Bangalore

As part of the Mozilla Community Space Initiative, Bangalore has been selected as one of the pilot city by Mozilla. The Mozilla Community Space Bangalore is a volunteer run community space and supported by Mozilla.

Usage Guidelines:

These are the proposed guidelines governing the proper usage and upkeep of the Community Space at Victoria Layout, Bangalore.

Selected Mozillians based in and around Bangalore will be the key holders of the space (biometrics identification; door security lock) to the community space.
Each of the Mozillian will be given unique access codes to the Community Space
The community space may be used by any member of the Mozilla India Community provided that he/she will be accompanied by a responsible 'Mozillian Key Holder'.
Mozillians who will use the community space will be treated as "guests" of the available Key Holder who will be with them.
The community space is open from 09:00AM to 11:00PM daily. Should there be a need to use the community space beyond (or even before) this timeframe, proper coordination must be done with the 'Space Wrangler' atleast 3 days ahead.
Food and beverages are for the expense of the users.
Please feel free to use the Pantry Area to avoid messing the working areas (and to avoid any untoward incidents like spilled liquids on laptops and devices, etc.)
The use of Meeting Rooms are on a First Come, First Served basis. Prior arrangement and reservation with the space host is a must.
Names of meeting/event attendees (non-ReMo) must be given to the 'Space Wrangler' for security & logistics reason.
Proudly wear a mozilla shirt when visiting the space :)
No Vehicle Parking is available.
Though we promote a collaborative and fun working environment, horseplaying is not allowed and will not be tolerated while inside the community space. Be mindful of the other tenants in the building.
Playing of loud music shall not be allowed.
The Mozilla India Community shall not be held liable for any damage to equipment or fixture done by any individual using the community space.
The Mozilla India Community shall not be held liable for any loss incurred during one's stay at the community space. All equipment and personal belongings are for the sole account of its owner.
Always help keep the space clean before and after a event/meetup.
Respect others privacy and time at the space.

Host Events/Meetups

Want to host a Mozilla meetup/ event/ workshop/ hackathon at the space? Please email: TBD

Events Calender

Directions

Google maps: http://bit.ly/mozspaceblr

Team

Owner: Vineel R. Pindi
Space Wrangler: Galaxy Kadiyala
Key Holders: Soumya Deb, Kaustav Das, Abhiram

Past Activities

06/17/14 - MozCoffee v5.0
07/05/14 - MozCoffee v6.0
07/10/14 - Bangalore Design Evenings
07/16/14 - MozCoffee v7.0
07/24/14 - Bangalore Design Evenings
07/25/14 - MozCoffee v8.0
08/02/14 - Maker Party Kickoff
08/14/14 - Bangalore Design Evenings
08/23/14 - Maker Party
08/28/14 - Bangalore Design Evenings
09/14/14 - Maker Party Closing Event
10/14/14 - MozCoffee v9.0
11/06/14 - MozCoffee v10.0
11/15/14 - FirefoxOS Intensive Workshop

Traveling to Bangalore

Passport/VISA Requirements

More info coming soon.

Domestic Travelers

Reach airport 60 minutes ahead of your Departure time
Carry Indian Government issued Photo Identity card
Carry a print out of the air ticket
If you have questions related to your travel like what to carry and what not to carry, please email events at mozillaindia dor org.

From the airport (KIAL/BLR) to Community Space (Victoria Layout, Austin Town)

Recommended Hotels

The Park

Wifi at the Community Space

SSID: Mozilla

Password: MozSpaceBLR

Food & Drinks

Mozilla will arrange food only when mentioned earlier as part of the events

International Travelers

Bengaluru International Airport (IATA: BLR), (ICAO: VOBL) is located in Devanahalli, 40 km (25 mi) from the central business district of Bangalore (MG Road) and 30 km (19 mi) from the Bangalore City Railway Station.

Immigration Process:
- Immigration check is done for all passengers, Indians or foreigners, both at the time of arrival and departure. The passports are duly stamped at arrival as well as departure. Passengers should be careful to see that their passports are duly stamped before leaving the immigration counter.
- All passengers, Foreigners as well as Indians, coming to India or departing from India are required to fill-up D (Disembarkation) Card and E (Embarkation) Cards on arrival and departure respectively. The following information is required to be provided by the passengers in these cards:

       Name and Sex
       Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Nationality
       Passport details viz. number, place and dates of issue/expiry.
       Visa details viz. number, place and dates of issue/expiry (for arriving foreigners only)
       Address in India
       Flight number and date of arrival/departure
       Occupation 
       Purpose of visit to/from India

Moving around with-in Bangalore

From the airport (KIA) to Bangalore city

Buses Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC)[27] operates buses from various points of the city every 15 min to the Bangalore International Airport (BLR). A total of 156 buses ply to and from the airport. 40 of these buses are air-conditioned Volvo buses, called Vayu Vajra. The cost for each trip in these buses ranges between Rs 50-250 depending on the distance. This is the cheapest and an extremely convenient way to get to the airport moreover, this service is available everyday, day and night. While taking this mode be aware that you will need some one to pick you up from the bus stop or you will need a auto rickshaw ride for the last mile.

