Comments on: This is India

By: Manuela

Manuela — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 20:33:24 +0000

Did you both try and haggle or did one of you take the reigns? When Luke and I were traveling, he would always be stressed when I tried to bargain but then be happy with the outcome.

By: gray

gray — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 13:59:51 +0000

Here, here! I often ask someone I trust what a ride costs for a local and then try to get that rate. I never succeed, but I do get pretty close.

By: gray

gray — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 13:57:22 +0000

Good tip! No need to be sorry though, it was all great fun .

By: Homi

Homi — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 03:48:53 +0000

I love those auto-rickshaw drivers! They really help one hone those bargaining skills. In Madras nobody follows the meter rates anymore because of the rising ‘petrol’ prices. Daniel didn’t like it too much when I would argue with the driver refusing to pay more than the going rate (which I would find out beforehand from my father), but really why should one pay more than others just for looking different?

By: Jigna

Jigna — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 18:09:26 +0000

Hey guys,
What a classic taxi/rickshaw experience! So sorry you had to go through this. One tip that might help (next time you go back to India) is that in some states, the taxis and rickshaws are legally required to carry a spreadsheet showing the cost of your ride based on the meter. At least, that’s what I always asked for in Mumbai. Saved me the hassle (even though the driver always tried to avoid showing the chart to us).