transport or hire a chauffeur-driven car.

If you do decide to take to the road in India, be aware that driving laws vary slightly from state to state. As a general guide, vehicles are driven on the left-hand side and the minimum age to drive is 18 years of age. The maximum speed limit for cars is 100kph (≈62mph) for cars, but other vehicles including motorbikes face different restrictions. Some foreign driving licences are valid in India for a limited period, but again regulations vary so it is best to check with your local state transport authority. You must carry your driving licence, insurance certificate, vehicle registration certificate and pollution under control certificate – proof that a mandatory emissions test has been passed.

Taxis and rickshaws

Taxis are required to be registered and metered, although some drivers may try to work off the meter instead so be aware of this before beginning your journey. Some companies also accept prepayment of fares. Taxis can be pre-booked across the country and in some regions, you are still allowed to hail them at the side of the road.

Alternatively, for short trips, you might wish to take a rickshaw. There are two types: the traditional cycle rickshaw and the auto rickshaw – small three-wheeled motor vehicles that operate much like taxis. Also like taxis, they should be on a meter but this is not always enforced. Some cities do limit the jurisdiction of rickshaws, so don’t be surprised if they can’t take you all the way to your final destination. Both taxis and rickshaws can be booked by phone or often by using mobile apps.

Buses and coaches

Bus services are plentiful in India and account for the vast majority of journeys made in cities due to their inexpensive and convenient nature. Modernisation efforts have seen new air-conditioned buses introduced in many regions and some cities now have bus rapid transit systems too. However, services are often overcrowded and it can be difficult for newcomers to India to negotiate the plethora of routes at first. Intercity coach services are provided by numerous private operators between most major cities at relatively inexpensive prices. The Redbus website allows you to search for routes across many operators.

Trains

The railway of India is an important and revered part of the country’s identity. Founded in 1853 and run by the state-owned Indian Railways, it has over 115 kilometres of track covering most of the country and is estimated to carry in excess of 20 million passengers every day. With passes like Indrail available the fares are generally quite low, although punctuality can leave something to be desired and overcrowding can also be an issue. With the longest journeys lasting days rather than hours it’s not the quickest way to travel either, but an authentic long-distance Indian rail journey is cheaper than flying and offers a real perspective on the country.

Trams and light rail

Modern India is working hard to improve urban transport and most large cities either have light rail, trams or underground metro systems or have plans to develop them. Monorails are also becoming more popular as authorities seek to ease congestion on city roads.

Air travel

There are numerous airports in India including several large international hubs connecting destinations worldwide with the major Indian cities. The busiest are Indira Gandhi International Airport of New Delhi and Chattrapati Shivaji International Airport of Mumbai. As well as the international connections, a large number of domestic airports make flying within India widely accessible, while competition between airlines like state carrier Air India, Jet Airways and IndiGo make it relatively inexpensive.

Other ways to get around

There are ferry services in operation between the main ports and a catamaran service from Mumbai to Goa, however, these are mostly seasonal and generally do not operate during monsoon season. Inland waterways also offer a scenic if sluggish way to see India.

Working hours

The working week in India can be five days from Monday to Friday or six days from Monday to Saturday depending on the type of work you do. Hours are usually up to 48 per week, but overtime is often expected and not always paid as the competitive nature of the labour market encourages people to go above and beyond what is expected of them.

Holidays

The statutory minimum holiday entitlement for employees in India is 12 days, although workers in international firms can expect significantly more than this. Sick leave and maternity leave are usually accounted for in Indian employment contracts. There is no legal requirement for employers to recognise paternity leave or adoption leave requests, but many international firms operating in India will do so.

Public holidays

In India, only three public holidays are observed nationally: Republic Day, Independence Day and Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday, which are observed on the same date each year. The other public holidays are set annually by state governments according to cultural traditions and religious sensibilities. As a result, the number of public holidays can vary between by several days depending on where you live. Detailed holiday information for each state can be found on the National Portal of India website.

National holiday dates

• Republic Day: 26th January
• Independence Day: 15th August
• Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday: 2nd October

Visas and eligibility to work

Almost every visitor to India requires a visa before they can enter the country. The application process may differ from country to country, so it’s recommended that you contact the local Indian embassy or consulate in your home country to find out the specific requirements. In many cases, applications can be made through the Online Portal for Visa Applications. To apply for an employment visa you may need proof of a job offer in India. In some cases health checks will be made on arrival. If you intend to stay for more than six months you will also need to register at the local Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office or police station within 14 days of arrival.

