Staying in Hyderabad, India
Hyderabad is one of India's most dynamic and fast-growing cities, situated in the state of Telangana in south-central India. The city has established itself as a global hub for information technology, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and financial services. Home to the Indian operations of Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and a host of major multinationals, alongside world-class research institutions and innovation parks, Hyderabad attracts professionals from across the globe. Beyond its corporate credentials, the city offers a rich cultural heritage, from the iconic Charminar and the grandeur of Golconda Fort to a cuisine scene that has earned it an international reputation. For the international business traveller, Hyderabad combines serious commercial infrastructure with genuine warmth and hospitality.
Weather in Hyderabad
Hyderabad enjoys a warm climate for much of the year, though seasonal variation is worth understanding before your visit. Summers (March to May) are the hottest period, with temperatures frequently reaching 38–40°C, outdoor activities are best planned for early morning or evening during these months. Our serviced apartments in Hyderabad include air conditioning as standard, which is particularly valuable during the summer months.
The monsoon season runs from June through September, bringing welcome relief from the heat alongside moderate to heavy rainfall; carrying a compact umbrella is advisable, and some localised flooding can occur during heavy downpours.
The post-monsoon months of October and November are particularly pleasant, with mild temperatures and clear skies making this one of the best times to visit for business. Winter (December to February) is comfortable and dry, with daytime temperatures typically between 20°C and 28°C and cooler evenings, a light jacket is useful for early mornings and nights. Unlike northern Indian cities, Hyderabad does not experience the dense fog or severe air pollution that can affect Delhi and Gurugram during winter, making it a more straightforward destination year-round.
Currency in Hyderabad
Indian Rupee (₹)
The Indian Rupee is the official currency. Card payments are widely accepted across restaurants, shopping centres, and most business districts. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, particularly around HITEC City, Gachibowli, and the Financial District. International Visa and Mastercard cards work reliably. We recommend informing your bank before travel to avoid any interruption to access and bear in mind conversion rates and additional costs.
Taking some cash is advisable — it is useful for street food, smaller shops, auto-rickshaws, and tipping. Note that there are limits on how much foreign currency can be brought into India. Carrying small denominations (₹10, ₹20, and ₹50 notes) will make day-to-day transactions easier.
Health & Wellbeing in Hyderabad
As with all major Indian cities, tap water is not recommended for drinking. Bottled or filtered water should be used throughout your stay, and caution is advisable with ice and fresh produce from street vendors. Staying well hydrated is particularly important during the summer months.
For those wishing to maintain a fitness routine, Hyderabad offers a good range of options. KBR National Park, a 400-acre forest reserve in the heart of the city, is popular with joggers and walkers and provides a genuine natural escape within easy reach of the main business districts. The Hussain Sagar Lake, one of the city's most recognisable landmarks, offers a scenic setting for an evening walk. Some of our top-quality serviced apartments in Hyderabad include on-site fitness facilities, and many feature swimming pools, a welcome addition during the warmer months.
Data in Hyderabad
Hyderabad has strong mobile connectivity, with 4G widely available across the city and 5G coverage growing rapidly in business and residential areas. SIM cards from providers including Airtel, Jio, and Vi (Vodafone Idea) are available on arrival at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. Prepaid plans are affordable, straightforward to activate, and offer significantly better value than international roaming for stays of more than a few days, bring your passport and a passport photo to set one up. eSIM options are available through select providers for those who prefer not to swap physical cards. For those who prefer to arrange connectivity before travelling, international eSIMs can be purchased from providers such as Airalo or Holafly ahead of your trip
Plug Type in Hyderabad
India uses Type C, D, and M plugs. Type D, a three-pin round plug in a triangular formation, is the most commonly encountered in Hyderabad. The standard voltage is 230V. Most serviced apartments provide universal adapters or multi-socket points, but packing a travel adapter is advisable if you are arriving from the UK, US, or continental Europe.
Emergency Contact Numbers in Hyderabad
- 112 — All-purpose national emergency number (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
- 100 — Police
- 101 — Fire
- 102 — Ambulance
- 1091 — Women's Helpline
- 040-27852458 — Hyderabad Tourist Police
Cuisine in Hyderabad
Hyderabad is one of India's most celebrated food cities, and its culinary reputation extends well beyond the country's borders. The city's signature dish Hyderabadi biryani, is arguably the most famous biryani in India, slow-cooked with fragrant spices, saffron, and either mutton or chicken, and a must-try for any visitor. Other local specialities include haleem (a slow-cooked meat and lentil dish awarded a Geographical Indication tag), double ka meetha (a rich bread pudding dessert), and Irani chai served with Osmania biscuits, a legacy of the city's Persian-influenced Nizami heritage best enjoyed at one of the many traditional Irani cafés scattered across the old city.
