Quick Answer: If you are moving to Gurugram for the first time, the fastest path to a calm first month is: secure housing, activate an Indian SIM, enable UPI via your bank, and test one delivery address. Then build a small app stack for transport, food, groceries, and home services. Avoid scams by never sharing OTPs and never installing remote-access apps.
- Lock housing first, then SIM, then UPI, then deliveries.
- Pick a society where daily rules are predictable (visitors, deliveries, move-ins).
- Use a small app stack: transport, food, groceries, home services.
- Never share OTPs or allow screen-sharing for "KYC updates".
- For a shortlist: send a structured request (budget, move date, commute).
Moving in within 2 to 8 weeks?
Tell us your commute, budget, and move-in window. We will share verified furnished options in expat-friendly societies.
Your first 30 days (a realistic plan)
Direct answer: Most first-time expats feel overwhelmed because everything is new at once. Treat relocation like a sequence. Stabilize housing and connectivity first, then payments, then daily essentials.
| Timeline | What to focus on | What "good" looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Week 0 (before move-in) | Housing + documents + move-in process | You know the exact unit, inclusions, and move-in rules |
| Week 1 | SIM + payments + deliveries | UPI works, one delivery address works, food/groceries work |
| Week 2 | Commute + routines | You know your real commute window and pickup points |
| Week 3-4 | Optimization | You add optional apps/services only if needed |
Week 0 checklist (before move-in)
- Confirm the exact unit (not just the society) and a signed inventory list for furnished rentals
- Confirm move-in process: lift booking, timing windows, gate rules
- Write your address in an Indian format you will reuse everywhere (society + tower + flat + landmark)
- Keep document scans in one folder (passport/visa copies, photos as needed)
Week 1 checklist (after move-in)
- Activate an Indian SIM (this affects OTP-based verification)
- Enable UPI through your bank app and test a small payment
- Test one food delivery and one grocery order end-to-end
- Save building management and security contact numbers
- Do a full apartment inventory walk-through with photos
Housing choice (what actually reduces stress)
Direct answer: For most first-time expats, a furnished rental in a well-run gated society is the lowest-friction choice. It reduces setup effort, avoids large purchases while you are still learning, and makes daily routines more predictable.
Society questions that matter to expats
- Delivery rules: lobby pickup vs tower-door delivery
- Visitor entry: app/process and typical waiting time
- Move-in rules: lift booking and allowed hours
- Power backup: what load is supported inside the apartment
- Maintenance responsiveness: how issues are raised and resolved
Our inventory focus is Golf Course Extension Road societies: IREO Grand Arch, M3M Heights, Conscient Elevate, and Emaar Digi Homes.
SIM and identity verification (keep it official)
Direct answer: Many workflows in India depend on OTP-based verification. That is why an Indian SIM is a "day 1" priority. Use official guidance and avoid sharing OTPs or documents through untrusted channels.
SIM setup safety checklist
- Use official telecom store channels and official verification steps
- Keep your phone number stable (avoid changing numbers in the first month)
- Never share OTPs with anyone, including "support" callers
- If someone asks for screen-sharing to "fix" a SIM or bank issue: stop and verify
Payments (UPI) and how to avoid fraud
Direct answer: UPI is a real-time payment system operated by NPCI. In daily life, it reduces friction for taxis, cafes, small errands, and deliveries. The risk is fraud: scammers impersonate banks and request OTPs, remote-access apps, or "KYC updates".
UPI setup sanity check
- Set up UPI inside your bank app (or BHIM) and test a small payment
- Set the UPI PIN only inside the official app and never share it
- Ignore links in messages that claim "KYC update required"
- Report suspected fraud quickly using official channels
If you receive a call claiming to be "bank support" and they ask for OTPs or screen sharing, treat it as a fraud attempt. RBI has published consumer fraud advisories and official reporting channels are available.
Your essential app stack (6 categories only)
Direct answer: You do not need 20 apps. Choose one app per category, test it, and only then add optional services. This approach keeps your first month calm.
| Category | What it solves | Common options |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | Commute tests, airport runs, last-mile trips | Uber, Ola |
| Food delivery | Reliable meals in week 1 | Swiggy, Zomato |
| Groceries | Essentials without learning every store | Blinkit, Instamart, Zepto |
| Home services | Cleaning and small repairs | Urban Company, society vendors |
| Maps | Landmarks and directions | Google Maps, Apple Maps |
| Communication | Day-to-day coordination |
First-week app setup
- Add your address in the society format that security recognizes
- Set one pickup landmark near your gate for ride-hailing
- Test one small order before you rely on it for a busy workday
- Save customer support contact flows inside the app (not random numbers)
Deliveries in gated societies (why addresses fail)
Direct answer: In gated societies, deliveries fail more often due to address ambiguity than because an app is broken. Your goal is clarity: society name, tower/block, flat number, and a landmark.
