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Living as an expat in Delhi is exciting and challenging. One of the best ways of settling into Delhi is to forge friendships and find a new social circle. I’m speaking from experience when I tell you that having your own tribe in Delhi will make the city feel a lot more like home. Luckily, Delhi has a thriving expat community, and it’s pretty easy to meet other foreigners. These are the best social networks in Delhi for expats who want to meet people.
The Best Social Networks for Expats
Building a new social network can be challenging, but it will be a lot easier if you get involved with one or more of these groups. Life is so different in India, it will make a huge difference to have friends, especially ones with similar experiences!
Delhi Network
One of the best social networks in Delhi for expats is Delhi Network. It’s a large group of expats that meet every Tuesday morning at the Hyatt Regency in South Delhi. You must have a foreign passport (anything other than Indian) to join.
The purpose of the group is to build friendships, and offer support and information to help foreigners who live and work in Delhi.
The group is very diverse, all nationalities, and all sorts of professions, mostly female. In addition to the weekly meetings, there’s a cocktail get together once a month (partners included), and members often organize cultural activities and excursions for anyone that wants to join. I met a lot of wonderful people through this group, and the information and resources that members have access to and share with each other is priceless.
The is a not-for profit, membership based group with a small annual fee and a INR 550 per meeting fee. The meeting fee covers the cost of the continental breakfast buffet and drinks at the Hyatt. Not that this should be why you join, but the pastry and cappuccino at the Hyatt is very, very good.
InterNations New Delhi
InterNations is an international organization with branches in over 420 cities worldwide. Delhi has a very active chapter, which hosts night time events in the city’s premiere bars and lounges.
These events are always busy and an excellent way to meet people. You do not have to own a foreign passport to join InterNations in Delhi, so the crowd tends to be a mix of expats and locals, though most of the locals that join have lived abroad.
New members can join online for free. There is a paid membership level called Albatross which gives members reduced entrance fees. This will come in handy for any men that plan to attend events regularly. For women, it’s not really required because women usually get free entry for the first couple of hours, and this often includes a couple of drink tickets.
There is a smaller, but quite active chapter in Gurugram (formerly called Gurgaon). Gurugram is basically a suburb of Delhi where a lot of international companies have their offices. A lot of expats live and work there.
InterNations New Delhi website
Seven Cities
Seven Cities Delhi is an organization designed to help newcomers explore the city and make new friends. They run two sessions a year, each one lasting for 10 weeks plus a couple more for mandatory meetings. Each session is restricted to 40 participants.
Every Wednesday morning for 10 weeks, members tour historic sites which are related to one of Delhi’s medieval cities. Participants are divided into 10 teams of 4, with each team responsible for one of these tours. After the tour there’s an optional lunch at a local restaurant.
I can’t speak highly enough about Seven Cities. It’s a wonderful way to see and learn about the history of Delhi (one of the most historic cities in the world), and you’ll make lasting friendships. A group of very dedicated expats are responsible for running the group, and it’s impressive how organized it is.
There is often a waiting list for Seven Cities, so sign up as soon as possible. There is a nominal registration fee, which covers operational expenses.
American Welcome Association
The American Welcome Association is open to all US citizens and spouses living in or around Delhi. They host a number of social and cultural activities throughout the year, and run several philanthropic initiatives as well as a volunteer outreach program.
Between the American Embassy, which is the largest embassy in Delhi, and all the Americans working in Delhi on contracts, there is large American expat community. If you’re a US citizen or married to one, you should join the AWA. It is one of the best social networks for expats in Delhi.
American Welcome Association website
Delhi Accueil
Delhi Accueil is a non-profit association for French nationals and French speakers who live in Delhi and the surrounding areas of Gurugram and Noida. It’s a wonderful organization with more than 100 Francophone family members.
They host all kinds of different meetings and cultural activities, as well as major events like the Christmas party and Spring festival. Besides that, the organization is a wealth of information and support for French speaking foreigners living in Delhi. It makes me want to brush on my French just so I can join.
Annual membership is INR 2000-3000.
Delhi Commonwealth Women’s Association
This is a charitable organization with over 300 members. It started in 1952 with women from the Commonwealth countries, but has now expanded to include all nationalities. The charity focuses on working in underprivileged communities and helping those in need. They support and fund medical services, education facilities, shelters and a host of other initiatives.
If you’re looking for something more impactful where you can make a difference, this could be a good fit. It’s one of the only wholly philanthropic social networks in Delhi for expats, and a wonderful way to meet like-minded women.
Delhi Commonwealth Women’s Association website
Gurgaon Connection Expat Group
This is an active social network for expats living or working in Gurugram (formerly Gurgaon). Gurugram is basically a suburb of Delhi where a lot of international companies have their Indian offices. The group has a weekly coffee morning and hosts other social events throughout the year. You must have a foreign (non-Indian) passport to join.
Membership is approved through their Facebook page.
Gurgaon Connection Expat Group FB page
Social and Cultural Events at Your Home Embassy
As the capital of India, New Delhi has over 170 embassies, high commission and consulates. Many of these host social functions for their nationals.
While the embassy clubs and restaurants are only open to diplomatic staff and families, many embassies host festivals or events once or twice a year that everyone can attend, like the famous Thanksgiving dinner at the American Embassy. Buy your tickets early for that one, it sells out fast!
If you are lucky enough to be part of the diplomatic community, take advantage of it. The embassy social clubs are great networks for Delhi expats to meet each other.
FAQ About the Best Social Networks for Expats in Delhi
They go everywhere! But since most live in South Delhi, the restaurants, markets and sites in this area is where you will find most expats.
Many foreigners attend the InterNations events, as well as embassy hosted melas. Major Delhi cultural festivals like Delhi Art Week and the Delhi International Film Festival are also popular with expats.
Most foreigners live in Gurugram, and South Delhi neighbourhoods like Vasant Vihar, Chanakyapuri, Anand Niketen, Shanti Niketen, Saket, Malviya Nagar, Greater Kailash, Hauz Khas and Defence Colony.
The Wrap-up on New to Delhi? The Best Social Networks for Expats in Delhi
There are so many ways and opportunities to meet other foreigners in Delhi. Delhi has a large and social expat community. Join a couple of these expat social networks, attend a Delhi embassy event or two, and before you know it you will have a full calendar.
Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing
