Desi Return Diaries

How We Planned Our Move from Canada to India: Money, Exit Tax, Lifestyle, Regrets?

Amisha and Rutvik spent 13 years in Canada before finally moving back to India In this conversation we break down the real numbers, the planning, the Canada “exit tax” realities, and the lifestyle trade-offs that helped us decide. We share: monthly budgets, the exact items we budgeted for (household help, two cars, eating out, surprises), how we sold assets remotely, remittance realities, and the emotional and financial conversations between a planner and their partner. In this conversation, they share:
- Our estimated comfortable living budget in Ahmedabad for two (excluding rent)
-Why we sold assets in Canada (exit tax implications) and how we moved money step-by-step.
-How to plan 12–36 months before moving — asset review, tax advice, and transfer caps.
-Real estate: why buying before vs after moving needs careful thinking.
-How to make decisions as a couple (practical vs emotional) and avoid external pressure.
-Tips for moving with large pets and choosing airlines/agents.

We Never Planned to Leave the UK... Until This Happened to Our Son | Our Return to India Story

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In this conversation, Garima shares her family’s journey of living in South Africa and the UK, and what eventually led them to move back to India after several years abroad. She talks about the day-to-day realities of life in London, including childcare, career growth, social life, and the healthcare system, and how those experiences shaped their thinking over time. We also discuss the challenges of job-hunting from abroad, the role of family support, and how her 5-year-old adapted after moving back. If you’re exploring the idea of returning to India — or simply curious about what the transition looks like for someone working in tech — this story offers a practical and grounded perspective.

Ditched My High Paying US Job and Returned to India to Start a Business in India

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After 12 years at Microsoft in the US, Gopi and Ashwini decided to move back to India — leaving behind a comfortable life, financial stability, and unvested stock options.In this candid conversation, they share their real journey of returning to India, from dealing with medical challenges, selling their home in the US, and re-starting careers, to building a business and raising kids in India. Lot of take aways from this episode, Please check it out

Why We LEFT India After Living For 12 Years | Back to US

After 6 years in the US, Shipra and her family moved back to India — then again to Europe and back to the US. Hear their story on kids’ education, career shifts & life lessons across 3 continents.
Shipra opens up about their life across three continents, the big decisions that shaped their journey, and the lessons they learned along the way. She shares:
How one movie and one advice changed everything for them
Why they decided to return to India
Their kids’ transition from ICSE to IGCSE, homeschooling, IB and college
How their careers evolved from corporate roles to entrepreneurship
The emotional and practical challenges of moving back and forth Tips on choosing schools, planning finances, and managing taxes when relocating If you’re planning to move back to India or thinking about raising kids across cultures — this episode is packed with real insights and relatable experiences.
📚 Planning your move from the US to India?
We created a step-by-step course for NRIs that covers:
✅ 401(k), IRA, stocks & brokerage accounts
✅ US home — sell or rent?
✅ Social Security rules
✅ Bank accounts, taxes, residency status & more
👉 Check out our NRI to India Financial Transition Course: https://pensight.com/x/desireturn/course-nri-to-resident-essential-financial-transition-blueprint

Why She Chose India Over the West — TWICE | Global Citizen to Desi Mom

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In this episode, I talked to Nishka, a true global citizen who left India at the age of 2, studied in five different education systems (French, British, American, IB, and Indian), and eventually chose to move to India for upbringing her children close to family in 2009. She opens up about:
Her childhood across continents
Studying in India after years abroad
Moving again to the US, France, and the UK after marriage
Why she and her husband chose to move back to India in 2009
How her kids adjusted to life and schooling in India
Balancing identity, career, and family after returning
It’s an honest conversation about belonging, parenting, and the emotional decisions behind returning to India after a global life.

After 40 Years in the US, I Moved to India for Fulfillment | Here's What Happened

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Mr. Ravi went to the US for his studies. After living in the US for 40 years, he moved back to India for his retirement. In this candid conversation, we talked about his background, life in US, what made him consider spending time in India for retirement, how he found fulfilment in India. Lot of take aways from this episode, Please check it out.

Returning to India from Canada After 13 Years: From Big NO to Best Decision!

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Amisha and Rutvik spent 13 years abroad before finally moving back to India — and they now call Ahmedabad home. What makes this story special? Rutvik was completely against the idea of moving back. But after 3 years of careful planning, discussions, and evaluation, they made one of the best decisions of their lives.
In this conversation, they share:
✅ What changed their minds about moving to India
✅ How they planned their move over 3 years
✅ Life in Ahmedabad after returning
✅ Pros, cons, and the reality of life back in India
✅ A pragmatic, step-by-step approach to planning your own return
Whether you’re in the US, Canada, UK, or anywhere abroad, this story will give you a realistic and balanced view of what returning to India truly feels like — A truly pragmatic and thoughtful approach to one of life’s biggest decisions

Why We Moved Back to INDIA After 15 Years of H1B Uncertainty in US?

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In this candid conversation, we talk to Anoop and Akshaya who lived in the United States for 15 years before deciding to move back to India. They share what led to the move — from career stagnation and H1B/Green Card uncertainty to discovering better professional growth and family balance in India. We dive deep into their journey — what life was like in the US, how they planned the move, compared healthcare, managed finances, helped their kids adjust, and rebuilt their careers back home. Whether you’re thinking of moving back or just exploring your options, this story gives you an honest look at both sides.

Why Retiring in India Might Be the Smartest Move After 23 Years in Australia

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After spending over 23 years living and working in Australia and New Zealand, Mr. Kumar made the life-changing decision to move back to India. In this video, he shares his personal journey — what life was like abroad, why he chose to return, how he planned his finances, and what life in India has been like for the past 8 years.
👉 Whether you're an NRI thinking about returning home or just curious about life after moving back to India, Kumar’s story offers valuable insights, honest reflections, and practical advice. Please check it out.

Why Move Back To India NOW After 14 Years in US

Bilkish an NRI spent close to 14 years in US before moving back to India with her family. Bilkish talks about her background, life in US and why they didn't move in 2022 and moved now. She also talks about how she onboarded both spouse and kid who were not sure about the move. She talks about the planning , selling the house after the move, kids schooling and how Desi Return community helped her with the move and advice for aspirant NRIs who are planning to move to India. Very insightful conversation.