American Express
The office is near the Jehangir Art Gallery at Kala Ghoda (Trade Wings Ltd., 30 K Dubash Marg, Kala Ghoda;
022/6634-4334
). Hours are Monday to Saturday 10:30am to 6pm.
Area Code
The area code for
Mumbai
is
022.
ATMs
Undoubtedly the most convenient way to get local currency, ATMs are to be found throughout the city, most of them with 24-hour security guards. Your best bet for a quick transaction is to head for an ATM belonging to either HDFC, HSBC, ICICI, SBI, or Standard Chartered.
Bookstores
Crossword Bookstore
(Mohammedbhai Mansion, Kemps Corner, below flyover;
022/2384-2001
through -2004) has a Western ambience and Mumbai’s largest selection of books. Alternatively, stop at
Shankar’s Book Stall
(
92-2411-1790
), a tiny stall just outside Café Mondegar, Colaba Causeway; or at
Strand Book Stall
(Sir PM Rd., Fort;
022/2266-1994
or -1719), which offers books at great discounts. Inside the Taj Mahal Hotel is
Nalanda
(
022/2287-1306
), a good spot to shop for coffee-table books and travel-related selections.
Car Hires
See “Getting Around,” below.
Consulates
U.S.:
Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Rd., Breach Candy (
022/2363-3611
through -3618; Mon–Fri 8:30am–1pm and 1:45–5pm; closed second and last Fri of the month and on Indian and American national holidays).
U.K.:
Second Floor, Maker Chambers IV, 222 Jamnalal Bajaj Rd., Nariman Point (
022/6650-2222;
Mon–Thurs 8am–4pm and Fri 8am–1pm).
Australia:
36 Maker Chambers VI, 220 Nariman Point (
022/6669-2000;
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm).
Canada:
Sixth Floor, Fort House, 221 D.N. Rd., Fort (
022/6749-4444;
Mon–Thurs 9am–5:30pm; Fri 9am–3pm).
South Africa:
Gandhi Mansion, 20 Altamount Rd., Cumbala Hill, near Kemp’s Corner (
022/2351-3725/6;
Mon–Fri 8:30am–5pm).
Currency Exchange
Thomas Cook India
is located in the Thomas Cook Building, Dr. D. Naoroji Road, Fort (
022/2204-8556
), and is open Mon–Sat 9:30am–6pm. Or head to the American Express Office (details above).