Airport
Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji international airport is a main gateway to India. It is 25 km (15 miles) from the main business district, and is not served by bus or train; use car or taxi. Travel time from the airport to the city is about one hour, but during peak hours, it can take at least two.

Business Hours
Public and private offices: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Some open on Saturday, but all are closed on Sunday.
Shops: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
Post offices: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon._Fri.; Saturday until noon.
Banks: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sat.
Restaurants: until 11 p.m.; nightclubs and discos close much later

Currency
One rupee=100 paise. Indian coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 25 and 50 paise and 1, 2 and 5 rupees. Notes are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. If you are handed a grubby note, insist on having it exchanged for a newer one. Have a big supply of small bills as change almost does not exist in India. See our listings of Money Changers in the Travel Directory

Climate
The cool months (November-March) are the best time to visit as temperatures range from 4.5-15.5 deg. C (40-60 deg. F) in the north to 18-30 deg. C (64-86 deg. F) in the south. The summer months (March-June) can be very dry and hot. During the monsoon months (June-Oct.), rainfall reaches 50-200 cm. (20-80 in.). Click here for 3-day weather forecast in Mumbai.

Credit Cards
American Express, Diners Club, Mercard, MasterCard and Visa are accepted by large establishments, but it is still wise to carry Indian currency. Credit cards can be used to get cash advances in rupees.

Clothing
Casual attire is acceptable for business meetings but it is best to dress formally. The appropriate attire for men is a long-sleeved shirt with tie and/or jacket, depending on the weather. Long skirts are required of women, but they may try wearing a sari or salwar kameez (pants).

Useful Numbers
Here is a list of some useful telephone numbers that might come in hand while traveling in Mumbai. For a detailed list, view our Useful Numbers page.

Fire department: 101
Police: 100
Local directory assistance: 197
International directory assistance: 197
MasterCard hotline for lost or stolen cards: 1-314-542-7111 (call collect to the United States)

Health Risks
Gastroenteritis, typhoid, cholera or jaundice may be acquired through unhygienic water or food. Conjunctivitis is common as the pollution level is high in Mumbai.. As a protection from disease-carrying mosquitoes, flies, etc., wear long-sleeved shirts or blouses. The estimated number of AIDS cases is also quite high in Mumbai. Drink bottled water for prevention from water borne diseases.