Mumbai, India

• Mumbai is India's financial center - a city of over 20 million people where colonial buildings sit next to modern high-rises. Different parts feel completely separate. South Mumbai (Colaba, Marine Drive) sees more tourists and English speakers. Bandra has the cafe scene and younger crowd. Suburbs can feel more traditionally Indian.
• The local trains have dedicated women's compartments, which says something about why they're needed. Dress conservatively here - shoulders and knees covered - or expect stares and comments.
• Mumbai rates better than most Indian cities for women traveling alone, but that's relative. Pickpocketing happens in crowds. Harassment is common enough that there's a Women Helpline (1091) along with regular police (100). Stick to Uber or Ola at night rather than random auto-rickshaws.
• Main areas like Marine Drive and Colaba stay lit and busy into the evening. The monsoon (June-September) isn't just rain - it's flooding that shuts down parts of the city.

Hindi and Marathi are the main languages. English is widely spoken in South Mumbai, tourist areas, business districts, and upscale establishments. The police emergency service (100) and Women Helpline (1091) have English-speaking operators. Tourist police and hotel staff generally speak English. Outside tourist zones, English proficiency varies.

• Cover shoulders and knees. Yes, Mumbai is more cosmopolitan than other Indian cities, but that doesn't mean much. Showing skin gets you stares and comments. Keep a scarf handy. Upscale restaurants are more relaxed about sleeveless tops, but anywhere else stick to covered.
• South Mumbai, business areas, and nice hotels have English speakers. Markets and local neighborhoods not so much. Learn 'namaste' (hello), 'dhanyavaad' (thank you), and 'kitna hai?' (how much) - you'll use them.
• Namaste with folded hands works for greetings. Wait for men to offer a handshake rather than initiating. Shoes come off before entering temples, mosques, and homes. Right hand for eating - left hand is for other purposes. Keep physical affection minimal in public.

• Local trains are how Mumbai moves, but rush hours (8-11 AM, 6-9 PM) mean packed compartments where you're literally crushed against other people. Use the ladies' compartments - they exist because the mixed ones aren't safe. The Metro is newer with CCTV and less crowding.
• Uber and Ola work well here. Regular auto-rickshaws will try to skip the meter and charge tourists double or triple. Don't get in unmarked vehicles or accept ride shares with strangers.
• Walking works in Marine Drive, Colaba, and Bandra during the day and early evening - decent sidewalks, busy streets. After 10 PM stick to well-lit main roads. Crossing streets means dodging traffic that won't stop for you.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

Explore Mumbai with local guides and curated experiences.