Can someone give me tips on living in Mumbai?

WOW. Amelia has kinda sumerised it all. Lol although she's over the top on some counts, but mostly bang on. Good one amelia.

Ok I am an Indian and have lived in both Bangalore and Mumbai (bombay). There are a lot of things you need to look into when shifting countries, here are a few tips for India-

1-Stock loads of mosquito repellents and face-wash's.

2-Do not give money to beggers. Give them food instead.

3- Always look for the MRP (max retail price) on any branded product. For unbranded products..bargain like there is no tomorrow.

4-Always take off your shoes before entering a place of worship (except churches. you are allowed to wear shoes there). Also OFFER to take em off before entering somebody's house. If they are traditional orthodox people they will love it and if they are a li'll modern, they will tell you its ok to keep your shoes on.

5-Strictly DO NOT EAT ANYTHING on the roadside. Also at most restaurants ask for bottled water, unless you are at a good 3 or 5 star kinda place.

6-For living, look for a neighbourhood which looks cosmo enough. If you are looking for low rent, you might get stuck in a neighbourhood full of middle class orthodox people and everything from you clothes to your friends (opposites sex) will be eyed with suspision and your parties will be presumed to be the worst kind of sexual binges. Even the women will stop talkin to you. lol funny but trust me its true.

7-Amelia is right bout the left hand right hand thing, taking or giving with your left hand is considered rude. Use your right hand instead. Using both hands is considered as giving lot of respect.

Lol also what Amelia said bout asking 'have u had your breakfast" is soo true. But it is limited to Bangalore and some social groups in bombay. Basically it is limited to more orthodox people. I used to find it so amusing when i was in bangalore.

8-REFUSE to give bribes. Infact most big cities have a help line which you can use to complaint about anybody asking for bribes in govt offices. Also threatning to go to the highest authority in that office might discourage those seeking bribes.

9-Crimes against women are a lot in India, but fortunately Bombay is better than most places like Delhi. But try not to go out alone late nights. Although Bombay is pretty safe for gals, probably the safest in India.

10-Cost of most essentials are pretty cheap. Cost of living also is quite less compared to europe, US, australia etc.

11-Never hand over your passport and other document to anybody unless you trust them. And credit cards never. A lot of cases happen with people posing as employees of credit card companies and take your credit card on the pretext of replacing it. DO NOT FALL FOR IT. Although im sure this is not a problem limited to India, but just a word of caution.

12- The summers in most of India are pretty bad. Bombay is one of the worst. You prespire like mad, so always wear light coloured, loose clothes. And keep a deodrant spray handy

:-)

13- Most Indians are helpful people and will go out of their way to help a foreigner. So do not hesitate to ask for help in dire needs.

I cud go on and on, but need to limit it. Pls feel free to ask for any specific querry you have. feel free to mail me.

Oh and yes....India is a beautiful country, so do not miss any opportunities to visit places. The north of India like Delhi, Rajasthan and of course the Taj Mahal are amazingly beautiful and mesmerising.

Hope you have a good stay here and welcome to India!

Investigate the town that never rests and is obviously abuzz with activity. That town is Mumbai! Learn it with hotelbye . Mumbai is in all methods a mega-city driven by energy, wealth, style and recognition which draws people to offer form to their desires and aspirations. Mumbai can also be a town with powerful old hyperlinks, great British architecture, museums, beaches, places of worship, and especially, a true universe of stars where Bollywood reigns supreme. You can't visit Mumbai and not need enjoyment on their beaches and the two most popular beaches are the Juhu Beach and the Chowpatty Beach.

Cost of living in Mumbai is the highest in terms of all metros. As a Single person you can get accommodation in Suburbs and New Mumbai at a cheaper price then proper Mumbai. The only downside is travel ling, which can be a bit difficult if you are not used to crowds.

I lived in Bangalore for approximately 4 years (not straight-through, however) I would come home for 2 months or longer at a time in between. I never lived in Mumbai, although I flew through there on one occasion.

My advice from my experiences in Bangalore...

Do not pay the initial price on anything. Because you are foreign, the cost will be doubled almost always. If you allow people to take advantage of you they will think you are ignorant and will take further advantage of you. You will gain more respect if you are kind yet tough.

Dress modestly. Men stare enough as it is... respect their culture and modesty.

Make the ricks and taxis use meter always - if they say no, or they can't - get out and get another one.... no matter how long you have to wait. Do not pay meter and a half before 9 p.m. and NEVER pay double meter. Threaten to get the police if they hassle you on this.

Do not pay bribes. If you start paying bribes (for example for a residential permit with the police commissioners office) you will be expected to do so always. Yes, you will have to go through lots of red tape... but it's worth it in the long run.

Give beggars food: bananas, samosas, etc. never money. If they do not want the food and still ask for money... give them nothing... they are not sincerely hungry. If you see someone in need that tugs at your heart you can also buy them provisions: rice, oil, dahl, onions, etc. I can not stress enough... do not give money.... this encourages the crime involved in much of the begging that goes on.

Learn to understand the accent - try to speak with it. Sounds foolish but will help you communicate especially with those whose English is not so good (rick drivers, etc.) there is a major difference to their ear between Brigade Road in quick, western English and Brrrihgaidh Rrroahd in their accent. Takes time to learn and do... but is extremely helpful.

If you hit your foot on someone by accident by walking, etc. say sorry - this is shameful to them - notice others when this happens they will touch the leg of the person they have hit with their foot kiss their hand to their lips with that same hand and say sorry. This is just something that is cultural and significant to them. On the same hand, if someone is threatening you and you feel you need an extreme measure you can take off your shoe and threaten to "slipper them" this is very shameful, though - only do this in a dire situation.

It is common when you greet people to ask them "had your breakfast" in the morning, "had your lunch" in the afternoon, "had your tea" in the late afternoon, and "had your dinner" in the evenings. You can even follow with "what you had."

You can get a mosquito coil at the shop and light it to repel mosquitoes, one better you can get the one that plugs in with the little pads or the liquid repellent (my fav.).

I would recommend eating only sterile foods while you are there. If you stay for a year or so, your system will adjust to the changes and you will be able to eat more "common" foods... chats from the street vendor, etc. However, it took a while for my stomach to get to this level... my 3rd month in India I was terribly sick - had to go to the "clinic" and get an injection and tablets. Not fun. You can soak fresh produce in 1 cap of bleach and a basin full of water for 20 min and this will help with the bacteria. Rinse after soaking.

Try to use your right hand always - when eating with others, when shaking hands for sure (if you shake hands - try to do the "namaste" hands much of the time especially with the opposite sex" - if they reach out a hand to shake, then shake... otherwise, fold your hands). Also use your right hand when handing and receiving money, food, anything. This is another cultural thing that is very important. Left hand is reserved for sanitary purposes especially the more rural and village you get... that's y toilet tissue is 75 cents a roll :)

Travel as much as you can. See Kerala and Goa's beaches. Visit the palace in Mysore. The T.M. of course... ride the bus, ride the train, be with and of the people... love them... get to know the culture. Learn to cook the food and eat with your hand. Spend time with the children and love on them. Play cricket with them in the street. Live like a child. Love it and enjoy it. It will change your life forever... ruined for the ordinary...

Hope this helps.........

Talk to someone at the consulate for India they can tell you what to look for and direct you to resources to find a place.