Mumbai is a vibrant and fast-paced city, but like any major metropolis, it’s important to stay alert and prepared while traveling. This guide provides detailed safety tips, essential travel tips, important contact numbers, and emergency information to ensure you have a smooth and safe experience in Mumbai.
🚨 Emergency Contacts in Mumbai (Save These!)
| Service | Contact Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Police Control Room | 100 | For any crime-related emergencies |
| Mumbai Traffic Police | 103 | For reporting traffic violations |
| Ambulance (Medical Emergency) | 108 | Free emergency ambulance services |
| Fire Brigade | 101 | In case of fire hazards |
| Women’s Helpline | 1091 | Women safety assistance |
| Mumbai Airport Helpline | +91-22-66851010 | For airport-related inquiries |
| Mumbai Railway Helpline | 139 | Train-related assistance |
| Tourist Helpline (India) | 1800-111-363 | For any tourist assistance |
| Mumbai Metro Helpline | 1800-266-6465 | For metro-related assistance |
| Taxi / Auto Complaint | 1800-22-0110 | If a driver refuses a ride or overcharges |
| Mumbai Water & Flood Helpline | 1916 | During monsoon emergencies |
| Hospitals (Govt.) | KEM Hospital – +91-22-24136051 | For medical emergencies |
| Embassy / Consulate | Visit Embassy Directory | Contact your home country’s embassy |
🛡️ General Safety Tips in Mumbai
✔️ Beware of Pickpockets – Always keep your bags zipped and avoid carrying too much cash in crowded areas like local trains, markets, and tourist spots.
✔️ Use Trusted Transport Services – Avoid unauthorized taxis and rickshaws. Use Uber, Ola, or pre-paid taxis from official booths.
✔️ Be Alert in Crowded Places – Popular places like CST Station, Gateway of India, Juhu Beach, and local trains are crowded. Stay cautious of scams & strangers offering unsolicited help.
✔️ Avoid Late-Night Isolated Areas – If you’re out at night, stick to well-lit and busy areas.
✔️ Keep Digital Copies of Documents – Save copies of your passport, visa, hotel bookings, and important documents on your phone or email.
✔️ Know Local Emergency Contacts – Save local police, hotel, and embassy numbers on your phone.
✔️ Stay Hydrated & Eat Safe – Mumbai’s heat can be exhausting. Drink bottled water and eat from clean & popular food stalls to avoid stomach issues.
✔️ Respect Local Customs – Mumbai is modern but respects traditions. Dress modestly at religious sites and be polite in interactions.
✔️ Learn Basic Hindi or Marathi Phrases – Though English is widely spoken, knowing a few local phrases can be helpful.
🚆 Public Transport Safety in Mumbai
🚇 Local Trains (Mumbai Suburban Railway)
✅ Safe Time to Travel: Avoid peak hours (8-11 AM & 5-9 PM) due to extreme rush.
✅ Ladies’ Coaches: Women should use separate women-only compartments (marked in pink).
✅ Luggage Safety: Keep your belongings close & locked in crowded trains.
✅ Always Stand Behind the Yellow Line at platforms, as trains move at high speed.
🚍 BEST Buses
✅ Board from the front & exit from the back to avoid confusion.
✅ Carry Change – Some conductors may not have exact change for big notes.
✅ Night Buses (NMMT & BEST) – Only use well-lit bus stops at night.
🚕 Taxis & Auto-Rickshaws
✅ Always ask for the meter fare or use ride apps (Uber, Ola).
✅ Avoid accepting rides from strangers or unauthorized taxis at the airport or railway stations.
✅ Keep an eye on Google Maps to ensure the driver is taking the correct route.
🚊 Mumbai Metro
✅ Secure your belongings and avoid carrying large luggage.
✅ Use smart cards instead of buying tickets every time.
🚤 Ferry & Water Transport
✅ For Elephanta Caves & Alibaug: Use only government-approved ferries from Gateway of India.
✅ Check Weather Conditions – Avoid ferry rides during heavy monsoons or high tide alerts.
📌 Important Travel Tips for Mumbai Visitors
🏨 Accommodation & Staying Safe
✔️ Stay in reputable hotels or hostels in South Mumbai (Colaba, Fort) or Western suburbs (Bandra, Juhu, Andheri).
✔️ Avoid staying in very cheap lodges as they may not be safe or hygienic.
✔️ Use hotel safes to store valuables like passports, jewelry, and extra cash.
✔️ Confirm hotel bookings in advance, especially during peak seasons (November – March & Monsoon Festivals).
💰 Money & Forex Exchange
✔️ Exchange foreign currency only at RBI-authorized money changers or banks.
✔️ Use ATMs in secure, well-lit areas and avoid withdrawing large amounts at once.
✔️ Always count your money before leaving the forex counter.
🛍️ Shopping & Avoiding Scams
✔️ Always bargain in street markets like Colaba Causeway, Linking Road, and Fashion Street.
✔️ Beware of fake branded products sold at cheap prices.
✔️ Avoid buying electronics & perfumes from roadside sellers – they may be fake.
💳 Credit Cards & Digital Payments
✔️ Use digital wallets like Google Pay, Paytm, and UPI for secure transactions.
✔️ Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, malls, and big restaurants but not in street shops.
🍽️ Eating Out & Food Safety
✔️ Eat from busy & popular street food stalls – high turnover means fresher food.
✔️ Avoid tap water – always drink bottled or filtered water.
✔️ Carry hand sanitizer when eating at local food joints.
✔️ If you have a sensitive stomach, stick to mildly spiced foods.
📶 Mobile Connectivity & Internet
✔️ Buy a local SIM card (Airtel, Jio, Vodafone) for better mobile connectivity.
✔️ Free WiFi is available in airports, metro stations, and some cafes.
⛈️ Monsoon Safety in Mumbai (June – September)
✔️ Expect waterlogging & heavy rains, especially in Lower Parel, Sion, Kurla, and Andheri East.
✔️ Avoid traveling on flooded roads & railway tracks.
✔️ Carry an umbrella & waterproof phone case.
✔️ Be extra cautious when using rickshaws & taxis during rains – traffic congestion increases.
📢 Final Mumbai Travel Advice for Tourists
✅ Always keep emergency contacts handy.
✅ Use trusted transport services and avoid unregistered taxis.
✅ Keep a copy of your passport & visa in case of loss.
✅ Learn basic Hindi/Marathi phrases to communicate better.
✅ Respect local customs & be polite while interacting with people.
By following these safety tips and travel hacks, you can explore Mumbai hassle-free and enjoy a memorable experience in the city of dreams!