Travel to Mumbai - The One Minute Mumbai Tourist Manual
Taxis
Mumbai has a huge fleet of black & yellow taxis that can be seen on roads all across the city and beyond. Each one has a meter, which is now out of date, but the driver carries a card indicating the correct fare corresponding to the meter reading. The silver & blue COOL CABs are air-conditioned & mobile dispatched. Tel- 38246216/ 38227006/ 38016622/ 38649955
Autorickshaws
Autorickshaws in Mumbai are famous for being written about by numerous Indian and diasporic writers. These are available only in the suburbs (Bandra & Sion onwards) and like taxis, auto drivers also carry a tariff card that you can use to make the fare conversions.
Trains
Mumbai has perhaps the best suburban electric train travel system in the world. Best option for commuting in Mumbai and also long distance. The trains run between * 0330 & 0100 on three lines; Western, Harbour, Central. There are many maps and guidelines available on stations and the staff will be ever ready to guide you to your destination. If you are a tourist to Mumbai, avoid rush hour (* 0700-1100 & 1600-2100)
Buses
Mumbai's red double-decker BEST buses are a delightful sight to see on the busy crummy roads. Not to mention the exciting rides you can enjoy traveling on the deck. These BEST buses are best for short distance commuting in the city. To help you with BEST bus travel, there are many route maps sold at newsstands.
Private taxis
Mumbai also offers numerous private taxis on hire. You can find them listed in the yellow pages and also are Car Hirers section. Besides private taxis also have a look at the second hand and fresh cars available on hire in Mumbai.
Tipping
In generally all hotels and restaurants in Mumbai, tips are pooled & shared by all working staff. The standard is between 10-15% of the bill. Tipping the other hotel staff is at your discretion. Drivers can be tipped by providing for his lunch &/or dinner if you have hired a driver for the day. The standard rate is Rs. 35/- per meal & it is usual to give a tip of around Rs. 50/- at the end of the day. If you are a group traveling by bus, it is usual for each passenger to tip the attendants Rs.10/- each. The driver's tip should be more.
Bargaining In The Marketplaces
Mumbai is well known for its bustling marketplaces full of exciting fare for tourists. Whether it is Fashion street, Chor bazaar, Zaveri bazaar or Linking road, all street stall holders expect bargaining. This also applies to jewelry. When buying in shops, you can ask for discount when buying in lots and it and works.
Phones
There are numerous public phones available all over Mumbai. You can try carrying a bag of Re.1/- coin for pay phones or look for STD/ ISD/ PCO signs. Here you pay at the end of the call in total.
Dress
Skimpily dressed women, (no matter how 'Normal' by Western standard), will be stared at in Mumbai. To be safe and enjoy your vacation, wear informal loose clothes during the day & you won't feel uncomfortable. Generally people wear smart casual clothes for every day chores and restrict formals to functions or business meetings only.
Etiquette
Mumbaikars are informal and friendly. But in most homes here, you must take off your footwear before entering. It is also mandatory to remove footwear before entering temples or mosques. In Mumbai, English is a commonly spoken language and a warm Hello is the best greeting. If you would like to learn basic Marathi you will find our page useful.
Invitations
Perhaps because it is the center for the glamour industry, people say it is fashionable to be late in Mumbai. However business dinners & weddings are punctual affairs. Most people drink soft drinks, mock tails, spirits or beer until diner is served. Dinner generally signals the end of the party.
Eating out
Most bars & restaurants in Mumbai close around midnight. So if you a party animal or an insomniac, the best places to hangout are the 24-hour coffee shops.
Health And Hygiene
Mumbai is generally a safe place, though you may not find it as clean as Delhi or Bangalore. As a precaution, it is recommended that tourists drink only mineral water or aerated drinks from sealed bottles. In Indian toilets, toilet paper is not always available, so carry a roll.
Beggars
Yes, there are many beggars in Mumbai and you will find them at every signal and in every marketplace. But, instead of giving money, give them edibles like cookies, bananas or sweets.
Crime
They say Mumbai's organized crime does not involve daily life. The common man and woman find themselves safer here than in any other city in India. For your own safety, do not flash wads of notes or leave handbags open. Leave valuables/ passport in hotel safe and do not carry them around when sightseeing in the city.
For more travel and tourism information, visit our Mumbai Travel Guide
More Online Guides
Mumbai - Call Center List
Cheap International Long Distance & Phone Cards
Great Deals on Broadband VoIP Phones, Long Distance & Phone Cards
Detailed resources to help you find, compare and buy Cheap Long Distance, Phone Cards & Broadband Phone Service with information on how to choose a Internet Access Plan, choosing an ISP with offers & deals on the most reliable brands and vendors in USA & Canada.