17 - An American Expat in Bangalore - What Nobody Tells You About Living in India

Thinking about moving to India? In this episode I sat down with Brian Hooks, an American expat who has spent over five years living and working in India. Brian provides an honest look at the realities of life in Bangalore.Whether you are a professional considering a global career move, an aspiring expat, or simply curious about cross-cultural experiences, this conversation is for you.Access the other podcast episodes of Navigate Across Borders on YouTube and on your favorite platforms hereWho am I?I'm a French expat and international educator. I've lived and worked in Asia since 2004, and I'm based in Bangalore.Chapters00:00 Introduction & Meet Brian Hooks02:57 Cultural Adaptations: The Indian Head Nod & Local Habits06:27 The Story of Moving from the USA to Bangalore15:59 Moving to India with a Family: Safety & Logistics24:17 Navigating Indian Diversity & Language Barriers29:22 US vs. India Lifestyle: Comparing Global Cultures33:50 Bangalore Food Scene: Microbreweries to Street Food41:23 Living Cashless in India: Navigating UPI & GPay44:25 Expert Tips for Living and Working in India as an Expat49:13 ConclusionSupport the show