Business offices: 09:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday
Banks: 10:00 to 14:00, Monday to Friday; 10:00 to 12:00, Saturday
Post offices: 10:00 to 19:00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 10:00 to 20:00, Monday to Saturday

Given its large stature, Mumbai is extremely safe; although that doesn’t mean that crime does not occur. So long as foreign tourists take the necessary, usual precautions, few problems are likely to arise. Keep money in a safe place and check your belongings regularly.

Some beaches in Mumbai are noted for strong tides that regularly take the lives of swimmers. Dangerous areas include Manori so make sure not to go out too far. If you are caught in a riptide, you should swim parallel to the shore until you get away from it.

Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50Hz.

In Mumbai, mosquito-borne diseases are still a problem. With the necessary basic preventative care, you will not be at risk. Make sure to seek advice on malaria, dengue fever, and other threats by consulting your local doctor before departure. 

In The extreme heat and humidity experienced throughout much of the year in Mumbai presents perhaps the greatest risk to visitors here: drink bottled water regularly and avoid being out around midday. Have a nice meal inside instead and beware of the infamous ‘Delhi belly’ as it’s a problem in Mumbai too.

Mumbai’s health services are the best in India and so any serious emergencies are usually treatable within the city itself. Private hospitals of an international standard are numerous here; so too pharmacies, but certain recently developed medications may not be available so bring any treatments you are certain to need out with you.

Balaji Hospital: +91 22 23740000

Emergency services: 102

Marathi is the official language of Maharashtra state and Mumbai but given the city’s cosmopolitan nature, Hindi and Gujarati are also common along with other Indian dialects. English is as widely spoken here as anywhere in the country so English-speakers generally have few problems doing the basics.

Like the rest of India, the rupee is the currency of choice. The one rupee is still around but the 5, 10, 20 and 100 denominations are the most prevalent. Don’t expect your rupees to be in great condition but you should still try to avoid accepting very damaged bills.

International banks with accompanying ATM machines are to be found here. Mumbai is, after all, the commercial capital of the country. Credit card advances on international cards and currency exchange in all the major currencies of the world are also possible in numerous locations. Marine drive is a good area to change and get hold of money; so too many areas of southern Mumbai. Trusty Bank of India branches are dotted around the city. Bring US dollars, British pounds and euros for the best rates and ease of exchange.

You will be asked to declare non-duty paid goods over the acceptable limit upon entering Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. Large amounts of cash must also be declared, as specified on the customs declaration forms that you will typically be given on the airplane before landing.

Unlike Gujarat state to the north, Mumbai does not ban alcohol; but the limits for each passenger are only two litres. Anything over will be confiscated if found by officials at the airport.

Although India has a reputation for tolerance when it comes to drugs, particularly in Goa just south of Mumbai, if you are found with any illegal substance, expect a stiff penalty which usually means years in jail and a large fine.

Mumbai isn’t as traditional as many other parts of India but it’s still pretty conservative, particularly when it comes to dress. Women should refrain from exposing too much flesh, even on the beach, and should never consider going topless as would be acceptable in Europe, for example. Most Indian women still wear all-covering saris when they bathe in the sea.

When in a temple, make sure to cover up shoulders and wear long trousers. Remove shoes before entering and watch out to see whether you will be required to move around the temple in a certain direction, as is common at some Hindu shrines.

Women will not necessarily be stared at if drinking or smoking cigarettes in Mumbai as they would likely be in the rest of India. This is especially true in liberal, trendy southern Mumbai; but in outer suburbs not yet used to tourists, such behaviour will likely be frowned upon.

Dining Etiquette
Many restaurants still won’t allow the drinking of alcohol in Mumbai so don’t chance it by bringing your own bottle along; wait instead to see the menu or ask a waiter. If you go to a traditional place where people are eating with their hands, you will probably still not be required to do so and will almost always be offered a spoon and fork. If you want to eat the Indian way, however, always do so with the right hand as the left is considered dirty. Tipping is not customary anywhere. In the posh hotels and restaurants, a service charge will usually be added automatically and specified on the bill. If you want to give more, feel free, but it’s not usually expected.

Visitors from the US, Canada, UK, EU and Australia require a tourist visa to enter India as well as a minimum of 6 months validity on their passports. Visas are available from Indian consulates located in the visitor’s home country and are typically issued for a maximum of 6 months. Visas take effect the moment they are issued rather than upon entry to the country, so you should not apply for one too far in advance of your trip.

The main tourist office in Mumbai is located on Maharshi Karve road. The office can be reached at: +91 22 2033144. Official tourist information centres can also be found at the airport: +91 22 6149200.