Things to take care of, after your R2I

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Have you made the "hardest" decision in your life? I mean, "Have you decided to Return to India?" Now, the rest of things are going to be easy. Have you already taken care of the things to do before R2I? What are some of the things that you need to take care of after reaching India? I've compiled a list of items to take care of, after your Return to India. This is purely based on my experiences and definitely not exhaustive. Feel free to recommend additional items, if any.

1) School admissions - This is the most important thing, especially if you have kids of 'school going' age. Some schools distribute application forms in October for the following year. So, you may have to ask your relatives/friends to get the applications well in advance. Some schools also have an admission window during "Vijayadasami". You should be able to put your kid in school during that time also. (Also read: R2I school admissions - FAQ Getting KG admission for a kid in school - the math behind it)


2) Ration Card - Ration card is treated as an address proof & may be required irrespective of whether you buy things at the Ration shop or not. So, it is recommended to get one.

3) Driving License - If you don't have an Indian driving license or if your driving license has 'expired', you need to get a new one. AFAIK, you need to go in person for submitting the application & to take the driving test (on a different day) [irrespective of whether you go through a driving school or not] (Also read: Getting a two wheeler driving license)


4) PAN Card - This is also very important, these days. This is very much equivalent to your Social Security number. You have to quote your PAN number for all financial dealings (Banks, Demat trading account, loan, etc.,). There are so many agents available to get you a PAN card for a nominal fee.
I went to the nearest UTI TSL office and submitted my PAN application. I got my PAN card within months. (Also read: Getting a PAN card in India - Not easy)

5) Bank Account - You need to have a Bank Account for keeping your money safe & for ATM access. If you have been having a NRI account, you can convert that into a NRO account and use it. You need to get an ATM debit card. In India, you can withdraw money from any ATM (even though you aren't a member of that bank), without any charge. This is very convenient. There are ATMs everywhere.

6) GAS connection - Electricity is not very reliable in India. So, you need to buy GAS stove and apply for GAS cylinders.

7) PIO stay extension/OCI application - Based on your/your family's legal status, you may need to take care of the PIO/OCI formalities. (Related posts: Extending stay of PIO holder, OCI Hooplah)

8) Credit Card - I would highly recommend you to get a credit card. Using ATM/Debit cards may not be safe in all the locations (Your ATM card provides direct access to your bank account). So, you may have to selectively use Credit Cards in places that are not safe. Also, credit cards give you the flexibility to make payments later.

9) Buying/Renting a property - You would need a house to stay. Renting can be done pretty quick - though the rents have gone up quite a bit in the last 10 years. I heard that home prices have come down significantly in some areas after the 2008 bubble crash. So, it may be wise to "own" a property instead of "renting" a property. There are some HRA (House Rent Allowance) benefits for the "interest" that you pay on Home loans.

10) Finding a physician/hospital - This is important especially, if you have kids. It takes a while to 'identify' the 'right' physician. The penetration of "medical insurance", has made the medical services so costly. You need to start looking for a good physician & hospital before you have some "emergency" health issues. Some hospitals are 'money minded' so, you need to be aware of that.

11) Buying a vehicle - There are ample public transportation options available in India (based on your comfort & price requirements). However, having used to a car in US, you definitely need a vehicle. There are zillion options available. So, this is not going to be a easy exercise. I bought a Honda Aviator scooter, just to get myself acquainted with the Indian roads. I never owned a motor vehicle in India, before. So, it is very exciting to ride a vehicle in India :)  [Also read: Bought a new car - Maruti Swift Dzire]

Related posts:

R2I Checklist
R2I - Salary Negotiation
10 things to know if you are Returning to India
R2I - How can I get my Social Security benefits/money?

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List of places to see in USA

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This blog post contains the "List of places to see in USA" including top U.S attractions, important sight seeing places, travel experiences, and tips for planning your trips in USA. I have shared my travel experiences to these places. Hope you find them useful.

Also read:  

How do you plan a sightseeing trip in US?
Tips to get good deals on flight, hotel and car

Arizona (Trip Planner)

RV Driving and Motor Home Experience
Sedona & Flagstaff
Places in Phoenix
Navajo Canyon Ferry
Glen Canyon, Page  

Miami & Bahamas  (Trip Planner)

Royal Carribean Cruise Experiences

Maui, Hawaii

Maui Trip Planning - Tips & Recommendations
Maui Trip Preparations
Maui Parasailing
Hana Lava Tube & Haleakala Crater Visit
Trip to Iao Valley, Tropical Plantation, and Snorkeling
Maui Atlantic Submarine Tour
Banyan Tree, Jodo Mission, Luau Visit

Washington DC, New York & Niagara (Trip Planner)

Pittsburgh Trip, Pennysylvania
Visit to Niagara Falls, Canada
Visit to Liberty Statue & Ellis Islands, New York
Visit to New York Downtown, New York
Washington DC Trip

Denver & South Dakota

Colorado, Denver & Mount Rushmore

Oregon, Seattle Vancouver (Trip Planner)

Seattle, WashingtonVancouver, Canada
Portland, Oregon
Columbia River Highway, Oregon
Crater Lake & Mount Shashta

