Good news for visitors - you don't need to speak in Tamil to manage your way through Chennai. English will do just fine. And in case you know any other language like Hindi, we still recommend you stick to English click here.

The city is hot and humid. So put away those suits, sweaters and scarves. Chennai has little use for them. We suggest light cottons instead click here.

Traffic in the city has, of late, turned unruly. So, if you are motoring down the streets, don't be surprised if pedestrians dart across without warning or motorists overtake from the wrong side.

* Dehydration: Replace body fluids, especially when engaging in Karnataka's many strenuous outdoor activities. If you feel symptoms such as intense thirst, dizziness and higher heart and breath rates, drink lots of fluids.

* Giardia: Hikers and backpackers should be sure to purify stream and lake waters before taking a sip. Cramps and diarrhea, symptomatic of the parasite Giardia, could result from injesting contaminated water.We recommend drinking mineral water and carrying an extra bottle along. When buying mineral water, be sure the seals are not tampered with.
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If you are looking at economical public transport, the In-city Bus service and the suburban Trains will prove ideal. But here again, this is only as long as you avoid the morning and evening rush hours.

Be warned - autorickshaw drivers here will demand more than the metered rate without batting an eyelid. At all times enter the autorickshaw only after you and the driver are in agreement as to what the fare should be (metered rate, a fixed sum or metered rate plus a few rupees extra). As much as possible, it is always better to hail a moving and vacant autorickshaw, than to try and pick one from a stand.

When you are eating out, usually last orders are taken by 10:30 pm and the restaurants close by 11 through the Cinderella hour. Likewise pubs close around 11:00 pm. Really late night dining is best done in a 24 hour coffee shop, in star hotels. To know more about some of the eatouts in Chennai, click here.

Asking for a discount is part of the shopping experience - you might be lucky and the shopkeepers may oblige. Otherwise the prices are more or less fixed at most places. Bargaining is a religion, if you happen to be shopping on the streets. Remember, it's a game you should both enjoy and if you get "swindled", you are contributing to the local economy!.