In this blog post, we will discuss 10 Indian Taxi Travel Tips that will help make your travel experience more manageable when using Indian taxis! India is a culturally rich and diverse country. With over 1 billion people, it’s also the second-largest country in the world by population. India has many great places to visit for travelers of all interests; from mountains to beaches, bustling cities to rural villages. However, traveling around India can be challenging -especially if you’re used to traveling in North America or Europe. One of the trickiest aspects of Indian travel is taking a taxi. So, without further ado, let’s get into it!
Carry a printout of the address and phone number for your destination with you
When I was in India, I got lost a few times. It’s really difficult to know if you’re going the right way when there are countless streets all looking the same. In order to have a better chance of getting where I was going without getting lost again, each time I reached a crossroads or intersection, I made sure that I had a printout of the address and phone number for my destination with me.
I also made sure that my taxi driver knew where he was going by asking him to wait until I found the address on my phone and then showing it to him.
This method can be helpful in any country so if you’ve got a destination in mind, make sure you have some form of contact info with you in case you get lost or misplace your driver’s card.
Get an idea about the cost before getting in the cab by checking online or calling for a quote
You should also find out how much the fare will cost before getting in a cab. This is easily done by checking online or by calling for a quote.
Unfortunately, India doesn’t have a country-wide taxi service like some other countries which makes it difficult to get estimated fares ahead of time. So, if you’re going somewhere that you don’t know well, call ahead to double-check the cost and ask the company if they have a pickup point nearby. Also, if you’re going to be staying in a hotel for the night, call ahead and ask them what the approximate fare should cost for your destination.
Keep your luggage close to you while traveling to avoid theft
If you’re traveling outside of your country, it’s always useful to be aware of the possibility that someone might try to steal your bag or belongings. Think about what would happen if you got mugged or had your luggage stolen – would you be able to replace everything in your suitcase?
To avoid this, I always put my luggage close to me while walking around. Whether I’m at the airport or just walking along the street, I hold my carry-on bag very close to me and if possible, keep it in front of me too. It also helps not to wear flashy jewelry or – especially important for women – dress very loosely so that people are less likely to notice anything valuable on your person.
Check if the taxi company has any complaints on their website before hiring them
You should always do a little research before hiring a cab company. One of the best ways to do that is by checking their website for complaints. If you’re not sure how well the company has been rated, you can also search online to find reviews about them.
But be careful – not all reviews are legitimate, so it’s important to keep in mind that there are disgruntled customers who will write negative things about companies even if they don’t have any legitimate complaints.
Be aware that some drivers will refuse service to certain neighborhoods
Some drivers will only go to certain neighborhoods. Many people don’t like driving to settlements that are low-income or houses that are in remote areas. If this is the case, you might find that your driver gets lost on the way to your destination – it’s possible they don’t even know where some of these places are! So, if you’re not sure how well an area is known, ask your cabbie when you get in or have a map ready in case, they need directions.
If you’re traveling with young children, it’s always a good idea to check the car’s safety features before getting in. Check for seat belts and consider asking the driver if he has an extra child-safety lock or even a small pillow and blanket that your kids can use during the ride.
This is especially important if your child isn’t old enough to tell whether or not they’re comfortable – you’ll need to judge how long-distance travel of a journey you’ll be taking and whether or not it would be worth bringing supplies just in case.
If possible, book taxis through a trusted app like Drop Taxi instead of hailing one off the street
If possible, it’s better to book a taxi via a trusted app like Drop Taxi instead of hailing one off the street. This way you’ll have the company’s contact information in case there are any issues with your ride. Plus, you’ll know where to expect your driver so it’ll be easier for them to find you.
Check for a meter in the cab and make sure it is working before you get in
Some cab drivers will try to trick passengers by charging outrageous prices – especially if they think you’re not familiar with the area. To avoid this, always ensure that your meter is displaying the correct price before getting in the car. If it’s not, get out immediately or else you could end up paying way more than you should be!
Avoid taking unlicensed taxis, which can be expensive and dangerous
A lot of people don’t know that unlicensed taxis are illegal in India. So it’s important to be aware that any money you give them is not guaranteed to end up where you need it because they’re not monitored by the government. Plus, these taxis are also more likely to be unsafe – so it’s a good idea to avoid them altogether if possible!
In conclusion
Always make sure to be safe when traveling in a taxi. Keep your belongings close to you and ensure that there’s a legitimate meter before taking a cab. Make sure you ask for an estimated cost if the driver suggests a destination, and avoid unlicensed taxis as much as possible!