Wyoming, Utah & Idaho (Trip Planner)

Yellow Stone Attractions

Road Trip (Southern States) (Trip Planner)

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Little Rock, Arkansas
Memphis, Tennessee
Atlanta, Georgia
Birmingham, Alabama
Jackson, Mississippi
Shreveport/Monroe, Louisiana
Dallas, Texas

New Hampshire / Vermont (Trip Planner)

Fall Foliage Colors Trip

Chicago, Illinois (Trip Planner)

Chicago Trip Experiences

Las Vegas & Grand Canyon, Nevada

California

Mendocino - A stay in Cabin
Death Valley VisitSacramento Day Trip
San Francisco Downtown / Golden Gate Bridge
Carmel by the Sea
Los Angeles (Disney Land/Universal Studios)

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Thiruchendur Temple Visit - Poojari's demanding money

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We had been to the famous 'Thiruchendur Temple' over the weekend. This temple sits magestically along the sea shore, in the east cost. I visited the temple after 4+ years.Things haven't changed much with respect to the temple and its infrastructure. However, I had a very unpleasant experience this time. All the Brahmanas/Poojaris inside the  temple were "forcing" people to leave some donation on their plate. I felt very awkward when the Poojari asked me "openly" to drop some donation. Had it been just one Poojari, I wouldn't have felt bad - of course, there are chances for a rotten apple to be in a bag full of apples. But, almost all the Poojaris 'asked' openly for 'donation'. I wanted to complain to the Temple office. However, the temple office was closed and I couldn't do much.

For 'Archanais', they sell tickets outside. But, in addition, we have to pay Rs. 20 to the Poojari, inside the temple.  We had to give the donation (whenever asked) & pay the extra Rs.20 to the Poojaris for 'Archanai'.

We completed our worship and came out of the temple. We were intercepted by road side beggars. They asked for some money saying that they haven't had food in a while. I had to literally scold them to get out of my view. I don't want to encourage the act of begging/beggars (especially, when they are fit & can work).

I took a moment to think about what happened inside the temple vs the thing that happened outside the temple. The Poojaris weren't any different from the beggars who were standing outside the temple. Yes! They are educated beggars.

Also read:  

Tirupati Tirumala Temple Visit - May be the last?
Kovai Trip - Maruthamalai / GCT visit 
Rameswaram Trip Experiences

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R2I - 401(k) closure FAQs

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Have you thought through all the options regarding "What to do with your 401(k) account" during your return to India? Have you decided to close your 401(k) account? Do you have questions lingering in your mind regarding 401(k) account closure? Hopefully, you'll find an answer to your question here.

1) When can I close the 401(k) account ?

You should be out of job to close the 401(k) account. Typically, you'll get the 'participant distribution' application to fill during your last working day. You can fill the application and submit it to your HR or 401(k) Benefits Provider.

2) What is the process involved to close the 401(k) account?

You'll receive the 401(k) 'participant distribution' application (from your HR) during your last working day. You need to just fill-it and hand it over to the HR or 401 (k) Benefits provider.

3) What are the options that I'll have when deciding to close the 401(k) account?

Read "R2I - What to do with the 401(k) account" post which describes this in detail.

4) Will my tax be withheld at the source when I close the 401K account?

A flat 20% Federal tax will be withheld at the source when you close the 401K account. In addition, there is a 10% penalty for early withdrawal.

5) What would be the with holdings done at source by the 401K Benefit Provider, when I close the account ?

There will be a flat 20% federal tax withheld when you close your 401k account.

You can settle the remaining tax when you file your tax returns, next year. (If you fall in a lower tax bracket, you'll get the excess money back from the government. If you fall on a higher tax bracket, you may have to pay the money that you owe to the government).

6)  When would I have to pay the penalty?


You'll have to pay a 10% penalty for early withdrawal. The penalty will have to be paid when you pay your taxes.

7) How long does the 'closure' process take?

In a couple of days, your 'participant distribution' form will reach the 401(k) Benefits provider. Your 401(k) Benefits Provider will take care of the formalities in a week.
You may expedite the process by contacting 401(k) Benefits provider upon your last day. Tell them that you'll have to R2I & hence the urgency.

8) How long does it take to get the 401K money after I close the account?

The check takes about 15 business days and the wire about a week.

9) Can I still maintain my 401K account after moving to India?

Some 401(k) Benefit Provider will let you to manage your account online. Talk to your 401(k) Benefit Provider or transfer your 401(k) account to someone who'll provide you online management.

10) Do I have to pay additional tax when I file the Income Tax returns, next year?

It depends. Depending upon your tax bracket, you may have to pay additional taxes. Look at the tax bracket into which you'll fall when you file the tax returns.

You'll have to pay the 10% penalty for early withdrawal, when you file your tax returns.

11) Can the 401(k) Benefit Provider 'direct deposit' the proceeds of closure to my bank account?

Yes. The 401K provider can wire the proceeds of the 401k closure to your bank account. You need to work it out with them when you fill the 'participant distribution' form on your last working day.

Related posts:

What to do with the 401(k) account?
10 things to know if you are thinking of Returning to India
How can I get my Social Security benefits/money? 

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