Mumbai is the business capital of India and is a land full of commercial opportunity, particularly in the technological sphere and the Bollywood film industry.

Whether you have been sent to Mumbai on a company expatriation or you are fulfilling a dream of moving to the city to live and work, Mumbai’s culture and lifestyle can be incredibly different to what you’re used to in your home city or country.

Mumbai Travel Guide

The road network is one of the most congested in the world, the city’s food culture can be very different to the Western world and corporate accommodation in Mumbai can be hard to come by. However – the challenges that come with moving to Mumbai shouldn’t deter anybody.

Here are the Top Things to Know to Make Your Move to Mumbai as Effortless

1. The Public Transport is Worth Using

Mumbai’s metro infrastructure might come as a shock to those who have used super-modern networks such as the MRT in Singapore or Tokyo’s subway. Those who move to Mumbai expecting a fast, clean metro network are in for a surprise – carriages tend to be old, unclean and incredibly busy.

However, Mumbai suffers from some of the most highly congested roads in the world, so unless you have a huge amount of time to travel from place to place, you will probably find that public transport is your best option.

Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Mumbai with Family & Friends

Although the standards are not as high as in the rest of the world, the metro system tends to be reliable and arrive at your destination on time.

2. Monsoons are Frequent, Intense & Can Take you by Surprise

Most people think of Mumbai as a swelteringly warm city, but that doesn’t mean you can make do without an umbrella or two. Monsoons provide a relief from the intense heat in Mumbai, but they do bring along their own set of problems. Be prepared to stash your belongings away somewhere waterproof at a moment’s notice, and prepare your residence for floods if necessary.

3. Cheap Street Stalls Produce the Best Food in Mumbai

When people visit or move to Mumbai, particularly from the Western world, the first thing they are advised is usually to avoid any sort of cheap street food. Rumours are spread of food hygiene disasters and weeks of sickness, but the reality is that most of these street food vendors are perfectly safe and absolutely delicious. A life in Mumbai is not complete without a roadside bun maska, so take the plunge – you won’t regret it.

Explore: Best Street Food in Mumbai

4. Mumbai is a Kind and Welcoming City

Despite the intimidation factor of moving to a city with a completely different culture, living and working in Mumbai is not as daunting as one might think. The city’s residents are known for their incredible kindness towards strangers, their warm and welcoming attitude and their willingness to help.

Although the city once held a reputation for the poor treatment of women, most people in Mumbai act with respect and encourage the same of others – and so any sort of unwelcoming behaviour is becoming less and less welcome in the city.

Mumbai is an increasingly popular destination for expatriates to live and work – and with so much to offer, this is no surprise. If you are after a truly effortless transition, allowing Thesqua.re to help you find the best serviced apartments in Mumbai is an excellent way to start your journey.