Tax and National Insurance

India operates a PAYE (Pay As You Earn) system with tax deducted from your wages at variable rates depending upon the amount of money you earn. If your income will exceed the basic tax threshold, you must apply for a Permanent Account Number (PAN). The tax year runs from April to March, and you are usually considered resident for tax purposes after six months of residency in India. As well as registering as an Indian tax payer, you may need to file tax returns.

Social security

Welfare benefits are provided in India by the Employees’ Provident Fund, although it’s believed that only 10% of the population are actually covered by this scheme. However, foreign nationals are enrolled and along with their employer will make contributions directly from their wages. If you are paying into the fund, you should be able to access state benefits as required. However, if your country has a social security agreement with India, you can request exemption from the contribution and continue to access benefits at home. Alternatively, private pension and healthcare schemes may be offered by your employer.

Disability

Although India offers various supporting benefits for disabled people, disability discrimination laws are relatively new and enforcement can vary. Disabled workers may find it difficult to get a job or make any adjustments necessary to enable them to work. However, perceptions are changing, and the growing number of international companies also represents an opportunity for disabled workers to forge careers in India.

Organisational structure

Although a traditionally hierarchical business culture, the influx of international companies in India means organisational structures can vary. However, the Indian regard for title and status, and the tendency to defer to their superiors, means that decisions are usually taken at the top even if more levels of the company are consulted now than they would have been in the past. Processes and protocols are strictly adhered to so the implementation of new ideas can take time, but can be widely adopted and embraced if rolled out effectively.

Management style

New managers in India often find a juxtaposition between the traditions and values that inform business in the country and the willing and competitive workforce in the country. Traditionally, each person had a distinct role in the organisation, and supervisors were expected to monitor an individual’s work for quality and punctuality. However, many Indians, particularly the well-educated and ambitious youth of the workforce, are now keen to take a more active role within the organisation. As a result, more companies are embracing the autonomous approach of giving employees more responsibility.

Formality

Even in businesses where the hierarchical structure is becoming less prevalent, individual respect is important. Titles help people to quickly establish the relationships and positions within a group, so it is usual to address contacts by their title and surname at all times unless you are invited to do otherwise. In some Indian firms it is not uncommon to find colleagues of many years using the same levels of formality as new employees might use on day one.

Relationships

Personal relationships are valued in India. Most people like to build personal relationships and a mutual level of trust before entering into a business arrangement. Make sure you take an interest in the family and personal lives of your contacts and expect to be asked similar questions in response. It can also be useful to be introduced to new contacts by common acquaintances.

Dress code

Business attire in India is not necessarily always formal but can be best characterised as conservative. In a formal setting, men should wear dark-coloured business suits and women usually select business suits or dresses. In warmer regions, dress may be less formal, but you should always be modest and avoid ostentatious or flashy accessories. Bear in mind that India has many different cultures and religions, so make sure that your dress is appropriate to the customs of your contacts.

Greetings

Although it is normal to shake hands when greeting colleagues or contacts in India, some women prefer not to greet men with a handshake. If you are unsure, it may be better to wait and see if a hand is offered than to initiate the greeting yourself. When exchanging business cards, make sure you position the card so it can be read immediately.

Punctuality

It is best to schedule meetings or appointments at least one month in advance and confirm just prior to the date. Appointments are typically scheduled for late morning or early afternoon to allow time for preparation beforehand. Usually, schedules and deadlines are taken quite seriously in India, so it pays to be on time and you should always call to apologise if this is not possible. However, priorities can change quickly, particularly in more hierarchical businesses, so important deadlines should still be checked and reinforced by managers.

Meetings

Meetings in India usually feature small talk at the beginning, with family top of the topic list. Discussions are initiated by the more senior people in the room, with subordinates invited to add detail as required. Indians favour an indirect style of communication, so avoid declarative statements, particularly when expressing a negative view. The decision-making process can be slow as Indians prefer to evaluate information and make a rational, informed decision. Sincerity and honesty are valued over sales tactics, so don’t be pushy or try to speed up the process – this will be seen as rude and impatient and may hinder your chances of closing a deal.

Cultural sensitivity

Be aware of the diverse cultures of India and try to avoid confusing the customs of one group of people with another. Remember that many Indians are vegetarian and do not drink alcohol, either on religious grounds or as a cultural choice, so consider your choices of food and drink when dining with your Indian contacts.

Business language

While there are many different languages and dialects spoken in India, English is widely used as a common languages and the majority of Indians speak at least a little. In the largest cities, where more international businesses are based, it is very possible for English speakers to live and work without needing any knowledge of a local language. However, if your work takes you to more rural areas, you may need a translator to assist you.