Mumbai is a progressive and modern city that isn't easily offended. Draconian laws related to dress, alcohol, and homosexuality that apply to other Asian cities are far more lax in here. On the other hand, there's no pumping club scene and raucous night-owl behavior will only really interest the local police.
Mumbai is the home of glamorous, sexy Bollywood but this shouldn't be a reason for you to ignore the general disdain for public displays of affection or skimpy clothing. Wear t-shirts and long shorts to the beach, and remember that topless sunbathing is absolutely forbidden.
Mumbai enjoys beer and alcohol flows freely. Again, public displays of drunkenness or alcohol-fueled violence are taboo. Tipping at sit-down eateries is standard, but paying the few coins asked for a street-side samosa is all that is required. If eating in a traditional Indian restaurant, remember that the right hand is used for eating, and the left for washing and ablutions.
As with all of India, the Indian rupee is the currency of Mumbai. ATMs are increasing in number but are not yet the ubiquitous convenience they are elsewhere in the world. For example, there is no ATM at Mumbai International Airport, so be sure to arrive with cash.
Street markets and most restaurants, bars and café s will only accept cash and this is the same for taxi drivers and providers of most services. For your convenience, withdraw a couple of days' worth of cash when you find an ATM, but be careful not to show off Rp5,000 or 10,000 notes in public.
Mumbai has a hot and wet tropical climate and even though it marks four seasons, winter here is a bit of a misnomer, with temperatures never dipping far below about 75˚F. Be sure to take bottled water with you when you head out of your hotel.
Hot weather is guaranteed in Mumbai every day of the year, and during the March to May period temperatures regularly hit 80 to 100˚F. Rains peak in July when the dusty streets can flood and mud splatters left, right and center. Tourists from India and around the globe cram the city in December, which is the coolest and busiest month.
Taxis stream between Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM) and all areas of Mumbai and there is no airport train station. Bus routes to and from the airport are plentiful, but not really for the faint hearted or those carrying excessive luggage. Traffic jams and roadways in Mumbai are equally direbe sure to allow plenty of time for getting between places.
The suburban train network in Mumbai is superlative and during peak times is a tourist attraction in its own right, with millions and millions of commuters clogging platforms and carriages. Taxis proliferate in all tourist areas and ferry boats to neighboring islands are cheap and cheerful.
Population: 16,000,000
Spoken languages: Hindi, Marathi, English
Phone/calling code: +91 22