Delivery address template (copy/paste)
- Society name + sector (example: IREO Grand Arch, Sector 58)
- Tower/Block + flat number
- Gate name (if used) + one landmark
- Visitor instruction: lobby pickup vs tower-door delivery
Commute planning (test in your real window)
Direct answer: Commute perception can change dramatically by time of day. Do one test run in the hours you will actually travel. If you use metro, rely on official operator sites for the latest station and fare information.
Commute sanity check
- Test commute once in your real travel time (weekday)
- Save pickup/drop landmarks that are easy for drivers
- If using metro: confirm nearest station and last-mile plan
- If using a driver: confirm parking rules and timing windows
What to confirm in writing (so you do not get surprised later)
Direct answer: Most expat frustration comes from ambiguity, not malice. Confirm the money terms and the daily-life terms in writing (lease or signed annexure). If a term affects your routine, make it explicit.
| Topic | What to confirm (in writing) | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Rent + due date | Amount, due date, late fee (if any) | Prevents confusion |
| Security deposit | Amount, refund timeline, deduction rules | Where disputes often happen |
| Maintenance | Included in rent or separate; what it covers | Avoids surprise monthly costs |
| Repairs | Who services AC/appliances; response expectations | Furnished homes need clarity |
| Inventory | Signed list + photos at handover | Protects both sides |
| Move-in rules | Lift booking, timing windows, gate process | Prevents move-in chaos |
Lease and annexure checklist (expat-first)
- Ask for an inventory annexure for furnished homes (with photos)
- Confirm deposit refund timeline and inspection process
- Confirm which party pays for AC/appliance servicing
- Confirm delivery and visitor rules for your society
- Keep all confirmations in one folder (WhatsApp/email/PDF)
Move-in day (make it smooth)
Direct answer: A calm move-in is mostly logistics: timing windows, lift booking, and a written handover checklist. Treat it like a small project.
Move-in day checklist
- Confirm lift booking and move-in timing window with the society
- Carry your address template (society + tower + flat + landmark) for movers
- Do a quick video walkthrough before unpacking (timestamped)
- Collect keys/remotes/access cards and document counts
- Log issues in writing on day 1 (photos + short notes)
Want us to handle the shortlist + process?
If you prefer a faster, calmer move-in, share your timeline and commute. We will shortlist furnished units and guide you through verification and handover steps.
Health and emergencies (save these now)
Direct answer: Save emergency numbers before you need them. India runs the ERSS (Emergency Response Support System) and uses "112" as an emergency number in many regions. For financial fraud, the cybercrime portal/helpline is the right starting point.
Emergency checklist
- Save emergency number 112
- Save your society security + building management contacts
- Bookmark cybercrime reporting portal (fraud/OTP scams)
- Keep your address template in Notes for quick copy/paste
Air quality (set expectations and check official data)
Direct answer: North India has seasonal air quality variation. If you have asthma or sensitive family members, track official AQI data and plan mitigation (air purifier, masks for severe days, outdoor timing).
Use official AQI resources as the reference point and treat app snapshots as directional.
Quick local directory (starting points near common expat areas)
Direct answer: In your first month, you usually need three things nearby: (1) a reliable pharmacy, (2) a clinic/hospital path, and (3) one supermarket or coffee spot for quick errands and meetings. Use the lists below as starting points and verify on the day you need them (hours, entry rules, parking).
These lists are generated from OpenStreetMap (crowd-sourced). They are helpful starting points, not a guarantee of availability, quality, or opening hours.
Supermarkets (in-person)
| Sector 54 (Golf Course Road area) | Sector 58 (IREO Grand Arch area) | Sector 62 (Emaar Digi Homes area) | Sector 65 (M3M Heights area) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SunCity Market (~0.7 km) Bella Vita Organic (~0.99 km) Le Marche (~1.3 km) Nature's Basket (~1.3 km) | VERIFY: none in OSM snapshot | VERIFY: none in OSM snapshot | VERIFY: none in OSM snapshot |
If you are still settling in, do not over-optimize grocery stores. Start with quick-commerce and one backup store. Read: Blinkit guide and premium grocery guide.
