Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bangalore, known as Bengaluru, is the capital of Karnataka, India, renowned for its IT industry and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 12 million, making it one of the largest cities in India. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30-50 Mbps, with many coworking spaces offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 INR ≈ 0.012 USD, making it affordable for many expats; major banks include HDFC, ICICI, and State Bank of India. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; recommend using bottled water or water purifiers. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 230V, 50Hz; plugs used are Type C, D, and M. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include AirTel, Jio, and Vodafone; prepaid plans start at around ₹200. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards widely accepted; services like Wise and Revolut are also available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb, OYO, and local property sites like MagicBricks are popular for short and long-term stays. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless transactions are common; UPI and mobile wallets like Paytm are widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Sites like Airbnb and OYO offer a variety of options; daily rates fluctuate between ₹1,000-₹3,000. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Zostel and backpacker options in areas like Koshy’s charge approximately ₹600-₹1,200 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | MG Road and Brigade Road are popular areas with many attractions and dining options nearby. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Indiranagar and Koramangala are preferred neighborhoods, offering vibrant nightlife, cafes, and coworking facilities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WeWork and 91springboard in Indiranagar provide excellent amenities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Third Wave Coffee Roasters in Indiranagar is a favorite among digital nomads for its ambiance and WiFi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Tech meetups at The Humming Tree and workshops at 91springboard gather numerous professionals. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Groups like Bangalore Expat Club organize regular meetups and social events for networking and community building. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Ola and Uber dominate the transport app scene in Bangalore. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bounce and Vogo are popular scooter rental apps around the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is around 350 km away in Mangalore; a popular weekend trip. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | IndiGo is the leading regional airline providing good connectivity. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways connect Bangalore globally. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | SH 17 and NH 44 provide efficient access to neighboring states. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Yesvantpur Junction is a major train station in Bangalore. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | BMTC offers monthly passes for unlimited travel on buses, priced around ₹1,400. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train services (Indian Railways) and state buses provide good connectivity to nearby cities like Mysore and Coorg. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Manipal Hospital is a renowned healthcare facility in the city. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Tirupathi Yoga and The Yoga House offer excellent classes catering to all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Cult.Fit are popular chains with multiple locations. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry service apps like DhobiLite are convenient for busy professionals. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Swiggy and Zomato are the leading apps for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Don't miss trying Masala Dosa; a staple in South Indian cuisine. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Go Native and The Green Path Organic State cater to vegetarian needs. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Corner House Ice Cream is a legendary spot for desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Russell Market offers fresh produce and local snacks at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and Flipkart are widely used platforms for e-commerce. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | BigBasket offers a variety of groceries with same-day delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Indiranagar and Koramangala have vibrant nightlife scenes with many bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Toit and Arbor Brewing Company are popular among expats for craft beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Bangalore Brew Works has a selection of Indian wines and craft beers. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | VV Puram Food Street is a famous spot for local street food offerings. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Italian Pizzeria serve great pizzas along with many other international options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden and Bangalore Palace for rich cultural experiences. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | National Gallery of Modern Art showcases contemporary Indian art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace is a significant historical site in Bangalore. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Bull Temple and ISKCON Temple are important places of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Bangalore Habba and Karaga Festival celebrate the city's rich culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Malleswaram and Jayanagar are known for their cultural heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Ranga Shankara hosts a variety of plays and performances year-round. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Chickpet Market is famous for silk sarees and local textiles. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Nehru Center and The Humming Tree feature live music events frequently. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore street art in areas like Brigade Road and Koramangala. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Sakshi Cooking Class offers hands-on cooking experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery Sumukha showcases contemporary art and is a must-visit. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Vidhana Soudha is an iconic example of neo-Dravidian architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city is known for its gardens and heritage, reflecting a blend of modernity and tradition. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nandi Hills is a popular retreat, located about 60 km from the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Bannerghatta National Park offers wildlife safaris and nature explorations. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Cubbon Park provides beautiful paths for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit Nandi Hills for breathtaking sunrise views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath offers opportunities for urban birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Camp Timber Creek near Nandi Hills allows bonfires and outdoor experiences. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | BlueDart and DTDC offer reliable parcel delivery across India. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Visit iRepair or local services in Koramangala for device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sports clubs in Indiranagar provide table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Institutions like Inlingua offer English and Hindi language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Bangalore City Library offers peaceful study environments. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Bangalore International Centre hosts various cultural events for expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Lounge of Games in Indiranagar is popular for gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Bangalore, but many gaming lounges and arcades. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹9,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₹3,600,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹5,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₹2,200,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹8,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₹4,800,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹4,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₹2,700,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹7,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₹6,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹4,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₹3,200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Indian tax system is worldwide income basis. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% for individuals with annual income above ₹1,000,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | 18% for goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, these regulations apply in India. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on the annual value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 7% for properties in Karnataka. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax on worldwide income applies, but can be mitigated under certain conditions through the NRI (Non-Resident Indian) status. |