PEldred8304424

Hi, I have been asked, and am interested in moving to Chennai to take up a senior management position within an Indian subsidiary. As Chennai is unfamiliar to me (UK citizen), I would appreciate it if anyone can give advice on places to live (the office is in Ambattur), schooling (age 13 and 15), difficulties for visas, in fact anything you feel would be useful
We're planning on visiting December/January so it would be good to narrow down what we need to look at.
Thanks
Paul

dreadsoc

Hi PEldred

Firstly welcome to BE and the India and Goa forums.
I am not personally familiar with Chennai however I am sure someone will be along to answer questions about the area for you.

Visa stuff : there is a thread in the Goa forum on here which looks at visas for India, and there is plenty of information available on the VFS Global website, - VFS Global are the agency who handle visa applications.

Hope you find our site useful and all the very best with your plans

Dread - x

PEldred8304424

Hi Dread,
Thanks very much for your kind welcome.
If anyone has any details of expat groups in Chennai then I would appreciate hearing from them.
For me, it's important that we meet like-minded people with which to socialise and talk.

Cheers
Paul

Bipat

Hello Paul, I know Chennai city quite well as we visit OHs close relatives (Indian)there regularly since 1970.
Ambattur is a suburb away from the main city so I don't have any knowledge of this particular area. I would think your work colleagues will give you detailed help.
Chennai itself has everything; beach resorts, rail access to the rest of South India, good shopping, multiple restaurants and clean fast food (veg) outlets.
cultural activities. Famous for its coffee!
Negatives, very hot summers with water shortages.
As for schools, the usual choice, but the International schools are becoming popular as the teaching is in English and the fees reasonable.
I don't have knowledge of expat groups but you will find the local people of your social group have very 'like' minds.

PS Chennai airport; one of the worst in India!! particularly the toilets. Don't be put off as life gets better from there on!!!

PEldred8304424

Hi bipat, Thanks very much for your reply.

All,
Given that the office is in Ambattur, my wife has highlighted Anna Nagar as a possible location to live. It seems to be close to several of the International schools too.
Does anyone know anything about this area or can recommend an estate agent or house finder that is any good?
Many thanks
Paul

k800mer

I am surprised your company do not arrange most of your relocation including visas for you, I worked for a multinational with offices in Trivandrum and they organised and paid for all the legalities including visas and somewhere to stay initially.

raagz143

Hi Paul

Welcome to INDIA and congratulations for your new Role ,i am also staying in chennai from past 3 years working in Multinational company if you need any information or help in chennai please PM .as you said your office is Ambattur,there are lot of nice and decent ,safe zones near to ambattur...chennai is nice place to live andalso safe too
please let me know your concerns so that i can help you out in this matter

Regards,
Raghu