So you’re an expat and a guest in our country? Welcome
and I hope you have an enjoyable time. But let’s face it, this country of 1.3
billion people isn’t the easiest to navigate and takes some getting used to.
Let technology come to your rescue and help you get what you want quickly,
easily & cheaply (in most cases).
So here’s a list of 12 must have Apps for Expats that
makes life easier for them here in India.
(I’ve given links to their websites – depending on the
phone that you are using you can either download the apps by searching in the
App Store or Google Play or be redirected from their websites.)
Need to hail a cab?
Conveniently log onto the Uber app or the Ola app. Both apps allow you to pay
using credit cards though Ola also lets you pay cash (I’ve been told that Uber
also accepts cash in India). Both apps also accept payment via mobile wallets
like PayTM & MobiKwik (digital wallets – details below).
2) Zoomcar
I’m guessing you already have
Google Maps and maybe you want to get behind the wheel of a car and take on the
Indian roads – then download Zoomcar and you can rent a car of your choice to
serve as your chariot.
Feeling hungry? Don’t want to
step out? Order in from a wide variety of restaurants and have the food delivered
home. Plus, any time you want to step out for a meal, find the restaurant of
your choice & read user reviews on Zomato
4) Book My Show
Get your dose of entertainment
through this app. A 1 stop solution to book tickets for movies, plays, concerts,
sporting events and what not.
Digital wallets that let you
pay for a host of things – mobile bills, electricity, gas, cable, taxis, online
shopping, etc. Some offline shops (like Cafe Coffee Day – a coffee shop chain) also
accept payments through PayTM.
6) UrbanClap
UrbanClap connects you to a host
of service professionals. Need a plumber? Electrician? Driver? Fitness
instructor? Cook? They’re all available on UrbanClap and much more.
7) Big Basket
BigBasket lets you shop online
for all your groceries, food items, toiletries & household items and delivers
it right to your doorstep.
8) Practo
Need to visit a doctor but don’t
know if your neighbourhood dispensary houses a quack? Then visit Practo.com.
The website provides a list of doctors, diagnostic labs, spas & gyms across
cities, with user reviews to validate the services.
While GoIbibo & Expedia allow
you to book your flights & hotels, Makemytrip & Cleartrip also let you
book trains & bus journeys as well. And what’s a stay in India without a
journey on the train?
I’m sure you already know of
Amazon. Flipkart is its biggest competitor in India. Myntra (also owned by
Flipkart) is the app to shop for clothes, while furniture, furnishings and all
other things to decorate your house with are available on PepperFry.
Stay updated with local &
international news with these news apps. If the stock market is what makes you
tick, then the Moneycontrol app will keep you posted about all the moves that businesses
and financial markets are making.
12) Haptik
A concierge service isn’t only
for the rich & famous. Just download Haptik (their tag line is – Everyone’s
personal assistant) and get real people to answer your queries regarding finding
the best mobile plan, filing a complaint or service request, making a restaurant
reservation, finding flight schedules & much more.
So if you’re new in my country, Namaste – welcome once
again, and I hope this information is helpful. Enjoy the country, our culture
and when you return back home, I’m sure you’ll take back many fond memories.
Disclaimer:
1) I
have used some of these apps, but not all. I do not endorse any of these apps.
2) I
haven’t been paid by any of them to suggest the names.
3) Please
do exercise some level of caution & checks when you download and use these
services.
4) Finally,
this list is not exhaustive – I am sure there are apps that offer similar
services, but these were the most popular ones.