Post-paid taxi KIA has selected Classic Cabs India(http://bangaloretaxis.com) to provide basic taxi services. The taxi operators will have basic A/C cars, all equipped with tracking devices to ensure safety and transparency. Both operators have professional call centres. Hence, guests traveling to the airport can call the cab call centres and a cab will pick them up and drop them at the airport. Meru Cabs have been reported to be highly un-reliable by users. They have been known to cancel the appointment at the last hour leaving the customer high and dry. The Meru Cab drivers do this if they find a better deal from a street pick up while they are on their way to an airport pick-up. For travelers arriving at the airport, there is a dedicated taxi holding area. The post paid taxi facility will be available on meter charges @ Rs 20/- per km (subject to Govt regulation). These are by far the best and most convenient mode of transport from the airport. It may cost you approximately Rs 600 to get to Bangalore's CBD. About Rs 700 to Koramangala.

Taxi Companies

Uber - Download App and just use. [Internet required]

Tel: (Ola) - +91 8033553355

Taxis are based right outside of the arrivals area. Official black and yellow Bangalore Airport taxi cabs should be used at all times. Reliable companies in operation here include include Ola Taxis and Uber Taxis.

The airport taxi meters in Bangalore start at a basic fare, but additional charges are usually made for luggage, late-night driving and travel on public holidays in Bangalore, so it can prove useful to ask the taxi driver about these before leaving. Taxis will carry a maximum of four passengers. Mostly they prefer cash and provide bills. Credit cards may not work. Cab drivers can speak and understand basic English.

It is recommended that you select a taxi that can be pre-paid for if possible. The cost of traveling from --- Airport to Community Space should be less than Rs.TBD INR (~$TBD).

Public Transport

Getting around Bangalore (Public transport information) India has a wide (and cheap) public transportation service. The bus service has --- that connect almost every point of Bangalore City. Link to bus service in Bangalore.

Power plugin converter

Having forgotten my power adapter for my last trip, I thought I'd look up the power information. Lesson learned...It is always better to have power adapters before traveling, but they are easily findable.

India has two kinds of plugs in use, a [LINK TBD European type-C plug] and an [TBD], the later being more common, both running at 220V/50Hz. Be sure your electronics can handle the voltage, you can usually find the voltage on the power adapter. Most mobile devices, laptops, etc. are fine, but DO VERIFY.

You can find power outlet information for all countries at electricaloutlet.org.

If you'll have to charge more than one device, you might find use in something like a mini plug/usb power strip and a universal kit.

Mobile Phones

The Government of India has tightened the regulations on the sale of prepaid SIM cards to foreigners after November 2012 and therefore you need to be prepared to submit the following documents to the vendor along with an application form.

2 color passport photographs of yourself
A photocopy of the personal details page of your passport. You will also have to produce your passport for verification, after which it will be returned to you.
A photocopy of your Indian visa. Once again, you will have to show the original visa for verification.
A photocopy of the proof of your home address in your country of residence. This could be your passport, driver’s license or any other Government issued document. Remember to carry the original document along for verification.
Proof of where you will be staying in India. A letter from your hotel confirming that you are a guest will suffice.

If you have the required documentation, all you have to do is fill out a form and submit it to the vendor. Once the documents are verified, you can purchase the SIM immediately (approximate costs Rs.550 or $10) and will get a 10-digit mobile number. Usually, the SIM is activated within 24 hours, after a confirmation call is made to your mobile phone for verifying the details provided in your application. If you don't take this call the SIM may be deactivated.

Where to buy SIM cards for your phone

On arrival in India, you can buy a SIM card at the international airport from the kiosks of mobile service providers such as Airtel or Reliance, which are located almost immediately after you clear customs. Alternatively, you can also buy the SIM card from the stores of the cell phone vendors in the downtown areas, including shopping malls. The procedure for activation is similar with both options.

[LINK Getting A Pay As You Go SIM in Bangalore]
[LINK Network 1]
[Link shop locations]

Money and Tipping

The official currency is the India is Rupees (INR). Credit and debit cards are accepted by the vast majority of hotels, shops and tourism establishments. In small restaurants, taxis and on public transport, however, only cash is accepted. There are ATM cash machines all over the cities and larger towns.

In Bangalore you can exchange USD/ do money conversion at ---- TBD You should only use those in secure, well-lit locations.

The exchange rate is approximately --- to the U.S dollar.

Vast majority of hotels, shops and establishments include a 'service charge' in the bill, in this case you don't need to tip. In other cases, it is good to leave a ~5% tip in restaurants, bars with table service, hotels, hairdressers, spas, and for tour guides.