Pharmacies
| Sector 54 (Golf Course Road area) | Sector 58 (IREO Grand Arch area) | Sector 62 (Emaar Digi Homes area) | Sector 65 (M3M Heights area) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apollo Pharmacy (~0.71 km) | Medisca (~1.3 km) | VERIFY: none in OSM snapshot | VERIFY: none in OSM snapshot |
Hospitals/Clinics
| Sector 54 (Golf Course Road area) | Sector 58 (IREO Grand Arch area) | Sector 62 (Emaar Digi Homes area) | Sector 65 (M3M Heights area) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shalby International Hospital (~0.95 km) Dermatech Clinic (~1.4 km) Garekar's M.D. (~1.4 km) | pracksht hospital (~1.1 km) Arunodaya Deseret Eye Hospital (~1.3 km) | VERIFY: none in OSM snapshot | Vatsalya Clinic (~1.3 km) Bones & Joints Clinic (~1.4 km) |
Do not rely on a directory list during an emergency. Save ERSS 112 and know how you will communicate your address (society + tower + flat + landmark).
Cafes
| Sector 54 (Golf Course Road area) | Sector 58 (IREO Grand Arch area) | Sector 62 (Emaar Digi Homes area) | Sector 65 (M3M Heights area) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bizibean (~1.2 km) Another Fine Day (~1.3 km) Barista (~1.4 km) Sweet Obsession (~1.4 km) | BBR Coffee by Before British Raj (~0.53 km) | VERIFY: none in OSM snapshot | Madison and Pike (~1.3 km) |
Schools
| Sector 54 (Golf Course Road area) | Sector 58 (IREO Grand Arch area) | Sector 62 (Emaar Digi Homes area) | Sector 65 (M3M Heights area) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Govt Model Sanskiriti Primary School (~0.54 km) Suncity School (~0.87 km) Pathways (~1.5 km) Lancer's International (~1.6 km) | Suraj School (~1.1 km) | Heritage Xperiential Learning School (~0.56 km) Tagore Public School (~1.3 km) Lotus Valley International School (~1.6 km) | DPS International (~0.95 km) St. Xavier's High School (~1.3 km) Tagore Public School (~1.4 km) Lotus Valley International School (~1.4 km) |
FAQs
What should I do first after landing?
Direct answer: Stabilize housing, activate an Indian SIM, enable one payment method (UPI) and test one delivery flow. Once those work, your first month becomes predictable.
Is it better to rent furnished or unfurnished?
Direct answer: For first-time expats, furnished is usually lower friction because you avoid buying large items while you are still learning what you need.
How do I avoid newcomer scams?
Direct answer: Never share OTPs, never install remote-access apps, and ignore "KYC update" links. Use RBI advisories and official reporting channels if you suspect fraud.
Which area should I start with?
Direct answer: If your commute fits Golf Course Extension Road, start with our focus societies: IREO Grand Arch, M3M Heights, Conscient Elevate, and Emaar Digi Homes.
What is the fastest way to get a shortlist?
Direct answer: Send a structured request (move date, budget range, office location, family size, and 3 must-haves). It reduces back-and-forth and improves matching.
Want a shortlist faster? (copy/paste template)
Direct answer: Copy/paste this and fill in the blanks. You will get a better shortlist faster.
| Item | Your answer |
|---|---|
| Move-in date | ___ |
| Lease length | ___ months |
| Family size | ___ |
| Budget range | INR ___ to ___ |
| Office location | ___ |
| School (if any) | ___ |
| Must-haves | example: quiet bedroom, strong backup, pet-friendly |
Get verified options in our 4 societies
We focus on furnished rentals in 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
- Ultimate expat relocation guide
- Moving checklist for expats
- Cost of living for expats
- Contact our team
Sources
- https://www.npci.org.in/what-we-do/upi/product-overview
- https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=58595
- https://cybercrime.gov.in/Webform/Crime_Nccrp.aspx
- https://www.112.gov.in/
- https://dot.gov.in/access-services/subscriber-verification
- https://www.delhimetrorail.com/
- https://www.rapidmetrogurgaon.com/
- https://cpcb.nic.in/national-air-quality-index/
- https://www.dhbvn.in/
- https://services.gmda.gov.in/
- https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright