Quick Answer: Set up payments (UPI), validate one delivery address, and choose a society with predictable daily operations. That is the fastest path to a calm first month.
- Set up payments first (UPI) to reduce daily friction.
- Write your society + tower + landmark clearly for deliveries.
- Never share OTPs or allow screen-sharing for “KYC updates”.
- Pick one grocery + one home-services path for the first month.
- Choose a society with predictable delivery and visitor rules.
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Start here: reduce daily friction fast
Direct answer: If you are new to India, focus on three things first: (1) a working phone number, (2) a working payment method (UPI), and (3) one reliable way to get groceries and basic home maintenance. Everything else can wait.
Day 1 to Day 7 sequence
- Day 1: local SIM active + address written in the Indian format you will use everywhere
- Day 2-3: bank KYC done (document list is bank-specific)
- Day 3-5: UPI enabled and tested with a small amount
- Week 1: one grocery or food delivery flow working end-to-end
- Week 1: one maintenance escalation path (owner/society/service app)
The essential app categories (what expats actually use)
Direct answer: You do not need 20 apps. You need a small stack that covers the basics. Once those basics work, your daily life becomes predictable and you can add optional apps later.
| Category | Why it matters in the first month | Examples (not exhaustive) |
|---|---|---|
| Payments | Reduces daily friction for small transactions | UPI apps through your bank, QR-based payments |
| Maps + navigation | Helps you communicate landmarks to drivers/deliveries | Map apps + pinned landmarks |
| Food delivery | Works on late arrivals and busy workdays | Food delivery apps |
| Grocery delivery | Makes the first week easier without learning every store | Grocery/quick-commerce apps |
| Home services | Cleaning/repairs without hunting for unknown vendors | Home service marketplaces + society referrals |
Address formatting that actually works (gated society reality)
Direct answer: In Gurugram gated societies, deliveries fail more often due to address ambiguity than because the app is broken. Write your society name, tower/block, and a landmark exactly the way your security team recognizes it. Then test with a small order before you rely on it.
Delivery address template (copy/paste)
- Society name + sector (e.g., IREO Grand Arch, Sector 58)
- Tower/Block + flat number (as written on the building)
- Gate name (if your society uses it) + landmark (Mall/Metro)
- Visitor instructions: lobby pickup vs tower-door delivery
First-week shopping list (furnished apartment, expat-first)
Direct answer: Even in fully furnished rentals, you will need a small “stabilization kit” for the first week. Keep it boring and practical. Buy high-value items only after you confirm what is already included.
First-week essentials (low regret)
- Power strips + basic surge protection (ask what backup supports)
- Bedding and towels (if not explicitly included)
- Basic kitchen items (knife, pan) only after inventory check
- Cleaning basics (gloves, surface cleaner) for day 1
- A small flashlight and spare batteries (simple backup)
Safety: OTP and “KYC update” scams (official sources)
Direct answer: RBI has warned consumers about fraud where scammers pretend to be “bank support” and request OTPs, screen sharing, or app installs. If you suspect fraud, report it quickly using the official cybercrime helpline/portal and contact your bank using official channels.
Keep this bookmarked: RBI fraud advisory and cybercrime helpline (1930).
Nearby essentials you will use in week 1 (data snapshot)
Direct answer: If you are moving into one of our focus areas, keep a shortlist of basics nearby: supermarkets and pharmacies. Use the tables below as a starting point and verify details before you rely on them.
Pharmacies
Direct answer: A few nearby starting points near our focus societies.
| Near IREO Grand Arch (Sector 58) | Near Conscient/Emaar (Sector 62) | Near M3M Heights (Sector 65) |
|---|---|---|
| Medisca (~1.3 km) | VERIFY: no data | VERIFY: no data |
Lists are generated from OpenStreetMap (crowd-sourced). Use them as a starting point, not a guarantee of availability or quality.
Where to live (so your services actually work)
Direct answer: In gated societies, delivery and visitor rules can decide your day-to-day experience. Before you sign, ask about lobby pickup, visitor entry apps, and how domestic help is onboarded. Predictable rules are a “hidden premium” for expats.
Our core focus societies for expats are IREO Grand Arch, M3M Heights, Conscient Elevate, and Emaar Digi Homes. If your commute fits Golf Course Extension Road, start here.
Banking setup in India (expat-friendly path)
Direct answer: The sequence is: local mobile number, bank account/KYC, then UPI. KYC expectations are governed by RBI directions, but the exact checklist varies by bank and account type. Get a written checklist from the branch to avoid repeat trips.
Bank visit checklist
- Passport (original + copies)
- Valid visa and entry stamp (copies)
- Indian mobile number (working)
- Local address proof if available (bank-specific)
- Employer letter or offer letter (if applicable)
FAQs
Do I need PAN?
Direct answer: It depends on the bank and product. If you are asked to apply, use the official Income Tax portal (linked in Sources).
Is UPI mandatory?
Direct answer: No, but it is widely used and reduces friction for everyday payments.
How do I avoid fraud calls pretending to be bank support?
Direct answer: Do not share OTPs or screen-share. Hang up and call back using an official number from the banks app/website.
Quick local directory (near our focus societies)
Direct answer: If you are new to Gurugram, a small directory reduces first-week friction. Use these as starting points and verify details.
Pharmacies
Direct answer: Useful for first-week settling-in.
| Near IREO Grand Arch (Sector 58) | Near Conscient/Emaar (Sector 62) | Near M3M Heights (Sector 65) |
|---|---|---|
| Medisca (~1.3 km) | VERIFY: no data | VERIFY: no data |
Lists are generated from OpenStreetMap (crowd-sourced). Use them as a starting point, not a guarantee of availability or quality.
Want a shortlist faster? (copy/paste template)
Direct answer: If you send a short, structured message, you will get a better shortlist faster. Copy/paste this and fill in the blanks.
| Item | Your answer |
|---|---|
| Move-in date | ___ |
| Lease length | ___ months |
| Family size | ___ |
| Budget range | INR ___ to ___ |
| Office location | ___ |
| School (if any) | ___ |
| Must-haves | e.g., quiet bedroom, strong backup, pet-friendly |
Get options in our 4 expat societies
We focus on IREO Grand Arch, M3M Heights, Conscient Elevate, and Emaar Digi Homes. Share your move-in window and we will send a shortlist.
Related reading
- Browse furnished listings
- Explore expat-friendly societies
- Furnished apartments in IREO Grand Arch (Sector 58)
- Furnished apartments in M3M Heights (Sector 65)
- Furnished apartments in Conscient Elevate (Sector 59)
- Furnished apartments in Emaar Digi Homes (Sector 62)
- Featured listing: IREO Grand Arch 3BHK
- Featured listing: M3M Heights 2BHK
- Contact our team
Sources
- https://www.npci.org.in/what-we-do/upi/product-overview
- https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/notification/PDFs/MDKYC27022025VE1BE5F7337E47D3A0616550C4E5975A.PDF
- https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=58595
- https://cybercrime.gov.in/Webform/Crime_Nccrp.aspx
- https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/public/contact/
- https://consumeraffairs.nic.in/theconsumerprotection/consumer-protection-e-commerce-rules-2020
- https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/help/how-to-apply-for-pan
- https://www.dhbvn.in/
- https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright