Moving To Mumbai For Work? Here's Everything You Need To Know

Finding the ideal residence in Mumbai that aligns with your lifestyle, commute, and budget is no joke. We suggest downloading renting apps for quick and efficient spotting of the ideal properties for you. Here are a few options to consider.

Nestaway: Ranging from single occupancy to entire flats, Nestaway has the best of all options. Their fully furnished flats come equipped with all essential amenities, provided to you in advance. All you have to do is discover your ideal property, schedule a walk-through from the app, and you're all set. Download the app here.

NoBroker: Whether you are searching for a flat, PG or hostel, NoBroker has you covered. This platform offers useful filters, allowing you to set your budget, preferred location, and desired amenities. With its user-friendly interface and a diverse range of options, NoBroker assures you a new home within a few days. Download the app here.

Mumbai is notoriously known for its high cost of living, and with newer opportunities and a growing population, it's going up at an exponential level. While localities like Bandra, South Bombay, and Santa Cruz are ridiculously expensive, Navi Mumbai and Thane can give you some respite. You can easily expect a rental cost ranging from INR 15K to 50K depending on your lifestyle. Be prepared to get your pockets hurt because affordable and Mumbai rarely go hand in hand.

Locality Research: Calculate the distance from your workplace, and accessibility to local markets, healthcare services, and transport facilities before finalising the deal.

Property Inspection: Do not proceed with the agreement without a thorough inspection of the property. Ranging from infrastructure, electricity, and water connections to safety issues, ensure to tick all the checkboxes.

Rental Agreement: Getting tricked in this bustling city of Mumbai is not a rare scenario. To prevent this, examine the clauses and terms of the rental agreement attentively. Notice period, termination grounds, society maintenance, and security deposits are some key aspects to consider.

Mumbai’s traffic is world famous. While some days you will make fun of it, on the others it can put you in serious troubles. To avoid waiting for hours in jam-packed roads, avail the local transportation facilities of Mumbai. Metro and local trains are the best for daily commuters. However, if roads are unavoidable, always allocate an extra buffer hour before leaving home.

We've seen the Mumbai local trains countless times in many iconic movies. The Mumbai Suburban Railway System connects the opposite ends of this city together. While the crowd may seem intimidating, and the trains might look confusing to a first-timer, local trains make conveyance much easier once you get the hang of it. Here is a list of everything you need to know about the local trains in Mumbai before you hop on to one.  

The local trains in Mumbai operate along four major routes, each spreading over an area of 100 kilometres.

Central Line: Marked in blue, this line runs from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in South Mumbai to the outer southeast and northeast areas of the city like Dadar, Kurla and Mulund. Despite having fewer stops, this line tends to be more crowded during rush hours. 

Western Line: Passing through more affluent areas and offering frequent and reliable services, this line marked in yellow is esteemed as the superior route. The local trains operating on this line run from Churchgate in South Mumbai to the outer north.

The Harbour Line:  This line also operates from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, and covers Mumbai's eastern dock area, Navi Mumbai and Panvel. Denoted through pink and green colours, avoid using this line until absolutely necessary. 

Thane-Vashi-CBD Belapur-Panvel Line:  This route is marked in orange and is also called the trans-harbour line. The line connects Thane to Navi Mumbai and is managed by the Central Railway The line starts at Thane and ends at Belapur CBD station. 

Timings: 4.15 AM to 1 AM

Most Crowded: 7 AM to 11 AM and 5 PM to 10 PM on weekdays

Divided into first and second class, you can get your tickets for Mumbai locals according to your budget and preference. Based on the comfort, order, and space provided in the first-class compartments, their tickets are of relatively higher price. First-class passengers also enjoy the privilege of bypassing long queues, cushioned seats, and a smooth journey. 

You can either book your tickets from conventional ticket counters, automated vending machines or Apps like UTS. 

Ticket counters: You have the option to join the queue and obtain your tickets through the traditional method using cash. However, this approach can be time-consuming and demanding of considerable effort. Consider purchasing a rechargeable smart card to make your travels faster. 

