Mumbai is served by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), one of the busiest airports in India. It has excellent connectivity with major cities across the world, including London, New York, Dubai, Singapore, and more. The airport is located about 30 minutes to an hour from central Mumbai, depending on traffic. Most international travelers will land at Terminal 2 (T2), which handles global arrivals and departures.
Mumbai has a tropical climate with three main seasons: summer (March to May), monsoon (June to September), and winter (November to February). The best time to visit is during the winter months, when the weather is dry and pleasantly warm, making it ideal for sightseeing. Summers can be hot and humid, while the monsoon season brings heavy rain that may disrupt travel plans.
The local currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). While international credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and malls, it’s smart to carry some cash for taxis, street food, and smaller shops. ATMs are easy to find in the city, and currency exchange services are available at the airport and banks. Always count your cash and get receipts when exchanging money.
Mumbai has a range of transport options. For short distances, auto-rickshaws and taxis are easily available. App-based cab services like Uber and Ola are reliable and widely used. The city’s local train network is fast and budget-friendly but often very crowded. The Mumbai Metro is another good option for getting around, especially in the suburbs. It’s advisable to plan routes ahead and avoid peak hours if possible.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, malls, restaurants, and larger stores. Contactless and digital payments, such as Google Pay, Apple Pay, or Paytm, are common among locals, especially in urban areas. However, many smaller vendors, rickshaws, and street stalls operate on a cash-only basis, so it's a good idea to carry small denominations of cash at all times.
Mumbai follows Indian Standard Time (IST), which is UTC +5:30. India does not observe daylight saving time, so this time zone remains constant throughout the year. Make sure to adjust your devices upon arrival if they don’t change automatically.