Climate and Clothing
The best time to visit Hyderabad is winter or spring, from September through February. Temperatures during this period range between 15°-30°C. The rest of the year tends to be hot, with temperatures going up to 45°C in May and early June. Avoid going out in summer, as the dry heat can be unpleasant. The monsoon months ranging from mid June to August are relatively pleasant, though wet. Cottons are ideal all the year round, though blended fabrics can be worn in winter. A light sweater or wrap in winters during the morning and evening hours is handy, but no heavy woolens are needed.

Auto rickshaws

Autos are by and large the easiest and most economical mode of transport. Tourists should be wary, as there's always the chance of being (if you'll pardon the pun) taken for a ride! However, this doesn't happen often. But knowing how far you intend to travel - in advance - is a good way to avoid unpleasantness.

Private Taxis

Taxis are not widely used in Hyderabad although prepaid taxis are available at the airport, Secunderabad and Nampally railway stations. You can certainly arrange for taxi services from your hotel's travel desk.

Buses

There are two types of city bus services; ordinary Road Transport Corporation buses and the Metro Liners, operated by the APSRTC between 0500-2300 daily. RTC buses are crowded during rush hour. Metro Liners are comfortable but seats are limited. Metro Liners aren't available everywhere, so it's a good idea to check the route chart before you set out to see if there is service available.

Bargaining

Bargaining is the norm if you're shopping on the street. Ask for a bulk discount if you're buying a lot in a particular shop. Many shopkeepers will oblige, but in proper shops expect to pay fixed prices.

Returns and Exchanges

Most shopkeepers are obliging as far as exchanging items you've bought. But remember to keep all your bills. Each shop sets its own exchange policies and before you leave a store, it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with this. Usually, 7 days is the limit.

Phones

Carry a lot of change. To use a public phone booth you need coins worth Rs 1.25. Look out for booths that say STD/ISD which dot the entire city. Here you can make local as well as international calls. You pay what's written on the computer printout that immediately follows your phone call.

Dress

Informal. Skimpily dressed women (no matter how normal by western standards) will be stared at. Wear jeans or a salwar kameez and you won't feel uncomfortable. Suits or sarees are good for business meetings.

Etiquette

Most Hyderabadis respect convention. In most homes you'll have to take off your shoes before entering. No footwear in most places of worship.

Invitations

Try being on time for dinners and parties. Punctuality is expected for business dinners and weddings. Wine is not commonly offered at parties. Most people drink whisky and beer. People drink until dinner is served. Dinner also indicates the end of the party, hence it is not impolite to eat and leave.

Eating out

Hyderabad doesn't have too many pubs and bars. The ones that do exist down their shutters at 2300; last order is at 2245. Most restaurants also close down at 2300. But if you are hungry after these hours, you could have a bite at one of the 24-hour coffee shops in the bigger hotels.

Health

Drink mineral water or aerated drinks. Avoid cold milk and milk-based drinks. Cooked food is generally safe. Avoid raw salads and cut fruits. Eating whole fruit is fine. Cholera and Typhoid inoculations are recommended. A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required for all (including infants) those who have passed through Africa, Latin America and certain Pacific Island nations.

Visitors without these certificates are subject to quarantine for a minimum period of 6 days. Anti malarial pills and mosquito repellents are available at all chemists.

Buy disposable needles for any shots you are advised to take. Toilet paper may not always be available, so carry a roll.

The city is full of beggars, but instead of giving money, how about cookies, bananas or sweets?

Although a relatively safe city, a certain degree of precaution is prudent. Don't flash wads of notes. If in doubt, check routes in advance. Leave valuables, passport in the hotel safe or with someone you trust.

One last word of advice

Smile! It will make everyone feel better.
Have fun in Hyderabad.