TRANSPORT - GETTING AROUND

There are a bunch of ways to get around the city: the Metro, Uber and other ride-share services and importantly, autorickshaws.

METRO: It’s still being built and several sections are yet to open. But for visitors, the important route is the (purple) line between MG Road and Indiranagar—the two main areas for shopping and restaurants–and the green line to connect the industrial areas to the city centre. The trains are easy to use, clean and reasonably frequent.

RIDESHARE APPS: Uber and a few other services exist. You can book cars (of different sizes, auto rickshaws and two-wheelers (scooters and motorcycles.) They are app-based and prices are determined on the app. Try scheduling a trip. Watch out for cancellations during rush hour (or—for reasons we cannot fathom, rain). Also, ensure you use Google Maps in this guide for the route. A surprising number of the rideshare drivers are new to town and might not know the most iconic places.

AUTO RICKSHAWS: Iconic to Bangalore and the most affordable way to get around the city. Most auto drivers know the city well. (We cannot say the same for rideshare drivers.)

There are plenty of autos in Central Bangalore and they are more than enthusiastic to get business from tourists. And this means, expect the opportunist who wants to charge you in excess of the meter. You may insist on paying by the meter (which is the law). But again, you might want to consider the extra amount that they ask for as a tip. (We cannot recommend that you pay these friendly guys anything over the top…officially.)

Getting an auto in a residential area late at night might be difficult. After 10 pm, autos generally charge double on the meter. Also, they may charge extra to go to remote areas—on the consideration that they may not get a fare back on the return.

If invited for dinner, do not hesitate to ask your host to drop you back or arrange a ride. Bangaloreans usually go out of their way. If a taxi is too expensive, hire an auto for the round trip - fix a price in advance and tell the auto driver clearly what time you will expect to return. Restaurants will help you get an auto.

PRIVATE TAXIS: Look for private 'Car Rentals'. We try to be careful about the quality of the services we list and don't list services that readers have complained about. 

BUSES: While buses are generally reliable, they are not very visitor-friendly, so it's best to leave them to residents.

TIPPING

Tips are not mandatory, but they are appreciated in restaurants and for hotel staff. In restaurants, tips are pooled and shared among the staff. A tip of 10-15% is generous. For hotel staff, Rs 100 (US$ 1.50) per day of your stay per person is recommended. Tipping more is always appreciated.

Tip more if you can. Rack up those karma points.

SHOPPING

BARGAINING: When buying in bulk, ask for a discount. Shopkeepers do oblige. But this works only in small stores. 

RETURNS/EXCHANGES: Bangalore shops are very understanding. But remember to keep your purchase bills safe.

SOCIETY

DRESS: Informal. Jeans, T-shirts and sneakers are completely acceptable. A shirt with a collar is respectful at social gatherings. Suits or ties and jackets are not required at Bangalore business meetings; but if you are the big kahuna, go ahead and dress the part.

ETIQUETTE: Bangaloreans are an informal lot. But in some homes, you must take off your shoes before entering. A pile of shoes at the front door is a good indication. You cannot wear footwear in temples.

INVITATIONS: It is fashionable to be late in Bangalore. If you are invited at 8pm, it's expected that you won't arrive until 9pm. However, this is an old Bangalore thing and it is completely normal to ask your host if 8pm means 8pm.

Wine and/or flowers are a good thing to take along with you.

Another thing. At home parties, dinner is not served till late and usually signals the end of the party. So, it isn't impolite to eat and run. Also, if your dinner time is usually earlier, eat something before you go.

ON THE STREETS

HEALTH: Drink mineral water or aerated drinks. Tender coconut is available through the year and is packed with electrolytes. Toilet paper may not always be available everywhere. Carry a roll.

BEGGARS: Instead of giving them money, give them edibles, like cookies or bananas.

CRIME: Bangalore is relatively safe. The police confirm that organised crime is minuscule. Still, be careful. Don't flash wads of notes. If in doubt, check routes in advance. Leave valuables/ passports in the hotel safe ... or with someone safe.

HELPLINE: Call 112 if you need help. (It’s the Bangalore equivalent of 911.)

ONE LAST WORD OF ADVICE

Smile. It’ll make everyone feel better.