Pune is by and large a very safe place. Violent crime is low, although it's important to keep an eye on your belongings in public, as petty theft can occur. Do report any such activity to the police. Keep away from the touts.
Locals are by and large friendly and mild mannered, though incidents of mugging have been reported on the outskirts of Pune, especially on highways and desolate stretches. If you face a vehicle breakdown after dark, its best to stay in the vehicle and phone for help.
Driving in Pune is not for the weak-hearted. Like other Indian metros, Pune has seen an virtual explosion in traffic in recent years, and the infrastructure is struggling to keep pace. Lack of discipline especially during overtaking and driving on the wrong side is rampant in the city and on highways. Its common to see rude and impatient drivers at intersections honking away at pedestrians. Enforcement of traffic rules leaves a lot to be desired, unlike Mumbai or other major cities. Road conditions deteriorate especially in heavy traffic areas during monsoon. According to recent reports 2008, 1,617 persons suffered injuries and 477 fatalities in road accidents occurred in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. If you are driving, its a good idea to drive defensively. Be courteous to fellow motorists and maintain lane discipline. Though the helmet rule is not strictly enforced, its always a good idea to wear a helmet while riding a two wheeler.
internet
A large number of internet cafes dot the city. Most private cafes charge about Rs 10-25 35-55 US cents an hour. However, the Reliance World chain of cyber cafes run by Reliance Communications offer fast broadband connections at around a dollar per hour. There are 8 branches in Pune
Plot 69, Sec 27A, Nigdi.
Plot 19/20, Swajos Complex, Aundh.
Ishwarlal Palace, Plot 293/294, Pimpri.
Hotel Regency, Dhole Patil Rd.
19/20, Rahul Complex, Paud Rd.
917/2A, FC Rd, Deccan Gymkhana.
1358/A, Shukrawar Peth, Bajirao Rd.
Shop 4, Sterling Centre, M.G. Rd, Camp.
phone
Pune is well covered by mobile phone networks. Idea GSM, Airtel GSM, BSNL GSM,Vodafone GSM, Tata GSM/CDMA, Reliance GSM/CDMA, Uninor GSM,Aircel.
To call a Mumbai number, the phone does not require STD. Simply dial 022 followed by the 8 digit number.
STD/ISD booths are scattered throughout the city. The fare is calculated on a digital meter and the payment is done after the call. These booths are much cheaper than hotel phones.
The format of a Pune landline number is +91-20-2xxxxxxx BSNL / 3xxxxxxx Reliance / 4xxxxxxx Airtel / 6xxxxxxx TATA Indicom
talk
Pune is a fairly cosmopolitan city. Although Marathi is the official language of the city and also the most common language spoken on the streets, most people also speak Hindi along with English.