What should I pack...

[catknit 144]

This is especially for the NRIs/former expats here - what should I pack for my relocation to Delhi...The thought right now is I will be there about a year.

Is there anything here that I can't easily get there or whose brand here is more comfortable [i know saying better would be totally subjective but maybe cosmetic type stuff that's different enough that packing a stock pile here would make more sense]? I'm not sending over any boxes/cartons/crates, so it needs to fit in 2 regular suitcases.

[sara..... 371]

This is especially for the NRIs/former expats here - what should I pack for my relocation to Delhi...The thought right now is I will be there about a year.

Is there anything here that I can't easily get there or whose brand here is more comfortable [i know saying better would be totally subjective but maybe cosmetic type stuff that's different enough that packing a stock pile here would make more sense]? I'm not sending over any boxes/cartons/crates, so it needs to fit in 2 regular suitcases.

welllllllll, if u dye ur hair and like one particular brand take some with u, same for ur shampoo and conditioner if u have a particular brand u like it maybe hard to find over seas.

also body soap when we lived in pak it took us two years to find dial soap, and it was hard to come by, as well has the deodorant we use was not something that was easy to find over seas.

when we were in srinagar we found it very hard to find good conditioner,

also because of the electric not being stable in srinagar when u go there make sure u take a large sack of baby wipes like hugges or something.

i guess most of the issues we faced was hygiene products, oh and take a small bottle or box of each type of spice u use for cooking or baking because chances are u might not find it under the same name as they are in the usa and if u can show a shop keeper what it is that ur looking for they can prolly tell u the name of it there.

lol im sure i can think of a million more things but ur only taken two bags and a carry on.

sara

[catknit 144]

Hey Sara!

Thanks for the list...

I think we're going to be in Kashmir/Srinagar/Ladakh for 2-3 weeks - so not super concerned up there. I'll call it camping!!!

K was sweet enough to take me to a couple of groceries and a spice market to see what was available. The only spice I know I'm taking so far is ground allspice.

It's the cosmetics that are bugging me the most - that and, ummm, female products... I'm not shampoo loyal and read that there is a brand Himlaya or something is really good. Tried toothpaste and was ok with it. I do touch up the roots/hair every 8-ish weeks - I'm thinking of maybe 5-6 boxes of dye? I use a lot of moisturizer like curel or lubriderm - I know I can totally get used to something similar I'm just curious if there is anything I should without a doubt buy here and take over.

Also OTC meds and vitamins - does anyone have a preference and why?

I'm playing pack, store, toss, or sell as I go thru my apartment.

[ELW 5]

Honestly in nowadays modern big cities in India they have practically everything you would need, and of course much CHEAPER than in USA too! In fact their cosmetics etc., might even be better... more natural like Ayurveda products. As for me, I always found USA deodorant and mosquito repellent to be better from USA, so I always had my mom send me supplies of those. I found Indian cotton clothes and footwear to be much better suited to the environment there.

OTC meds are available in plenty there - in fact one friend of mine gets a big supply of antihistamines and brings them back to USA with her, much cheaper than here. Female products available in plenty there. More natural forms of hair dye too, but maybe not as efficient so yes, you could bring those.

[Imua 0]

Stuff I've found difficult to locate in Kathmandu(of course Delhi may be different):

Contact lens solutions

Hair conditioner

Anti-perspirant

Sudafed(illegal to sell on its own in Nepal, possibly in India - they only sell it as a combo with Benadryl, which puts me to sleep)

Tampons(most stores only carry pads)

[Imua 0]

Honestly in nowadays modern big cities in India they have practically everything you would need, and of course much CHEAPER than in USA too! In fact their cosmetics etc., might even be better... more natural like Ayurveda products. As for me, I always found USA deodorant and mosquito repellent to be better from USA, so I always had my mom send me supplies of those. I found Indian cotton clothes and footwear to be much better suited to the environment there.

OTC meds are available in plenty there - in fact one friend of mine gets a big supply of antihistamines and brings them back to USA with her, much cheaper than here. Female products available in plenty there. More natural forms of hair dye too, but maybe not as efficient so yes, you could bring those.

I love the Ayurvedic products - always stock up on Medimix and Mysore Sandal soap when I am there. Himalaya Herbals makes a nice foot care cream I like. I used to bring shampoo back too(Vatika), but after a bottle leaked in my bag stopped doing that... luckily I can buy Vatika here in my largely desi nabe but of course it's more expensive.

[trinket 30]

About tampons, you will get them in Delhi for sure, just visit one of the malls, johnson&johnson are the best. Conditioner would be a good idea to stock up and also if you have any favourite deo.

I wish I would have stocked up on Vatika hair oil and a few other things from India

[lovica_l 0]

i dont think you should worry at all, im from delhi, and i went there recently

Delhi has everything!