Passports and Visas

Everyone (except citizens of Nepal and Bhutan) needs a visa to enter India. Nationals of most countries arriving at the Mumbai airport with an onward or return ticket can get a 30-day tourist visa online before their departure. For a longer stay, you’ll need to apply in person or by post at a Visa Office or at the Indian High Commission or embassy in your home country. For details check the Ministry of External Affairs website.

The Government of India’s e-Visa facility aids foreign travellers to visit the country without having to go to the High Commission or embassy and wait for approval. Travellers from eligible countries can apply through an online portal at least four days before the expected date of travel. This visa is valid for 30 days, and costs US$60 per passenger. Ensure you apply through the official website as there are many scam sites. Don’t give any personal information to third-party agents.

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. The UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries have consular representation in the city.

Customs and Immigration

Duty-free limits for the city are two litres of liquor, 100 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 125 g (4.5 oz) tobacco and one laptop. Travellers must also fill a currency declaration form if the aggregate value of their foreign currency (bank notes and traveller’s cheques) exceeds US$10,000 or equivalent.

Travel Safety Advice

Visitors can get up-to-date travel safety information from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the US Department of State and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel Insurance

It’s best not to travel without valid insurance. Check details of the policy for how much you can claim for loss of individual items. For medical treatment you may have to pay upfront and claim it later.

Health

Vaccinations against meningitis, typhoid, tetanus as well as hepatitis A are recommended for India. Ensure that you are covered against polio too. It is advisable to consult a doctor well before your trip regarding the exact requirements. Malaria and dengue fever outbreaks can occur on occasion, especially in and after monsoon (June–September); be sure to bring high-DEET repellent and protect yourself against mosquito bites. It is wise to stick to bottled drinking water (or purify your own). Mumbai is known for its street food, but it is advisable to avoid food from roadside vendors, although the busier and more popular the stall, the safer it is likely to be. Street food can play havoc with those with a delicate constitution. Ice cream, salads, juices and fruits are all notorious germ-carriers. A common tourist illness is “Delhi Belly” – a stomach upset that usually passes within a day or two (stick to a diet of water, yogurt and rice). If symptoms persist, you must consult a doctor. Lilavati Hospital is one of the country’s best research hospitals; other notable hospitals include Wockhardt Hospital, Breach Candy Hospital, and Nanawati Hospital. The US Embassy Mumbai Doctors ’List is also useful. Many chemist shops are open 24 hours.

Personal Security

Be aware of petty theft such as pickpocketing in crowded local trains and pilfering from hotel rooms, which is common, as is credit-card fraud. When paying with plastic money, ensure that it is swiped in front of you; keep your card in sight.

Most hotels have a safe for valuables, although it is not unknown for things to go missing from cheap hotels. Use your own padlock to lock your baggage or even the room.

Transport terminals are hotspots for theft. Mugging is a rare case in this city, but there have been cases of travellers being given drugged food or drink and then robbed, so be alert and do not accept anything to eat from strangers, especially at transport terminals.

When hiring a car or taxi, ask the hotel to book it for you (or go to a cab rank) and note the licence plate num ber. Don’t completely trust cab drivers or tourist guides, and ensure you maintain a safe distance. Mumbai is relatively safe at night, be cautious if out late, especially in the secluded and rough parts. Try to stay part of a trustworthy group. While visiting places of worship, it is advisable to be respectful of the religious beliefs of others and dress appropriately. Avoid wearing dresses or shorts that are shorter than mid-calf length. It is best, especially for women, to cover upper arms as well. Take scarves along to cover your head. Men may be asked to cover their heads with a handker-chief or a scarf (but not with a hat, which can be considered disrespectful) as well.

It is important for LGBT+ travellers to note that despite legal freedom and growing awareness, India remains a conservative country, so it is best to avoid overt public displays of affection.

Sexual harassment of women (“eve teasing”) is unfortunately quite rife. The best response is to point out the perpetrator and exclaim out loud. People around you will join in support. Although Mumbai is considered to be one of the safer Indian cities, violent attacks on women do occasionally occur, so exercise caution after dark. Dressing con-servatively may also help. When queuing for tickets, use “ladies’ lines”, which are usually shorter. Many buses, metro and local trains have “ladies only” seats or compartments.

Emergency Services

If you need to contact the police, call the Tourist Helpline or the Women’s Helpline. Tourist police have posts at the airport, main stations, major tourist sights and hotel areas. There are also numbers for ambulances and the fire brigade.

