Mumbai: A rough guide

Mumbai lies on the south-western tip of India. It is India’s leading financial hub and the destination of approximately 13 per cent of workers to India. Mumbai’s cultural life reflects its ethnically diverse population, where among its population of 16.4million, people of almost every religion are to be found. Hinduism is the main religion and while English is spoken and understood, Hindu, Gujurati and Urdu are also widely used. Many first-time visitors to Mumbai will be struck both by the city’s extreme wealth as well as extreme poverty existing side by side.

The climate is generally humid, except for the months of December, January and early February. April and May are very hot and humid. The rainy season of June, July and August invariably cause major traffic problems and extended commuting times.

Cost of living:

Although prices will vary, especially for imported goods, for premium, Indian goods, expect to pay around:

Baked beans, one can: $0.90

Bread, white sliced loaf: $0.68

Cheese, one kilo cheddar: $11.25

Chicken, one medium roasting: $1.80

Eggs, one dozen: $ 0.68

Rice, one kilo: $1.80

Six-pack of Heineken beer: $15.75

Big Mac: $1.58

Leisure:

Expatriate club membership, annual (ie beach club and swimming pool at a 5-star hotel): $1,260.13

Cinema ticket: $3.38

Paperback book: $5.63

Round of golf: $22.50

Transport costs:

Litre of petrol: $1.17

Taxi fare per KM: $0.29

Bus fare to and from airport: $1.17

Taxi to and from airport: $7.88

Family life:

Babysitter, per hour: $4.50

Housekeeper, cleaner, per hour: $3.38

Full-time nanny/maid, per month: $135.01

School fees, international school or equivalent, annual fees excluding application, registration or other costs: $20,252.03

Useful links

www.mumbaibest.com

www.mumbainet.com

Information reproduced with the kind permission of Crown Relocations. For information, please see www.relocatingtoindia.com.

© 2007 of Re:locate magazine, published by Profile Locations, Spray Hill, Hastings Road, Lamberhurst, Kent TN3 8JB. All rights reserved. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of Profile Locations. Profile Locations accepts no liability for the accuracy of the contents or any opinions expressed herein.