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How to Get Big Discounts in Mumbai as a Tourist

How to Get Big Discounts in Mumbai as a Tourist

Mumbai is one of India’s most exciting cities. From luxury shopping malls and small roadside stalls to historic places like the Gateway of India and the busy lanes of Colaba, it has something for everyone.

But like many big cities, it can also be a bit expensive, especially for travellers. This is because in most places, tourists often pay more than locals, whether in markets, taxis, or when booking tours.

Luckily, there are always many smart ways to find big discounts and save money while still enjoying everything the city has to offer. If you know a few local tricks, you can get products and services for much less. Here are some tips;

Image: A photo of a large group of people standing in front of the iconic Gateway of India in Mumbai, featuring the massive stone archway towering above them.

Use Local Discount Apps

There are some great apps that locals use to get discounts, and tourists can use them too. Apps like Magicpin, Nearbuy, and Crown It offer deals on restaurants, salons, activities, and shopping. You can get coupons for buffets, discounts on spa services, or even cashbacks on your bill.

Just download the app, turn on your location, and see what offers are available near you. Zomato is another useful app for food. It shows you restaurant menus, reviews, and sometimes gives extra discounts when you use Zomato Pay. These apps are free and easy to use, and they can save you a lot of money over your trip.

 

Image: A photo of a woman wearing a white shirt, sitting comfortably on a couch with a laptop on her lap, looking very happy and pleased, smiling at what she is seeing on the screen.

Learn to Bargain

In many local markets and street shops in Mumbai, the prices are not fixed. Sellers expect you to bargain, so they often start with a high price. As a tourist, you might even be quoted a much higher price than a local.

If you see something you like, offer less than half of what they ask. The seller will usually laugh or say no, but they will often come back with a lower price. You can slowly agree on something in the middle. This works best in places like Colaba Causeway, Fashion Street, Linking Road, and Crawford Market. Just smile, be polite, and remember, if the price doesn’t feel right, walk away. There is a good chance you will find the same item at another stall nearby.

Use Ride Apps

Mumbai’s traffic is famous, and not in a good way. While local taxis and rickshaws are easy to find, they sometimes overcharge tourists. To avoid paying more than you should, use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Ola.

These apps show you the price before you book, so you know exactly what you are expected to pay. They are also safer and more comfortable than some of the old taxis, especially if you don’t speak Hindi or Marathi.

Look out for promo codes or first-time user offers. These can give you discounts on your first few rides. Also, if you are going a short distance, use bike taxi apps like Rapido. These are even cheaper and great for beating traffic.

Image: A photo of a person's hand holding a white phone showing an interface of a ride-hailing app on the screen, with a map and directions.

Conclusion

With these simple tips, you don’t need a big budget to enjoy Mumbai. As a tourist, learn how to bargain at local markets, using discount apps, and moving like a local. Try new things, explore areas beyond the tourist spots, and don’t be afraid to chat with locals. They often have the best tips on where to shop or eat cheaply. This will help you enjoy everything the city offers without spending too much.

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