Beyond its traditional food culture, Hyderabad's dining scene caters comprehensively to an international workforce. HITEC City and Gachibowli are home to a strong range of restaurants spanning Indian regional cuisines, Japanese, Italian, Lebanese, and continental options. The city's many shopping malls, including Inorbit Mall and Forum Sujana Mall, house well-regarded food courts and restaurants, making them convenient options for business lunches or evening dining close to the main corporate districts. Vegetarian options are plentiful across the city. Menus in most restaurants use the standard Indian green dot (vegetarian) and red dot (non-vegetarian) system.
Language and Key Phrases in Hyderabad
Telugu is the official language of Telangana and the primary spoken language in Hyderabad, alongside Urdu which has deep historical roots in the city's Nizami heritage. In practice, English is widely used across business, hospitality, and retail settings. Learning a few words of Telugu or Urdu, however, is always warmly appreciated by locals.
Telugu:
- Namaskaram (nah-mah-ska-ram) — Hello / Greetings
- Dhanyavaadalu — Thank you
- Avunu / Kadu — Yes / No
- Ela unnaru? — How are you?
- Veltanu — Goodbye
Urdu (commonly used in Hyderabad):
- Adaab — Respectful greeting
- Shukriya — Thank you
- Khuda Hafiz — Goodbye
Transport in Hyderabad
Hyderabad has a well-developed transport network, though traffic congestion during peak hours, typically 8.30–10.30am and 6–9pm, is worth factoring into your daily planning.
- Hyderabad Metro Rail: The city's metro network is modern and air-conditioned, covering key commercial corridors including Ameerpet, Begumpet, Miyapur, and and HITEC City via the Blue Line . It is the most reliable and comfortable option for commuting between central areas during peak hours and accepts both tokens and smart travel cards.
- App-Based Cabs: Uber and Ola are widely available and reliable across Hyderabad, including to and from the main business districts of HITEC City and Gachibowli. These are the most practical option for door-to-door travel and airport transfers and operate on a cashless basis. Auto-rickshaws are convenient for shorter journeys within local areas.
- Airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is located approximately 40–60 minutes from key business districts such as HITEC City and Gachibowli via the Outer Ring Road, one of the city's most efficient arterial routes. Pre-booking a cab is recommended for arrivals, particularly during peak hours.
For business travellers visiting Hyderabad we recommend downloading the Hyderabad Metro Rail app for route maps and real-time information. For business parks such as the Financial District and Gachibowli not directly served by the metro, Uber and Ola remain the most consistent and straightforward option.
Business Culture in Hyderabad
In business settings, a handshake is the standard greeting, though you may encounter a Namaste, particularly when greeting more traditional or senior counterparts, which is best returned in kind. Professional attire is expected in corporate environments; conservative and formal dress is the norm.
Hyderabad's business culture places a premium on relationship-building. Taking time to engage personally before moving to the business at hand is not merely courteous, it is often essential to building the trust that underpins successful working relationships. Punctuality is respected, though some flexibility in timekeeping is common among local counterparts.
Hyderabad has a significant Muslim population, and Islamic customs are woven into the fabric of daily life in parts of the city, particularly the old city area around Charminar. Modest dress is advisable when visiting religious sites, and an awareness of prayer times, particularly on Fridays, is helpful when scheduling meetings in certain areas.
Women travelling alone will find Hyderabad a welcoming city overall. As with any major urban environment, using app-based cabs rather than hailing vehicles on the street is recommended, particularly after dark.
Hyderabad City Map:
Sights in Hyderabad
Hyderabad has a cultural and historical offering that sets it apart from most other Indian corporate destinations. The Charminar, a 16th-century monument and mosque at the heart of the old city, is the city's defining landmark and worth visiting for the surrounding bazaars and street food scene alone. Golconda Fort, a vast medieval fortification on the city's western edge, offers impressive architecture and panoramic views and is manageable as an evening or weekend visit. The Salar Jung Museum, one of India's largest national museums, houses an eclectic collection of art, manuscripts, and artefacts spanning multiple civilisations and continents.
For a more contemporary experience, Hussain Sagar Lake and its surrounding promenade offer a pleasant evening setting, with boat trips to the monolithic Buddha statue in the centre of the lake. KBR National Park provides an unexpected natural retreat within the city, popular with joggers and birdwatchers particularly in the cooler morning hours.
The old city area around Charminar and Laad Bazaar is best explored on foot and is most lively in the late afternoon and early evening, an ideal way to experience the city's character after a day of meetings.
At SilverDoor, we specialise in sourcing premium serviced apartments in Hyderabad for international business travellers and assignees. With over 25 years of experience in corporate accommodation, our dedicated account managers understand the demands of working in one of India's fastest-growing cities. Browse our serviced apartments in Hyderabad, or contact us to discuss your requirements.