Automated vending machines: Select your desired destination, make your payment through UPI, and you are all set to get your ticket. Individuals with smart cards can also retrieve their tickets from these pre-fed machines.

UTS: Take a step ahead and book unreserved tickets using your smartphone. An official ticketing application of the Indian Railways, UTS helps you book your tickets in a few clicks. Available in both paper and paperless formats, UTS tickets make your journey easier than ever before. Download the app here.

Ticket Cost: INR 5 to 30 for second class and INR 50 - 210 for first class

Another one of those quintessential Mumbai things, the iconic black and yellow taxis or the popular kali-peeli can be seen everywhere in Mumbai. With 58,000 of them running in Mumbai, these taxis are a reliable source for commuting around the city and can be spotted outside metro stations, railway stations or any other major landmarks.

Cost By Day: Base fee of INR 99 inclusive of 4 Km

Kilometre price: INR 21

Waiting time per hour: INR 120

Cost By Night (10 PM to 4 AM and 10 AM to 5 PM): Base fee of INR 99 inclusive of 4 Km

Kilometre price: INR 19

Waiting time per hour: INR 120

LBB-Tip: Consider using a Go By Taxi fare calculator to prevent any confusion or getting tricked.

If you are a newcomer trying to find your way through the city, M-Indicator is an essential app to have on your smartphone. Dispensing the timetables of the Mumbai metro, bus service,  monorail, express trains, auto and taxi services, this app makes your local commute quick and hassle-free. You can download the app here.

Offering the most convenient and punctual commute services, Shuttl is the perfect app for all working professionals. Book your ride in a few easy steps with the guaranteed promise of a comfortable seat, cashless payment, safe rides, and sanitised buses. You can download the app here.

Besides being a hub for working professionals and a city where dreams come to reality, Mumbai is renowned for its diverse and vibrant culinary offerings. Ranging from local food stalls to lavish bars, you will find an endless array of dining options in this city.

Just like its diverse population, Mumbai has an array of dishes that originated out of its cosmopolitanism. Home to historically famous food and globally recognized food stalls, you can't miss out on Mumbai's iconic local dishes. Budget-friendly and delicious, vada pav, bun maska, Frankies, and pav bhaji are some of the must-try local delicacies.

Must-visit places: Graduate Vada Pav, Yazdani Bakery, Narayan Snack Parlour, Aai Krupa Fast Food

Cost: Starts at INR 25

Whether looking for the perfect place for your birthday celebration, a dinner date, a girls' night out, or a solo brunch, Mumbai’s cafes will not disappoint you. Ranging from cute breakfast places to luxurious dining settings, this city has it all.

Must-visit places: The Table, Bastian, The Bombay Canteen, O Pedro, Masque

Cost for two: INR 1000 - INR 6000

Thinking that your party scenes will go dead after shifting to Mumbai? Impossible. With late-night party clubs, exclusive bars, and an ensuring sense of safety, Mumbai has one of the most dazzling nightlife in the country. So, if your thoughts are constantly consumed by dancing and parties, the bars and clubs in this bustling city are sure to leave you delighted.

Must-try places: Kitty Su, Playboy, Exo, Shiro, Matahaari

Cost for two: INR 2000 - INR 6000

Whether having a bad day at work or just overwhelmed by the reality of everything, a glass of wine and your favourite show can fix it all. Consider ordering from these top-notch wine shops that deliver directly to your doorsteps.

Established in 1970, Living Liquidz offers premium quality wine that tastes like magic. Utilise filters on their website based on region, country, brand, and other criteria to find your perfect match. Their quick service and safe packaging are the cherry on the top. You can order your favourite spirits here. 

Cost: INR 330 - INR 4250

With an extensive range of 200+ wines, both local and imported, Wine Park is the best shop for ordering wine in Mumbai. To ensure a smooth browsing experience, the wines on their website are categorised by type, style, country, region, producer, and special features. You can order them here. 

Cost: INR 1595 - INR 12,595