Chennai, India 🇮🇳
#104
13.083693, 80.270186
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Chennai is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and is one of the largest cultural and economic centers in the country. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 7 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, with many cafes and co-working spaces offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 INR ≈ 0.012 USD; Major banks include HDFC, ICICI, and State Bank of India. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled or filtered water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, Type D and M sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone; prepaid plans are widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most cards accepted, including Visa and Mastercard; popular banking services are accessible. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from Airbnb to serviced apartments; neighborhoods like Anna Nagar and T. Nagar offer good choices. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted, with apps like Paytm and Google Pay popular. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, OYO Rooms, and Guesthouse options available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options include Zostel for dorms and budget hotels around Koyambedu. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Workafella Coworking located in T. Nagar. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Brew Room in Alwarpet is known for its work-friendly atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Café networking events and meetups hosted by organizations like TiE Chennai. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Chennai Expats group on Facebook organizes regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Ola are the most popular ride-hailing apps in Chennai. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented through apps like Bounce and Vogo. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Marina Beach, about 10-15 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | IndiGo is the largest and most efficient regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates and Qatar Airways offer reliable international flights from Chennai. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main highways include NH-45 and NH-4 connecting to other states. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Chennai Central Railway Station is the main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Chennai Metro offers one-day and monthly passes for commuters. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local trains and bus services provide good connectivity to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Apollo Hospital, located in Greams Road. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Santosha Yoga in Anna Nagar offers various yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym, located in multiple locations in the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Wash & Fold services are available in many residential areas. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Swiggy and Zomato are the top food delivery apps in Chennai. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Dosa and Idli are must-try local dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Annakodi Restaurant in Kotturpuram is popular for vegetarian food. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Grand Sweets and Snacks for traditional Indian sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Koyambedu Market for fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and Flipkart are widely used for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | BigBasket offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nungambakkam is known for its vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The Humming Tree serves craft beers in a lively setting. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Bar at the Park offers a variety of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Marina Beach has a variety of street food vendors offering local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | 10 Cuts of Beef is known for its diverse menu including international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Marina Beach and Kapaleeswarar Temple are iconic attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Government Museum in Egmore showcases Tamil Nadu's rich heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort St. George is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Thomas is a prominent place of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Pongal is a major festival celebrated in January. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Mylapore is known for its cultural significance and festivals. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Music Academy is famous for Carnatic music performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | T Nagar is well-known for shopping, especially for sarees. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Chennai hosts numerous music festivals highlighting its rich musical heritage. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art in neighborhoods like Egmore is gaining popularity. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Saffron Palate offers cooking classes for traditional South Indian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Apparao Galleries showcase contemporary art from India. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | MGR Memorial is an architectural icon in the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city is known as the 'Gateway to South India' reflecting its cultural depth. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Guindy National Park is a nearby escape for nature lovers. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mudumalai National Park, 150 km from Chennai, is a popular weekend getaway. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Marina Beach has a promenade perfect for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from Fort St. George offers historical significance alongside scenic beauty. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Pallikaranai Marsh is known for birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beaches around Chennai have designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | India Post and Blue Dart are reliable options for parcel deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local services like iFix offer efficient device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Several sports clubs in Chennai have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Many institutes like Inlingua offer language courses, including Tamil and English. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Anna Centenary Library provides a spacious environment for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Chennai Cultural Academy hosts various workshops and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Cloud nine Gaming Cafe offers options for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | While traditional casinos are not available, card and board game cafes exist. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹8,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₹3,200,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹6,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₹2,400,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹9,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₹5,400,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹7,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₹4,200,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₹10,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₹8,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₹8,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₹6,400,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% for domestic investors; varies for foreign investors. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxation on global income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Highest rate is 30% for income above ₹15 lakh. |
| 🧾 VAT | 18% standard GST rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, tax applies to foreign subsidiaries under specific conditions. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Applicable based on the geographical area and property usage. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% for property transactions. |