MUMBAI

Mumbai is the commercial capital of India and the center of the largest film industry in the world.

1) Location :  Lying  off the  west coast of India at 18.54° N & 72°E, Mumbai has a huge coastline and is one of the biggest and oldest ports of India. The total area is about 600 sq Kms.

2) Time Zone: Indian Standard Time (IST) -5 1/2 hrs ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time ( GMT )London. 10 1/2 hrs ahead of New York & 5 1/2 hrs behind Australia.

3) Climate : Owing to the sea coast, the city is often highly humid. Temperature vary between 19"C(Nov-Jan) And 36"C (April -June) October is one of the hotter months in this city, apart from April & May. Monsoons set in by June and end by mid September. A use of a windcheater or a raincoat is highly recomened during the monsoons as breezy winds biow umbrellas out of proportion. 

4) Language : Marathi is the language of the natives. Hindi and English are also widely spoken. 
                              Marine Drive
5) Religion:  India, being a country with a confluence of cultures and religions, there exists freedom of worship and pursuing any religion. The major religions in this city however are Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and Zoroastrianism.

6) Visa : A must for all visitors to the city and is normally valid for a period of six months. Issued by the Indian High Commission or Embassy.   Airport Tax: No tax for domestic travel. However, for International-travel the tax works to about Rs.500/-, payable at the airport or at the time of reservations.

7) Customs:  Import of a litre  of any spirit or  wine  and 200  cigarettes  is  permitted, electronic  items like Video cameras and laptops must be registered at the customs, and taken back on departure.

8) Money:  Indian  currency  is a rupee, which is equivalent to 100 paise. Approx. Value: US Dollar: Rs.46.76 /UK Pound's. 66.92/Euro: Rs.40.30  
9) Communication : Phone & fax (local, domestic & international) are available at the hotels & all communication centers.

10)Tippings: Hotel porters and waiters are generally tipped. Taxi drivers are not.

11) Dress:  Informal & casual wear is accepted and comfortable. Avoid dressing too skimpily. For business meets. Suits and other formal wear is recommended.

12) Etiquette:  Footwear is not worn inside temples and mosques and in many Indian homes

13) Medical:  Health & accident insurance is advisable. Immunisation against cholera, typhoid and Polio recommended. A mosquito repellant will come in handy. Drink only mineral & purified water available in bottles in all general & medical stores as well as restaurants.   

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