Bangalore, India

• Bangalore (officially Bengaluru) is India's tech hub with over 14 million people. The elevation keeps it slightly cooler than most Indian cities, though summer still gets hot. The big draw is the cafe culture - there are coffee shops everywhere, and it's normal to see people working on laptops or eating alone. In neighborhoods like Indiranagar and Koramangala, English is widely spoken, which makes things easier than in most Indian cities.
• Safety depends heavily on which neighborhood you're in and what time it is. The city quiets down after 10-11pm, and locals generally avoid public transport after dark. The metro has women-only compartments, and there are Pink Hoysala patrol vehicles (103) specifically for women's safety.
• Food ranges from traditional South Indian breakfast places to microbreweries and international restaurants. The startup scene means lots of young professionals and expats in certain areas, but it's still India - expect crowds, traffic, and significant differences between touristy neighborhoods and local ones.

English is common in upscale neighborhoods, tech areas, and among younger people. Kannada is the main local language. Tamil and Telugu are also spoken. Emergency services (112) and Women Helpline (1091) have English-speaking operators.

• Dress conservatively - cover shoulders and knees. In areas like Indiranagar, Koramangala, and MG Road, Western clothing is more accepted, but other neighborhoods expect modest dress. Revealing clothing will attract unwanted attention.
• English is common in upscale neighborhoods and among younger people, but learn basic phrases: 'namaste' (hello), 'dhanyavaad' (thank you), 'swalpa' (a little). South Indian culture differs from North India - the main local language is Kannada, with Tamil and Telugu also spoken.
• Remove shoes in temples, homes, and some restaurants. Avoid public displays of affection. Respect for elders matters - watch your tone and body language with older people.
• Solo dining in cafes is completely normal - people spend hours working or reading alone. Lunch is typically 12-2pm, dinner after 7pm. Tipping 10% is appreciated but not required.

• The Namma Metro runs 5:30 AM to 11 PM with women-only compartments. It's the fastest way around and the Purple Line connects major areas. You can buy metro cards at stations.
• BMTC buses cover the whole city and have designated women-only seats, but they get extremely crowded during rush hours. Pickpocketing is common on packed buses. They're reliable during the day but avoid them after dark.
• Uber and Ola work well and are safer than random auto-rickshaws, especially late. Pink Taxis are driven by women for female passengers, though fares are higher. Share your live location when using ride-hailing at night.
• Walking is fine in Indiranagar, Koramangala, and around Cubbon Park during the day. The city gets very quiet after 10-11pm - stick to well-lit main roads and don't walk alone late at night.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

Explore Bangalore with local guides and curated experiences.