Travellers with Specific Needs

Access for travellers with special needs has been improving in the city to make Mumbai a disabled-friendly destination. The airport is fully accessible, and porters are available to assist with luggage. Some stations have been made disabled-friendly, with patterned tiles and buzzers for the visually impaired as well as ramps for wheelchairs. However, buses are not very comfortable. Pavements are an encumbrance as they are uneven and difficult to navigate in a wheelchair. A better option would be to hire a car and a driver. Meru Enable, a special needs taxi service under Meru Cabs allows wheel-chair-bound passengers to board without assistance. Most hotels and restaurants are equipped to cater to people with disabilities, but it is always best to call ahead and enquire if you are unsure.

Currency and Banking

The local currency is rupee (₹), which comes in notes of ₹2,000, ₹500, ₹200, ₹100, ₹50, ₹20, ₹10 and on occasion, ₹5, with coins of ₹10, ₹5, ₹2, ₹1 and 50 paise. Banks are open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday. Public banks are closed on second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Private bureaux de change are becoming common in the city and may offer decent rates. Mid- and upper-range hotels exchange foreign currency, but rates are usually poor. ATMs are widespread and accept foreign-issued credit and debit cards (especially Visa and MasterCard). These two types of credit card are widely accepted in upmarket shops and restaurants, but they may attract a surcharge.

Telephone and Internet

International and national phone calls can be made easily and cheaply from telephone booths (look for places offering STD/ISD services). Calls can be made from hotels, but there may be a very high mark-up, so check rates first. The country code for India is +91; the area code for Mumbai is 022.

If you plan to use your mobile in the city, check rates and accessibility with your service provider at home. Alternatively, buy a local SIM card (available at phone shops) for an Indian number and access to local phone rates.

Most hotels, bars and cafés, such as Cafe Royal, as well as Kala Ghoda Café and The Pantry offer free Wi-Fi access.

Postal Services

The main branch of the General Post Office is located near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Railway Terminus. For poste restante services you will need to go to the delivery department. Make sure to carry your passport to collect the mail. Outside the post office there are parcel-wrapping services offered by private individuals. A branch of the post office is located in Colaba as well.

TV, Radio and Newspapers

Most hotel rooms will have a TV offering local and international channels. Local FM radio stations, including Radio City, Red FM, Radio Nasha and Radio Mirchi, play mostly Hindi pop; Big 92.7 FM plays a more international selection.

The English-language press in Mumbai includes newspapers such as The Times of India, Indian Express, Economic Times and the Mumbai Mirror. India Today, NDTV, and CNN are English-language television networks that broadcast 24 hours a day.

Opening Hours

Most shops are open from 10am to 8pm through the week. Phoenix Marketcity Mall, R City Mall and High Street Phoenix are popular malls that usually open from 11am onwards. Shops and markets are closed on public holidays.

Time Difference

Mumbai is on Indian Standard Time (IST), which is 5.5 hours ahead of London, 9.5 hours ahead of New York, 12.5 hours ahead of Los Angeles, and 4.5 hours behind Sydney.

Electrical Appliances

Electricity supply is 240V AC. Most sockets are triple round-pin; European-size double round-pin plugs may work. British, Irish and Australasian devices will need only an adaptor, while North American devices will need an adaptor and a converter.

Driving and Traffic Rules

Carry an international driving licence if you plan on driving. Note that road conditions in the city can be challenging. In India, driving is on the left and vehicles give way to the right. When on the highway, be mindful of large vehicles. It is mandatory to wear a helmet if you are riding a two-wheeler; else you may be stopped by the police and fined. Speed limits range from 30kmph (19mph) to 60kmph (37mph). Look out for speed breakers as they are hard to spot in the dark. The blood alcohol limit is 0.03 per cent – which is equal to one drink.

The city experiences heavy traffic during peak office hours and the roads can get quite congested. Use the suburban railway trains or the metro to save travel time.

Weather

Mumbai experiences three main seasons – summer, monsoon and winter. Summers last from March to May with the temperature rising up to 30°C (86°F). It is hot and extremely humid at this time. Monsoon begins right after, and lasts until September. Humidity is at its peak with excessive rainfall. It is likely that some parts of the city will encounter floods. The best time to visit is during the winter as humidity is low and the climate is pleasant. Winters last from November to February with the temperature reducing to around 17°C (63°F).

Visitor Information

The tourist information office run by the Government of India Ministry of Tourism can be found at Churchgate. Tourist offices provide detailed maps of the city, which can also be found at most bookshops.

Check the Mumbai Tourist Development Corporation (MTDC) website for tour packages and hotel bookings at reasonable prices. Little Black Book also provides lists of events, restaurants as well as road trips in and around the region that must not be missed. It is best to research these in advance.

