Top Apps NRIs Can Use to Stay Connected to India
Living away from India doesn’t mean you have to feel isolated from your roots. Thanks to technology, plenty of apps help NRIs stay updated with the latest news, festivals, traditions, and even family at home. Here is a curated list of the top apps every NRI should use:
Purpose: Communication
WhatsApp remains the most popular messaging app in India and around the world. It is perfect for free video calls, voice calls, and group chats with family and friends at home. You can also use it to share photos, videos, and updates instantly.
Why NRIs love it:
- High-quality video and voice calls.
- Works well even on low-speed internet.
- Group features make it easy to stay in touch with large families and regional communities
Purpose: Money transfer
Sending money to family in India or paying for investments and services has never been easier. Apps like Remitly, Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Vance offer competitive exchange rates and fast transfers.
Why NRIs love it:
- Transparent fees and real-time tracking.
- Supports multiple currencies and Indian banks.
- Easy to use with low-cost transfer options.
Purpose: News and updates
Stay updated with the latest news, politics and cultural stories in India with these apps. Whether it’s cricket scores or local events, these apps keep you informed.
Why NRIs love it:
- Real-time news alerts.
- Options for regional news in multiple languages.
- Access to videos and live news channels.
Purpose: Entertainment
Missing Bollywood movies or your favourite cricket matches? Hotstar brings Indian TV shows, live sports and blockbuster movies to your screen, wherever you are.
Why NRIs love it:
- Exclusive streaming of IPL, cricket matches and Indian serials.
- Offers regional language content.
- Affordable subscription plans.
Purpose: Music streaming
Stay connected with your favourite Indian songs and playlists. These music streaming platforms include Bollywood hits, classical music, devotional songs and regional tracks.
Why NRIs love it:
- Wide library of songs from different genres and languages.
- Offline mode for listening on the go.
- Customizable playlists and radio features.
Purpose: Food and Delivery Services
Are you craving Indian food? These apps are very helpful for ordering food from local restaurants when you visit India. They also give options to send food to your family back home.
Why NRIs love it:
- User-friendly interface to explore Indian cuisine.
- Fast delivery and reliable service.
- Great for ordering food for family in India.
Purpose: Travel and Booking
Planning a trip to India? IRCTC is perfect for train bookings, while MakeMyTrip makes flight, hotel, and cab reservations a breeze.
Why NRIs love it:
- Seamless travel planning for domestic travel in India.
- IRCTC app allows train updates in real-time.
• MakeMyTrip offers great deals and discounts for NRI travellers
Purpose: Digital payments
Whether you’re paying bills for your family or splitting costs with friends in India, these apps make digital payments quick and easy.
Why NRIs love it:
- Instant UPI transfers and bill payments.
- Integration with Indian bank accounts.
- Widely accepted, from small vendors to large businesses.
Purpose: Matchmaking
Looking for a life partner while abroad? These apps provide a wide range of matches based on caste, religion, and preferences, keeping NRIs in mind.
Why NRIs love it:
- NRI-specific matchmaking options.
- Profiles verified for authenticity.
- User-friendly interface for quick matches.
Purpose: Nostalgia & Devotional Music
If you love old Hindi songs, devotional tracks or classic stories, this app is a must-have for you. It gives a feeling of nostalgia with its curated playlists.
Why NRIs love it:
- Great for exploring classic Bollywood hits.
- Includes podcasts and spiritual content.
- Perfect for connecting with older generations.
Final Thoughts
These apps are essential tools for NRIs to maintain their connection with India, whether it is through entertainment, communication or cultural experiences. Using these apps, you can stay close to home no matter how far away you are.
Did we miss your favourite app? Share it in the comments below!