City in Maharashtra, India
Mumbai
India's financial capital offers street food, Bollywood, colonial architecture and the best job and expat scene, with a dense train network. Crowds, humidity, monsoon floods and the highest rents in the country are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$934–1,660Comfortable, one person · ₹90,000–160,000Details
- Value for money35/100Better value than 34% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–FebWarmest: Apr, 39°CDetails
- Air quality49.5 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · Severely pollutedDetails
- Internet64 MbpsFixed broadband, India medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water is treated but unreliable in old pipes.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$8–26Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereUPI is everywhere and cards work in most restaurants.Details
Where to stay in Mumbai
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Colaba and Fort | First visit: sights, hostels, cafés and walkable colonial streets |
| Bandra | Expats and nomads: cafés, nightlife, sea promenade |
| Juhu and Versova | Beach side, film crowd, quieter long stays |
| Lower Parel and Worli | Offices, rooftop bars and upscale living |
| Powai | Tech workers, lakeside, cheaper apartments |
Apps that work in Mumbai
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- IRCTC Rail Connect: Booking Indian Railways train tickets
- CheqUPI: UPI payments without an Indian bank
- Where is my Train: Live train running status
- Taxis: Black-and-yellow taxis use meters and fare cards. Some airport drivers still push fixed prices; use the prepaid counter or an app.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in India.
- Cards almost everywhere UPI is everywhere and cards work in most restaurants. Carry small notes for taxis, autos and street food.
- Currency: Rupee (INR). US$1 ≈ ₹96.37 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Per-withdrawal limits are often ₹10,000–20,000 and some banks add a fee. Decline the ATM's own currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not obligatory. Leave about 10% in sit-down restaurants without a service charge, ₹50–100 for porters and hotel staff, and tip drivers and guides.
- Paying by phone: UPI One World wallets (e.g. CheqUPI) let visitors pay UPI QR codes with passport, visa and an Indian number.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Most visitors need an e-Visa from indianvisaonline.gov.in; apply at least four days before arrival and avoid look-alike agent sites.
- Since April 2026 foreigners must file the free e-Arrival Card online or in the Su-Swagatam app within 72 hours before landing.
- Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and parts of Ladakh need Protected or Restricted Area Permits, arranged locally or through registered agencies.
Emergency numbers
Police 100 · Ambulance 108 · Fire 101 · Tourist police 1363 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, D, M · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Airtel kiosks in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru arrivals halls; passport, visa and photo needed. About ₹350–450 for 28 days with 1.5–2 GB a day. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in India
Going to Mumbai solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Mumbai meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.