Living in India: Financial Tips, Rules, and Real-Life Money Insights

When you're living in India, residing in the country as a citizen, expat, or returning overseas Indian. Also known as residing in India, it means dealing with a financial system that’s fast-changing, deeply local, and full of rules that don’t always match what you’ve seen elsewhere. It’s not just about rent or groceries—it’s about how long you can stay without losing your tax status, whether your savings account actually works for you, and if that gold loan you took is helping or hurting your credit score.

For NRIs, Non-Resident Indians who live abroad but still have financial ties to India. Also known as Non-Resident Indians, it means counting your days. Stay over 182 days in a year, and suddenly your mutual funds get taxed like a local’s—no more exemptions. And if you’re an OCI holder, Overseas Citizen of India with permanent residency rights. Also known as Overseas Citizen of India, it means you can live here forever, buy property, and open bank accounts—but you still can’t vote or buy farmland. These aren’t minor details. They shape your entire financial future.

Then there’s GST, Goods and Services Tax, the single tax replacing dozens of older levies across India. Also known as Goods and Services Tax, it touches everything you buy, from groceries to gadgets. If you’re running a small business or just claiming a refund, knowing what’s eligible and what’s not can save you hundreds—or cost you thousands. And if you’re thinking about investing, the 15-15-15 rule isn’t a marketing gimmick—it’s a real path to ₹1 crore if you start early and stay consistent.

Whether you’re saving in a high-yield account, comparing PPF vs FD, or wondering if a gold loan affects your credit score, every financial decision here has layers. The rules are different. The opportunities are different. And the stakes? They’re personal. You won’t find this kind of clarity in a bank brochure or a generic finance blog. What you’ll find below are real, practical guides written for people who are actually living in India—whether they were born here or came back after years abroad. No fluff. No theory. Just what works.