Weather
The winter months ( November-February) are the coolest, while the rest of the year is hot. The monsoon months (June-September) though cooler are hampered on occasion by heavy rainfall.
Getting Around
The local suburban railway network along the Western and Central corridors together with the BEST buses provide commuters with an efficient transportation network. Trains leave every few minutes from stations in both directions from 4.30 am to 1.30 am although the frequency is less in the nighttime and early morning. Taxis, cars for hire (along with drivers), and auto-rickshaws allow for easy travel within the city. Mumbai's yellow and black taxis are a convenient way to travel around the city. A tariff card converting the meter reading into rupees fixes payment. Auto-rickshaws are also metered but are only confined to the outer limits of the city, around the northern suburbs. The Mumbai train map can be found Click here.
Tourist Offices
The Government of India Tourist Office is situated at 123 Maharshi Karve Road, opposite Churchgate station and open Monday through Friday from 8.30 am to 6 pm, and on Saturday from 8.30 am to 2 pm. It brings out a free brochure on Mumbai and guide covering Mumbai's major entertainment events every two weeks. It also runs a 24-hour counter at the International airport and a counter at the domestic airport that stays open till the last flight.
Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is another useful center with its head office at the Nariman Point (Express Towers, 9th Floor). Close by is its Tours Division and Reservation Office at CDO Hutments, Madame Cama Road, open from 8 am to 8 pm, where bookings can be made for all tours around the city, long-distance buses and MTDC hotels throughout Maharashtra. The MTDC also has a counter near the Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the airports.
Changing Money
Several international banks provide cash advances on Visa and MasterCard. The American Express Travel Services office near the Regal Cinema in Colaba is a good place to exchange foreign money. Thomas Cook on D N Road near Flora Fountain also exchanges money. There are a number of foreign exchange counters at the international airport as well.
Emergency Services
For Police Dial 100,
Fire 101 and
Ambulance 102.
Most hotels can provide a physician for a medical emergency and will guide you to the nearest pharmacy around the area.
Dress Code
To combat the heat and humidity wear informal loose clothes. It is recommended not to wear skimpy clothing.
Beggars
Even though you'll come across beggars and street children, it is advisable to avoid giving money
Tipping
Tip at your discretion. In restaurants, 10 % of the bill is fine.
Domestic Airlines
Indian Airlines: 612 7391/ 611 2850 (Santacruz Airport)
Enq - 140,(Arrival - 142), (Departure -143).
JetAirways: 838 6111 / 619 3333
Sahara India Airlines: Airport -611 9375 / 9402
International Airlines
Sahara Airlines: 836 6700
Air India International: 287 6464
British Airways: 282 1424/ 0888
Cathay Pacific: 202 9112/9113
Gulf Air: 202 1626
Lufthansa: 202 3430 http://www.mumbainet.com/travel/airlines.htm
Railways
Enquiry : 265 9135
Central General Enquiry : 134
Western General Enquiry : 131
http://www.mumbai-central.com/imp_info/
