04 — Money
Banking and the cost of living
The financial plumbing that makes everything else on this site possible.
Opening a bank account
You'll want a local bank account fairly early — it's how rent, salary, and most bills get paid, and it unlocks UPI (India's near-universal payments system), which most local shops and services expect. Requirements and paperwork vary somewhat by bank and by your visa type, so confirm with the branch what to bring before you go.
Set up UPI on your phone as soon as your account is active — it's used far more widely day-to-day than cards.
Add your community's recommended banks and account types here.
SIM cards & connectivity
A local SIM is one of the first things to sort out, since it's often required to verify other accounts (banking, delivery apps, UPI). Foreign nationals typically need to provide passport, visa, and local address documentation — a stable temporary address helps if you're still house-hunting.
Keep a photo of your passport, visa page, and proof of local address on your phone — you'll be asked for these more often than you'd expect, not just for the SIM.
Cost of living, in general
Day-to-day costs in Hyderabad are generally lower than in most expats' home countries, though imported goods, international schooling, and Western-style housing can offset a lot of that. Costs vary significantly by neighborhood and by how much you lean on imported versus local goods.
Budget separately for "local cost of living" and "expat cost of living" — the gap between the two is bigger in Hyderabad than in many other cities, mostly driven by housing and schooling choices.