Have you recently been relocated to Mumbai through work, or are you planning on living in Mumbai and want to find out more information.
Our guide was written by Shannon Frandsen and last published on Tuesday 17th May 2011, it's the 3rd edition.
Welcome to Mumbai, the financial heart of India: home to the headquarters of many major multinational companies, address of the giant Bombay Stock Exchange, and, quite remarkably, the stomping ground of sixty-nine billionaires. It's a city of out-of-this-world wealth, but at the same time, it's a city of heart-wrenching destitution.
Mumbai's firm grip on India's economy is apparent - the city is single-handedly responsible for 5% of the country's GDP and almost half of India's foreign trade. It manufactures and exports cars, chemicals, textiles, steel, and pharmaceuticals at its busy sea port. Foreign companies see huge potential in the metropolis, investing in some of the world's most expensive commercial real estate to have a Mumbai base. Booming Bombay's most famous moneymaker is its flourishing entertainment sector known as Bollywood, which pumps out more films on average than its partial namesake, Hollywood. And its growing economy in the midst of a global recession has the world wondering when Mumbai will become the next global business leader. No wonder Indians call Mumbai the City of Dreams and the City of Gold.
…| Population | Mumbai's population is estimated to be about 19 million (about 14 million in the city proper) making it the 2nd most populated city in the world. |
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| Currency | The Indian Rupee (INR) is the currency used in India. One rupee = 100 paise. Indian coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 25 and 50 paise and 1, 2 and 5 rupees. Notes come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000. |
| Language | Marathi is the official language of Mumbai. Hindi, English, and Gujarati are also spoken. Mumbaiya or Bambaiyya Hindi is a colloquial blend of Marathi, Hindi and Gujarati extensively used on the streets. However, if speak English you should have no problem getting by; it is the language of communication for the working professionals of the city, and most locals have at least basic English skills. |
| Time zone | UTC +05:30 |
| Dialing code | 022 (To call Mumbai from outside India, dial 0091 22 + number. To call from within in India, dial 022 + number.) |
| Temperature | The daily average maximum temperature is about 31 C or 88 F. Summer (March - June) is especially hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 35 C or 95 F. The most defining climatic feature of Mumbai is the monsoon when rains lash the city from mid-June to the end of September. Winter (October to mid-February) sees slightly cooler temperatures and a break in the humidity. |
| Electrics | India has electric supply at 220V-50 Hz. The plug used is the old British Standard with three large round pins in a triangular pattern. |
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The full guide contains over 25 chapters of information covering all practical aspects of moving overseas; from fulfilling legal obligations through to choosing a home for your family. Written by expats, for expats, we do not give you the “official version”, we give you the “real version” and that’s exactly what you will need to have the best possible start to your new life in Mumbai. You can purchase our Mumbai guide by clicking on the links on the right-hand side of this page.
If you have a discount code you'll be able to enter it before you make your payment.
