“Don’t Miss Zepto or Swiggy”: Techie shares how her life has changed since she moved from Bengaluru to Amsterdam
Pratim said the move improved her overall well-being.
She wrote: “I am smiling. I love going to work and traveling. I leave home more. I am physically and mentally tired. I am becoming more disciplined. Now I am a minority here and I am closer to my culture.”
Bangalore to Amsterdam
Rent and housing
Commenting on housing, she described Amsterdam’s rental market as “competitiveness at the Hunger Games level.”
“Rents are about €2,000 per month for one-bedroom apartments. Anything cheap usually means no furniture or in newly developed areas. It’s hard to find rent. It’s easier to buy. It’s easier to buy.” Grocery and food. ”
While groceries in Amsterdam are more expensive, she praised the quality.
“Amsterdam is 3 times more expensive in terms of food than Bangalore. But the produce is better. It is a joy to shop here in the grocery store – groceries, high quality, high quality, organic. I’m not at all.
Public Transport
Pratim praised the city’s public transport infrastructure for a stark contrast to her experience in India.
“If you are from India, public transport is a struggle, with overcrowded buses and safety issues – Amsterdam is a blessing. Clean and reliable buses, trams, cities and dedicated bike lanes. 98% follow traffic rules.”
Government Services and Citizen Life
She observed that government employees in Amsterdam were more polite.
“They smile and sometimes even chat.”
The city also impressed her with clean public places and better air quality.
“There are parks everywhere – clean, well maintained and respected by the public. The air quality is significantly better.”
Healthcare and Insurance
But when it comes to health care, Pratim says she still prefers India.
“I will go to India for all treatments. You will only be here to get help only when you’re dying or seriously injured. There is no concept of preventive checkups. Insurance is expensive and painfully slow. Private health care in India is 10 times better – as long as you arrive at the hospital in time and don’t get stuck in traffic.”
Job market and payments
On the job side, she noted that Amsterdam does not offer a better salary compared to Bangalore.
“Technical salary is OK. Rarely over €100,000. Layouts are usually not based on performance, and sometimes companies lay off jobs just to meet diversity goals.”
While many appreciate Pratim’s honest opinion, her post has also attracted criticism from some users who accused her of unfairly comparing India to the West.
“If you think the EU is much better than India, especially cities like Bangalore, it’s a serious mistake. It’s great if you’re safe and happy, but don’t demean the country that raised you.”
Another added: “Life is more in India. My classmates in the United States told me that. But it’s all about personal priorities.”
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