Local Insights
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For good reason, Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is known as the 'Maximum City'. An island that's home to more than 12 million people, Mumbai teems with energy and pulsates with life. Residents say it's like spending every day on permanent fast forward. No other city in India compares with this cosmopolitan, ambitious, movie-mad metropolis that contains the best of everything the Sub-Continent has to offer. And it's certainly not for the faint hearted.
The city today is in constant flux. Many places have been renamed, but are relentlessly called by their old name. And as far as transport goes, although taxis and autorickshaws are now equipped with new metres, their drivers still have to carry a card to check the metre reading against the rupee equivalent listed on these cards.And although rickshaws are supposed to maintain certain speed limits, speeding is not unheard of in Mumbai.
Getting There
Named for the 17th century Maratha king, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is India's busiest. The domestic terminal, sometimes referred to as Santa Cruz, is about 10 minutes by shuttle bus from its international counterpart. Mumbai is also the terminus for Western Railways and Central Railways. The main station, previously Victoria Terminus, now shares the name of the airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji, but is often referred to as VT. Arriving by sea, Silversea cruise ships regularly dock at Mumbai.
Weather
The dry season runs approximately from November to February and is the best time to visit. From March, both temperature and humidity rise until the monsoon breaks around mid June and the city occassionally suffers flooding; the rains last until September. Annual temperatures range between 38oC and 11oC, when winds can be chilly. Annual rainfall is 200 cm, much of it brought by the monsoon deluge. In July 2005, 90 cm fell in a single day!
Transportation/Getting Around
| Taxi |
Car Hire |
Bus |
Train | |
| Hotlines | Mumbai's taxis are black and yellow or blue. Black is the least comfortable, while the others come with air con. |
Chauffeur driven cars are the easiest option, but self driving is also available. Two top international companies that operate here are Europcar (91 22 26403243) and Hertz (91 22 2496 1714/15; www.hertz.com) |
BEST runs both single and double-deckers throughout the city. Buses can be extremely crowded in rush hours. (91) 22 2413 7937 www.bestundertaking.com |
Mumbai's rail system carries millions of commuters each day; the main lines are Western, Central, Harbour and New Bombay. SMS Enquiry 7070 or 8888 www.indianrail.gov.in |
| Fare range/ destinations |
Flagfall for black cabs is R13. All taxis add 25% to the fare between 12.00 am and 5.00 am. |
A one-day hire from Hertz range from R1,805 to R3,750 (excluding insurance), depending on the vehicle. Chauffeured vehicles are also an option. The charges are in the region of R1,800 for 8 hours, including 80km of mileage. |
Fares start at R4.50. |
Fares start at R5 for second class travel. |
| Operating hours | 24 hours |
24 hours |
24 hours, though less frequently at night |
24 hours, though less frequently at night |
| Auto Rickshaw |
Scooters & Motorbikes |
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| Hotlines | Three-wheeled auto rickshaws can seat up to three people, and may be hailed on the street. Auto rickshaws ply from Bandra and north of this suburb. |
For experienced riders only! Premjis has a wide range of Royal Enfields, scooters and other two-wheeled transport. (91) 22 2309 9313 www.premjis.com |
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| Fare range/ destinations |
New fares are in place but metres are not yet set up for the change, so make sure the driver checks the metre reading against a card to show the rupee equivalent. |
From R2,000 per week |
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| Operating hours | 24 hours |
* Remarks: The local currency is the Indian Rupee "R".
Local Language
Learn more about local language from below.
| English | Local language |
| A greeting | Namaste |
| Goodbye | Namaste, Alvida |
| Thank you | Dhanyavaad |
| I do not understand | Mai nahii samajhtaa hu |
| Do you speak English? | Kyaa aap Angrejii jaante hain? |
| What is your name? | Aapka naam kya hai? |
| How are you? | Aap kaise hai? |
| Good | Achchha |
| Welcome | Aapakaa svaagat hai |
| Excuse me | Shama kare |
| Where are you going? | Aapa kahan jaa rahe hai? |
| Where do you live? | Aapa kahan rahate hai? |
| What time is it? | Kyaa samay huaa hai? |
| How much does this cost? | Iski kyaa kimat hai? |
| I will buy it | Mai isko kharidunga |
| Please bring the bill | Kripyaa bill laaiiye |
| Are there any vacancies? | Kyaa aaj raat koii kamra khaalii hai? |
| Today | Aaj |
| Nice to meet you | Aapse milkar khushii huyii |
| Left | Baaye |
| Right | Daaye |
Business and Finance
Commerce has long coursed through Mumbai's blood, ever since the 19th century when it was known as the “Manchester of the East”. The city now hosts the headquarters of top companies such as Tata and Air India, leading local and financial institutions, and the country's busiest stock exchanges. The movie industry (far bigger and older than Hollywood) and services like international call centres have boosted Mumbai's overall wealth, which is reflected in the rash of new hotels, malls and office developments.
The above information is for reference only. They may be provided to HSBC by other persons or compiled by HSBC from information and materials provided by other persons. HSBC does not warrant the truth, reliability, accuracy or adequacy of the above information and HSBC assumes no liability for any reliance on them by you or any other persons. Please contact the relevant merchant, company or organisation for further details
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