Pune, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and modern lifestyle, is a must-visit destination for travelers. While Pune is generally considered safe, taking necessary precautions and being informed will help ensure a hassle-free trip. Below is a detailed travel safety guide, essential travel tips, and important contact numbers to make your visit smooth and secure.
Travel Safety Tips for Tourists in Pune
1. Personal Safety & General Awareness
- Pune is a safe city for tourists, but like any major urban area, it’s important to remain cautious.
- Avoid walking alone in deserted areas or narrow alleys late at night.
- Keep emergency contacts saved in your phone and on paper.
2. Transportation Safety
- Public Transport: Pune offers a variety of transport modes, including metro, buses, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cab services like Uber and Ola.
- Auto-rickshaws: Always ask for a metered fare or use apps like Rapido for fair pricing.
- Ride-sharing apps: Use Uber, Ola, or Pune Metro for safe and affordable travel.
- Rental Vehicles: Rent bikes or cars from Vogo, Bounce, Zoomcar, or Drivezy but ensure you follow local driving rules.
3. Accommodation Safety
- Choose reputable hotels, hostels, or Airbnb with good ratings.
- Avoid extremely cheap hotels that lack proper security.
- Keep your valuables in a hotel safe and lock your room when stepping out.
4. Food & Health Safety
- Pune is known for its amazing street food. However, eat from hygienic vendors to avoid foodborne illnesses.
- Drink only bottled or filtered water.
- Carry basic medicines for stomach issues, fever, and allergies.
5. Currency Exchange & Payment Safety
- Exchange currency only at authorized Forex centers like Thomas Cook, BookMyForex, or Laxmii Forex.
- Carry minimal cash and use UPI payments (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm) for transactions.
- Be cautious while using ATMs, and avoid withdrawing money at night.
6. Communication & Internet
- Get a local SIM card from Airtel, Jio, or Vi (Vodafone Idea) for better connectivity.
- Most public places like cafés, malls, and hotels provide free Wi-Fi, but avoid making financial transactions on public networks.
7. Local Customs & Cultural Etiquette
- Pune is a progressive city but still values tradition and respect.
- Dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites.
- Shoes should be removed before entering temples and some local homes.
- Public displays of affection are acceptable but should be limited in religious and rural areas.
8. Women’s Safety in Pune
- Pune is one of India’s safest cities for women, but travelers should take standard precautions.
- Avoid isolated areas at night and use cab services like Uber/Ola instead of walking alone.
- Use women-only sections in buses and metros for added safety.
- Contact women’s helplines in case of emergencies (Helpline Number: 1091).
9. Emergency Preparedness
- Always keep photocopies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance.
- Save important numbers like police, hospitals, and embassy contacts.
- Know the location of the nearest police station and hospital from your stay.
Important Contact Numbers in Pune
Emergency Helplines
| Service | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| Universal Emergency Number | 112 |
| Pune Police (Control Room) | 100 |
| Fire Department | 101 |
| Ambulance Service | 108 |
| National Highway Helpline | 1033 |
Police Stations in Pune
| Police Station | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| Pune City Police Headquarters | 020-26126296 |
| Bund Garden Police Station | 020-26122110 |
| Shivaji Nagar Police Station | 020-25536279 |
| Koregaon Park Police Station | 020-26122434 |
Hospitals & Medical Emergencies
| Hospital | Emergency Contact |
|---|---|
| Ruby Hall Clinic | 020-26163391 |
| Jehangir Hospital | 020-66811000 |
| Sahyadri Hospital | 020-67213000 |
| Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital | 020-66023000 |
Transportation Helplines
| Service | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| Pune Railway Station Inquiry | 020-26126565 |
| Pune International Airport Inquiry | 020-26683232 |
| MSRTC Bus Stand (Swargate) | 020-24449980 |
Foreign Exchange & Visa Help
| Service | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| Thomas Cook Forex | 1800-2099-100 |
| BookMyForex | +91-9212219191 |
| Indian Visa Helpline | 1800-258-4481 |
Embassies & Consulates in Pune
| Embassy/Consulate | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| U.S. Consulate Mumbai | 022-26724000 |
| British Deputy High Commission | 022-66502300 |
| German Consulate Mumbai | 022-66650200 |
| Australian Consulate Mumbai | 022-67574444 |
Final Travel Recommendations
- Save important numbers: Keep a digital and physical copy of all emergency contacts.
- Download travel apps: Use Google Maps, Uber, Ola, and Pune Metro App for navigation.
- Plan your itinerary: Visit safe and tourist-friendly areas like Koregaon Park, Baner, and FC Road.
- Be cautious with strangers: Do not share personal details or travel plans with unknown people.
- Trust verified sources for information: Avoid unofficial agents for Forex exchange, SIM cards, or travel bookings.
This guide serves as a one-stop resource for tourists and new visitors to Pune. Whether you need emergency assistance, travel safety tips, or important contacts, this comprehensive guide ensures that you do not have to look elsewhere for information.