Information about India and Bangalore

Gastronomy

In Bangalore you can enjoy food from different regions and several typical specialties. The city has specific areas where you can choose from a wide range of restaurants. More info on Where to Eat

Must Try:

Art and Culture

Concerts at Bangalore Palace Grounds, Check the local listings to see if any concerts are happening. Most international acts happen at Bangalore Palace Grounds and the venue has hosted Metallica,Rolling Stones, Bryan Adams, Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, Joe Satriani, Mark Knopfler, Aerosmith, Sting, Uriah Heep, Lamb of God, Megadeth, Machinehead, Scorpions among others.
Rangashankara, 36/2, 8th Cross, J.P. Nagar, 2nd Phase. ☎ +98 80 26592777, +98 80 26494656. [65]. Evening shows start at 7:30PM. Many local groups perform here, although more often shows are presented by traveling groups touring India. Quality of the performances varies, but most plays are worth seeing, especially the ones by Indian playwrights and / or directors, as they can show you an "Indian" (or let's say "non-western") perspective. Shows are in various languages, so it is a good idea to double-check whether the play is in English before buying / reserving (“blocking”) tickets. Tickets cost between Rs 45–100.
Jagriti Theater , Varthur Rd,( Whitefield). ☎ +91 80 4124 2879 [66]. Jagriti is a hub for the performance and visual arts in Whitefield, Bangalore. It consistently features renowned national and international theater groups. Almost all performances are in English. Tickets usually cost Rs 300.

Tourist attractions/Sight seeing

Although Bangalore is not known as a tourist city, there is still a lot to see. If you only have a limited amount of time in the city, you should consider taking a tour.

Typically, the city tours do NOT include entry fees into the attractions. Bangalore, as with the rest of India, has a habit of charging foreigners a lot more than locals. For example, Tipu Sultan's Palace, which is on the half-day tour, charges Rs 10 for Indians and Rs 100 (or US$2) to non-Indians.

For more information check here.

Shopping

Bangalore provides a wide range of options for shoppers. One can buy many things ranging from clothing to electronic goods and vehicles. Being an IT city, Bangalore provides all kind of services but one might find things to be costlier.

Many visitors come to Bangalore searching only for sandalwood carvings and silk saris and so miss out on the true Bangalore shopping experience. Here is more info on Bangalore shopping.

Party

Bangalore is also nick named as Pub City. You will find numerous option to party!

Map and Points of Interest

[link Great Travel Guide to India].
[link Interactive Map of Bangalore]
[link Bangalore tourist guide]

Staying Safe in India/ Bangalore

In Bangalore and the larger cities you have to watch out for petty theft and take basic precautions such as not wearing expensive looking jewellery or watches; always keeping bags - well attached and closed shut - where you can see them; and wearing cameras on a strap, preferably out of sight. There are areas of Bangalore to be avoided, as in any big city, but on the whole, you will feel safe.

Bangalore is a relatively safe city during day time. However, most of Bangalore practically shuts down a little before midnight - even very safe residential areas can be very desolate by 11 PM.

Some of the lower-income areas can be somewhat unsafe once it gets dark. Exercising caution and good sense will increase your chances of staying safe.

It is not advisable to walk alone along deserted alleyways or lanes after dark. Avoid doing so in areas that you are not sure are reasonably safe
Avoid using an autorickshaw if the driver is not alone, especially at night
Do not flaunt jewellery, high-end mobile phones / laptops, watches etc.
Do not withdraw large amounts of cash from ATM's in deserted areas
Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas such as exhibitions, cricket matches etc.
Make sure you always have an eye on your belongings.
If you are returning late from a party, it is advisable to pre-book cabs through reputed companies such as Ola/Uber as against flagging down an autorickshaw on the road
Exercise caution in stopping to help if you see a broken down vehicle at night, especially in lonely streets and in cases where you will be outnumbered
Foreigners may be hounded for money at tourist sites/crowded areas
Just ignore the beggars/street sellers and they will go away.
One has to be watchful while going into crowded areas.

   Emergency Numbers [TBD]
   * Toll Free Number for Medical, Police and Fire ☎ 108
   * Police Control Room 100 (The response is very swift.)
   * Child Line Facility ☎ 1098

Medical Emergency

TBD

Language

Being the capital of Karnataka, the official language in Bangalore is Kannada. However, most people are also able to speak Hindi or English. Other Indian languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, Marathi, Tulu, and Konkani are also spoken by the respective migrant communities.

Most retail transactions in the city are conducted in English, as are most signs written in English alongside Kannada.

Basic Kannada knowledge will come very handy, while dealing with work groups like roadside vendors, maids. However most shop owners, auto drivers, bus conductors and utility service providers can converse in basic English , Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, if required.

To greet in Kannada, say "Namaskara"
To ask, "How are you?" in Kannada, say "Hegidira"
To tell, "I am fine." in Kannada say "Channagidini"
To ask, "How much?" in Kannada say "Eshtu"
To say, "Too pricey" in Kannada say "Tumba Jasthi"
To thank in Kannada, say "Dhanyawada"

Mozilla Community Space Roof Garden

The roof garden is above the Community Space, It is an informal meetup place for Mozillians, usual location for group photos and best place to get some fresh air!

India/Spaces

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