Autorickshaws
The only way to get around. Mostly available, accommodating and honest. The odd opportunist is to be expected. Plenty of autos in Central Bangalore. Getting one in a residential area late at night is difficult. Do not pay over the meter unless you want to tip (See "Tipping" section). After 10 PM autos generally charge 50% over the meter. They may charge extra to go to remote areas.

If invited for a 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 price in advance and tell the driver clearly what time you will expect to return. Restaurants will help you to get autos.

Private Taxis
Check under "Car Rentals". We try to be careful about the quality of services we list and don't list services that we are not satisfied or the users have complained about.

Buses
Avoidable(except for residents). Erratic service. Never punctual. Very rude conductors and rash drivers. But wait!! there are always exceptions. In this case its Cauvery, very recently introduced by the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation, especially for tourists.

Tipping
This is indicative advice. In restaurants and hotels, tips are pooled and shared by all working staff. Be generous - most service people run their lives on tips more than salaries. When in doubt, 10% of the bill amount will do nicely. Remember we are not a rich city and anything of gratitude is appreciated.

	Fancy restaurants - 10%.
	Not so fancy restaurants and pubs - 10% (max Rs.100/-).
	Cafes - Rs.10/-.
	Autorikshaws - All small change (plus Rs.2/- if the driver was nice).
	Hotel Staff - Depends on how happy you are.
	Drivers - Rs.20/- for lunch and dinner each, plus gratuity depending on how much you liked the driving.
	Attendants - Rs.5/-.

Tip more if you can afford it. It won't go unrewarded.

Bargaining
When buying in bulk, ask for discount - shopkeepers do oblige. Otherwise, fixed price is (sadly) the convention. When buying from roadside or hawkers cut down the price at least by 25 to 40%. These guys generally over price the items.

Phones
Carry a lot of Re.1/- coins for pay phones. Or look for the"STD/ISD" signs. Pay per computer printout. The GPO (posts) and the CTO (phones) on Cubbon road are efficient and open from 10.00 - 19.00 hours from Monday to Saturday and till 13.30 hours on Sun.

Dress
Informal. Skimpily dressed women(no matter how normal by western standards) will be stared at. Wear jeans or skirts and you won't feel uncomfortable unless you are very beautiful. Suits for business meetings.

Etiquette
Bangaloreans are informal. But in some homes you must take off your shoes before entering. A pile of shoes at the front door is a good indication. No footwear in temples.

Invitations
It is fashionable to be late in Bangalore. If you are invited at 8 PM, it's expected you won't arrive till 9 PM. Wine(extremely expensive) is not commonly drunk. Mixed drinks are popular. People generally drink until dinner is served(often not till midnight). Good idea to grab a bite before you go. Dinner also signals the end of the party. So it isn't impolite to eat and run.

Eating Out
Bars close at 11 PM (last orders by 10.30 PM). Some restaurants stay open till midnight. Eating out after pub closing is best in a 24 hour coffee shop in bigger hotels. (See our restaurants section for more info)

Health
Drink mineral water or aerated drinks(or beer). Toilet paper may not be always available. So 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 reliable and safe.

One Last Word of Advice
Smile :-) . It will make every one feel better.