Trips and Tours

Guided walking tours of the city are popular among visitors. Bombay Heritage organizes walking tours around the Fort area, which include walks through Kala Ghoda and Horniman Circle. They cover the historic colonial architecture in the city such as the Gateway of India, the many temples in Mumbai and other well-known landmarks.

Grand Mumbai and Khaki Tours have many exciting customized tours that will give you a first-hand experience of Mumbai’s heritage and local culture. Thrillophilia offers a variety of tours that take you through the backstreets and markets of Mumbai, as well as a tour for nature lovers. A walk through Dharavi, one of the largest slums of Asia, introduces you to the local industry of the city, which includes soap factory, pottery-making, embroidery, leather tanning, and many more. A market tour is a good option for those looking to splurge on local handicraft items and for food lovers who wish to sample the various dishes and cuisines across the city. There is also a guided nature trail through Padle Village in Dombivali which gives you the opportunity to identify and spot various species in their natural habitat. Wear dull coloured clothes so as to not catch the attention of animals.

Experience the calming atmosphere of South Mumbai early in the morning through cycling tours offered by Reality Tours and Travel, which can be booked online. They also have other guided tours such as night tours, market tours and village tours. Online travel company Yatra also offers a wide range of well-curated options for city tours, experiential journeys or adventure trips around Mumbai. Book online to avail lucrative discounts.

The MTDC offers a range of half-day and full-day bus tours. This includes tours in the city that will take you to the various museums, historical architecture and temples the city has to offer.

Language

The literacy rate in Mumbai is high and English is commonly spoken. Marathi is the official language of the state of Maharashtra. Apart from Marathi, many other regional languages are spoken here, including Gujarati, Telegu, Kannada and Tamil. Some locals are also fluent in Hindi. Road signs are usually in English as well as in Marathi.

Shopping

Mumbai is the right place for shopping aficionados. From the street markets to the glamorous malls of the city, there is much to explore. Colaba Causeway is one of the popular streetmarkets where all kinds of goods are available, from handicrafts to jewellery and clothes. If you wish to look for bronze items and antiques, Chor Bazaar is one of the largest flea markets lined up with a lot of interesting finds.

Located near CSMT railway station, the Commercial Street is a vibrant market that offers spices, fruits and also features a pet shop. Fashion Street is a market which is lined up with about 150 shops featuring all kinds of fashionable clothing. The Mangaldas Bazaar and Mulji Jetha Market are known for textiles such as the paithani (handwoven silk and zari) sari. Shops sell cloth by the metre, so buy some fabric and have your clothes tailored at affordable prices. You can find many boutiques that create garments according to your needs and customizations. Madison On Peddar and Le Mill are good designer boutiques.

If you are looking for high-end luxury stores and international brands, you must visit the malls R City and High Street Phoenix (see Places To Shop). Upmarket, yet affordable chains, such as FabIndia and Global Desi, can be found in these malls. They are worth visiting to check prices and quality before heading elsewhere, if you don’t wish to shop here. Bargaining is de rigueur in bazaars and most small shops, but not usually in malls and government emporiums.

Kala Ghoda Pavement Gallery is a top spot if you would like to interact with rising local artists and purchase their artworks.

Dining

The cuisine in Mumbai is rich in variety as it caters to the tastes of the diverse population found in the city. Famous for its fish trade, Mumbai still lives up to this history today. The speciality here is seafood and the regional staple is rice with fish curry. Traditional dishes are usually rich in coconut, cashew nuts, peanuts as well as peanut oil. Many restaurants serve seafood dishes and offer fish cooked in various forms – grilled, baked and pickled.

Vegetarians are also well-catered for. Try dishes such as dalimbya, palkachi takatli bhaji and amti, a few of the local favourites. Mumbai also offers delicious chaats (savoury fast foods) as well as sweets.

Eateries, from luxurious gourmet restaurants to small cafés and roadside stalls, offer a vibrant mix of intercontinental cuisine. Most restaurants are child-friendly, but if spicy food is an issue, there are many alternatives, including cafés, multi-cuisine restaurants and international chains such as Domino’s and McDonald’s, among others. Their menus have been customized and altered to suit local tastes.

Accommodation

The city offers a wide range of accommodation, from five-star hotels to cheap backpacker lodges. Rates for mid-range accommodation are a bargain by Western standards. Airbnb is useful for locating unique places to stay. Couchsurfing allows travellers to book a stay with a family. Prices are likely to be higher in the peak seasons, especially during New Year and Christmas. Visitors should also be aware that the Indian government imposes a tax on hotels, in particular on luxury hotels. You could also book through the OYO Rooms mobile application for good discounts.