New Delhi - Post Report Question and Answers
What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
None. - Apr 2024
We were not left wanting in this regard, but it's because we brought significant stores of non-perishable items with us. - Jan 2022
I always recommend expats bring preferred cosmetics/toiletries/personal care products to any post they go to, because local availability is rarely guaranteed. Same for favorite non-perishable foods. It does actually get cool in the winter, with temperatures going down to 10C/50F. So be sure to bring appropriate clothes for those 2-3 winter months. The quality of plastic ware is pathetic in my opinion. I’ve broken many a locally-made plastic fork and spoon. If you expect to host meals and don’t want to dirty your silverware, bring plenty of plasticware with you. Otherwise plan on buying lots of the local stuff to account for breakage. - Jul 2020
Ship your favorite liquids. If you are picky about shampoo, soap, laundry detergent, etc. - Jul 2019
Every time we leave the country we set out with empty suitcases, then pack them full of food. Recently I found myself, luggage strewn around and open, on my knees at the ANA check-in counter trying to move around precious items of food before a flight back to Delhi. Taking pity on my plight of having to live in India, the flight attendant let me carry four carry-on bags on my flight. - Dec 2017
Crackers of all kinds. Indian snacks are all masala spiced. Otherwise - we always try to live of locally available goods. - Oct 2017
Toiletries that you are picky on brand
Holiday-specific food items (for me, this was the specific box of stuffing I like for Thanksgiving)
Quality toilet paper
Ziploc bags
Favorite brand of sunblock
Baby items--food and diapers and wipes are pricey on the local market and in the commissary
If you have access to US Embassy mail (aka the pouch), Amazon is a godsend and I used it frequently. It can take anywhere from two weeks to a month and liquids are restricted to 8 oz per box, but for dry stuff it is great. - Mar 2017
You can find anything you need, and have the rest shipped! But because it's pouch only, I would advise shipping any special liquid items you need. - Feb 2017
For us, it's all things liquid that we can't get on Amazon. - Nov 2016
Bring liquid-type things in your shipment because you can't easily get the same quality in New Delhi, and liquids are not permitted in the pouch. Amazon Prime is an excellent way to buy things online. There is an Amazon in India that opened 2 years ago, but their options are much more limited. Big-box stores and multi-brand retail stores are almost non-existent in India, due to bureaucracy and local content/supplier rules. Smaller, less-developed countries in the region have better big stores than what you will find in India. - Jun 2016
You can get most things through the pouch via mail, but liquids, flammables and some batteries will get returned to the sender. You also cannot easily use the pouch for outward bound mail. The commissary has a service, with extra fees. Bring good quality toiler paper, peanut butter, and some seasonings from home. - Sep 2014
Trash bags, plastic grocery bags, hangers from my closet that I donated, and Crystal Light packets. - Sep 2014
A job. I'd ship myself a job :-) Otherwise, I'm good. I always bring maple syrup, but other than that, I can get just about anything here. - Aug 2013
Between the embassy and the local markets, we felt well stocked. Electronic items are marked up about 150%. - May 2013
Olive Oil, a back up power system, a fan, and dog food. - Oct 2012
nothing. Most things are available. Some are more expensive than others. - Sep 2012
Olive oil, hand sanitizer, toilet paper. - Aug 2011
you can find anything here. would only consider if had a family member with particular food/allergy issues. - Aug 2011
More toilet paper. - Aug 2011
Shoes, clothes for the larger-bodied, western toiletry items, unscented toilet paper and liquid detergent. - Jan 2011
Liquids like special hair products, good sports gear, paper products. - Sep 2010
Mostly house items, cleaning products, tooth brushes (they are of a very bad quality here), medicines, aspirin, sports clothing. - Aug 2010
Paper products--tp, paper towels etc. Any specific American food products you don't want to do without. - Aug 2010
Dog food, washing detergent, and toilet paper. - Aug 2010
Dog food, washing detergent and toilet paper. - Mar 2008
We've been able to find everything we need at local stores. If you're brand-particular, I'd say ship those. - Feb 2008
