Pravasalokam

Blog

Practical, no-fluff advice from people who've been there. Money, career, family, and everything in between.

Getting Started

Moving to the Gulf? Here's Everything You Need to Pack, Plan, and Prepare

A battle-tested checklist from someone who made every mistake so you don't have to.

2026-03-15
Money

The Real Cost of Sending Money Home in 2026 — We Compared 6 Services

Bank wire vs Wise vs exchange houses. The numbers might surprise you.

2026-03-12
Money

5 Tax Mistakes Every NRI Makes (And How to Fix Them Before March 31)

Most NRIs overpay taxes or miss deductions they're entitled to. Here's the fix.

2026-03-10
UAE

Finding a Flat in Dubai Without Getting Scammed: A Malayalee's Guide

Real talk about brokers, deposits, Ejari, and areas where you'll actually find Kerala food nearby.

2026-03-08
Career

How to Negotiate Your Gulf Salary Package (Beyond Just the Basic)

Housing allowance, flight tickets, gratuity — the parts of your offer letter that actually matter.

2026-03-05
Lifestyle

Where to Find Authentic Kerala Food in Every Gulf City

From porotta-beef in Sharjah to fish curry in Salalah — a food map for the homesick.

2026-03-03
Money

NRI Investment Options: Where to Put Your Gulf Earnings in India

NRE vs NRO accounts, mutual funds, real estate — cutting through the confusion.

2026-02-28
Saudi Arabia

Saudi Iqama Renewal: Step-by-Step Process and Common Pitfalls

Everything about Absher, medical tests, Muqeem, and what happens if your iqama expires.

2026-02-25
Family

Should You Educate Your Kids in the Gulf or Send Them to India?

CBSE vs local curriculum, costs, college admissions — the decision every expat parent faces.

2026-02-22
Planning

Planning Your Return to India: A Financial and Emotional Checklist

After years abroad, going back is harder than leaving. Here's how to prepare.

2026-02-20
Money

How to Send Money from UAE to India: Complete 2026 Guide

Every method compared — exchange houses, bank wire, Wise, Remitly — with real fees, real rates, and real transfer times.

2026-03-20
Money

Best Bank Account for NRIs in India (2026 Comparison)

NRE vs NRO vs FCNR — which accounts you actually need, which banks offer the best rates, and the mistakes that cost NRIs thousands.

2026-03-18
UAE

UAE Labour Law: Every Right Indian Workers Should Know

Your rights on salary delays, termination, gratuity, leave, and workplace safety under UAE labour law. Know what you're entitled to.

2026-03-16
Saudi Arabia

How to Get Iqama in Saudi Arabia: Complete Process Guide

Step-by-step guide to getting your Saudi residence permit — from medical tests to biometrics to Absher activation.

2026-03-14
Kuwait

Kerala Expat Guide to Kuwait: Everything You Need to Know

Living, working, and thriving in Kuwait as a Malayalee — from residency to food to community life.

2026-03-12
Qatar

Living and Working in Qatar in 2026: What Changed After the World Cup

New labour laws, improved worker welfare, and what the post-World Cup Qatar means for Indian expats considering a move.

2026-04-01
Family

Health Insurance for NRIs: What You Need in the Gulf and Back Home

Employer-provided vs top-up coverage, medical insurance for family in India, and what happens during emergencies abroad.

2026-04-01
UAE

How to Get a UAE Driving Licence as an Indian (2026 Guide)

Whether you qualify for direct conversion or need to go through the full RTA process — everything you need to know.

2026-04-01
Lifestyle

Bahrain vs UAE for Indian Expats: An Honest Comparison

Cost of living, visa stability, lifestyle, and career growth — which Gulf country is actually better for your situation?

2026-04-01
Money

NRI Guide to Buying Property in India in 2026

FEMA rules, NRE vs NRO account use, POA requirements, builder credibility checks, and the traps NRIs fall into.

2026-04-01
Family

How Gulf Expats Manage Elderly Parents Back in India

Emergency planning, home care services, remote monitoring, and the financial side of looking after aging parents from thousands of miles away.

2026-04-01
Oman

Moving to Oman: The Honest Guide for Indian Expats

Muscat vs Salalah, working culture, visa process, cost of living, and what makes Oman different from UAE and Saudi.

2026-04-01
Planning

Gulf Returnees Starting Businesses in Kerala: What's Actually Working

Real stories and practical lessons from Malayalees who came back and built something — from supermarkets to tech startups to farms.

2026-04-01
Money

NRI Mutual Fund Investment Guide: What You Can Buy and How

Which mutual funds accept NRI investments, how to invest from abroad, FATCA requirements, and which platforms make it easiest.

2026-04-01
Qatar

Qatar Residency Permit (QID): How It Works for Indian Expats

Getting your Qatar ID, medical requirements, the new points-based system, and what changed under Qatar Labour Law amendments.

2026-04-01