Pick Your Base- BOM

Coordinates: 19.0760° N, 72.8777° E

Region: West

ICAO Code: VABB

IATA Code: BOM

Runways: 09/27, 14/32

If you are someone who is considering taking up Mumbai as your base, you are in the right place. I have lived in Mumbai for most of my life and it was only after I moved away, I truly realized the beauty of this “CITY OF DREAMS”

Let’s dive into the specifics of how you can make the transition into Mumbai seemless.

Connectivity

Air Travel: As a crew member, your proximity to the airport is crucial. Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) is the primary hub which has 2 terminals- Terminal 1 near Santacruz East and Terminal 2 near Vile Parle East. When looking for accommodation, neighborhoods like Andheri East, Vile Parle, Santacruz, and Powai are ideal due to their close proximity to the airport, reducing your commute time significantly. These areas are well-developed and full of crew from all over.

Local Transport: Mumbai has an extensive and efficient public transport network:

• Mumbai Suburban Railway: The lifeline of the city, the local trains are the quickest way to travel across the city. Andheri and Vile Parle are on the Western Line, making them convenient if you need to commute to other parts of the city. Unfortunately, you cannot buy online tickets as yet but a monthly pass is available for purchase at the station.

• Mumbai Metro: The Metro Line 1 (Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar) is another excellent option, connecting Western and Central Mumbai. The upcoming Metro lines will further enhance connectivity.

·        BEST Buses and Auto-rickshaws: These are readily available and are a convenient mode of last-mile connectivity. The buses are well-connected, and auto-rickshaws are easily accessible in most areas.

·        Ride-Sharing: Apps like Uber and Ola are widely used and are a reliable alternative to public transport, especially for late-night travel or when carrying heavy luggage.

·        Private Bus: There are apps like Chalo Bus which provide comfortable airconditioned buses for pre-determined routes.

People, Culture & Language

Mumbai is a melting pot of cultures, and its people are known for their resilience and warmth. The city is incredibly diverse, with residents from all parts of India and abroad. As a crew member, you’ll find Mumbai to be cosmopolitan, where people are generally open-minded and respectful of different cultures and lifestyles. English is widely spoken, along with Hindi and Marathi and so many other regional languages, so communication is never an issue.

Mumbai can be extremely fast-paced for an outsider, so if you are initially lost, you’re not alone.  Safety-wise, Mumbai is one of the BEST cities to live in. Roads are bustling with crowds, even late in the night. However, it is always advisable to be cautious of your surroundings.

Payment apps like Gpay and PayPal are widely used from rickshaws to vegetable vendors.

Essential Apps

To make your life easier in Mumbai, here are some must-have apps:

• Zomato/Swiggy: For food delivery from a wide range of restaurants.

• Eat Club: My personal go-to app for ordering daily meals. This app gives you free delivery and is subscription based.

• Google Maps: Essential for navigating the city’s complex roads and public transport.

• M-indicator: A must for train timings, routes, and other public transport-related information.

• Mumbai 1: For pre-booking metro tickets.

• Paytm/Google Pay: For digital payments, which are widely accepted.

• Urban Company: For at-home services like cleaning, maintenance, and beauty treatments.

• BigBasket/Dunzo: For grocery and package deliveries.

• Housing.com/99acres: To find rental properties.

• BookMyShow: For movies, activities, stand-ups

Accommodation and Rent

When working as a crew member, living close to the airport is key to minimizing your commute and ensuring you're never too far from work. Here are some areas to consider:

• Andheri East: A popular choice among airline staff, Andheri East offers a mix of affordable and mid-range housing options. The area is well-connected to the airport and other parts of Mumbai.

• Vile Parle: Located even closer to the airport, Vile Parle is ideal if you prefer being just minutes away from the terminal. The area is more residential and slightly more expensive than Andheri East.

• Santacruz: Another close option to the airport, Santacruz offers a mix of budget-friendly and upscale housing options. It’s also well-connected to the Western and Harbour lines of the suburban railway.

Rent Range:

• 1 BHK (Bedroom-Hall-Kitchen): ₹30,000 to ₹50,000 per month, depending on the area and amenities.

• 2 BHK: ₹50,000 to ₹80,000 per month.

• Hostels: There are plenty of hostels in close proximity to the airport. You can find some great ones here

Shared accommodations are also common and can significantly reduce costs. Many crew members opt for shared flats or PG (paying guest) accommodations in these areas.

Final Tips

1. Adjusting to the Weather: Mumbai’s climate is humid, with a heavy monsoon season. Be prepared for frequent rains between June and September and carry appropriate gear.

2. Safety: Mumbai is relatively safe, but like any big city, it's important to be cautious, especially late at night. Stick to well-lit areas and use trusted transport options.

3. Socializing: Join local expat or crew communities on social media to connect with others who can offer advice and support. I follow these guys to know about upcoming events.

Moving to Mumbai as a crew member can be a seamless experience with the right preparation. This guide should help you settle into your new life in the city, allowing you to focus on your exciting career in aviation. Safe travels and happy flying!