Blog

  • SBI Branches in USA – Everything an NRI Needs to Know

    Let me tell you about a phone call that changed everything. It was 2015. I was in California. Working at SuperMoney. My mom called from Bangalore at 2 AM my time. She needed Rs 2 lakhs urgently. A family emergency. I scrambled. Tried my regular US bank. They wanted three business days. International wire fees…

  • College Admission Process for NRI Students (2026)

    “Mani, my daughter is in 11th grade in California. She wants to study medicine in India. Where do we even start?” I hear some version of this question every single week in our WhatsApp community. Engineering, medicine, MBA, arts – the questions vary, but the underlying anxiety is the same. The Indian college admission system…

  • How Good is the IB Syllabus: Is It Worth the Money?

    Moving back to India as an NRI involves many decisions, one of the most crucial being the right educational path for your children. The International Baccalaureate (IB) syllabus often stands out as a premium option, but with its higher fees compared to other educational boards, the question arises: Is it worth the money? Here’s a…

  • CBSE vs. IB: Choosing the Right Syllabus for Returning NRIs

    As an NRI planning to return to India, selecting the appropriate educational board for your children is a significant decision. Two prominent options are CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) and IB (International Baccalaureate). Each board has distinct features and benefits, catering to different educational philosophies and future goals. Here’s a comparative analysis to help…

  • CBSE vs. IGCSE: Choosing the Right Syllabus for Returning NRIs

    As an NRI planning to move back to India, one of the most crucial decisions is selecting the right educational board for your children. Two prominent options are CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) and IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education). Each board offers unique advantages tailored to different educational goals and career paths.…

  • CBSE vs. ICSE: Which Syllabus is Better for Returning NRIs?

    This is the question that keeps every returning NRI parent up at night. You’ve finally decided to move back to India. The finances are sorted. The job situation is figured out. The house is almost finalized. But what about the kids? Finding the right school – and more importantly, the right board – feels overwhelming.…

  • 182-Day Rule for NRIs: Everything You Need to Know (2026)

    182-Day Rule for NRIs: Everything You Need to Know (2026)

    “Mani, I’m planning a 5-month trip to India this year. Will I lose my NRI status?” I get some version of this question almost every week in our WhatsApp community. And honestly? The answer confuses even chartered accountants sometimes. Because the 182-day rule isn’t one rule. It’s actually two different rules under two different laws.…

  • What is an NRI Account? Complete Guide

    What is an NRI Account? Here’s a Handy Guide for the NRI.

  • TDS on Sale of Property by NRI

    If you’re an American NRI (Non-Resident Indian) with property back in India, you might be pondering the idea of selling it off. Whether it’s that old family home or an investment you made a few years ago, selling property from across the seas can feel a bit daunting, especially when India’s tax maze comes into…

  • NRI – What It Really Means (And What It Doesn’t) in 2026

    NRI – What It Really Means (And What It Doesn’t) in 2026

    “Mani, am I an NRI or not?” You’d be surprised how often I get this question in our WhatsApp community. People who’ve lived abroad for 15 years aren’t sure. People who just moved back 3 months ago aren’t sure. OCI holders living in the US aren’t sure. And honestly? I don’t blame them. Because “NRI”…