Autorickshaw prices

hal2004

How does a westerner bargain with autorickshaw drivers without losing it?

I'm having great difficulty finding any who will even turn on the meter for me. Usually they quote me 3-4 times the going rate and won't budge much so I walk away, and they chase after me and eventually we bargain down to double. I really don't mind paying Rs 80 instead of 40, but the hassle is getting old fast.

Any suggestions?

Nick-H

In this city, even those born and bred here have the same problem, and autos regularly refuse to take a person if the fare does not suit them.

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capt_mahajan

Good question.

I still lose it, and I've lived here almost all my life.

nayan

I have sympathy for entire mankind. But I think autowallahs should rot in a special hell...... the way they take advantage of your vulnerability.......

mirjamd

I agree with the hell part, Nayan!! With a few exceptions though, there are some honest autodrivers left...Once a driver quoted me such a low figure that I opened my mouth to protest out of habit, then realised it was silly and got in as quickly as I could!

But I think walking away has so far been the best strategy. And avoid auto stands where they are all ganging up on you. Its easier and cheaper to flag one down, or at least start bargaining with one who is not surrounded by colleagues..

But, as Nick said, even locals get ripped off, and I also don't succeed most of the time, despite living in Chennai for quite some time and throwing in my best Tamil...

ronsaik

Which city are you in?

1. In Delhi, the trick is to flag down an empty rickshaw. NEVER take one from an auto stand.
2. In Hyderabad, they go by the meter
3. In Bangalore....it's been ages since I took an auto there, so I wouldn't know.
4. In Bombay again, they go by the meter - generally. Besides, you can take a taxi.
5. In Pune, just laugh at them like a maniacal drunk Italian soccer fan. It wouldn't help you get a decent fare, but it'll scare the b******
6. In Calcutta, you'd get only shared rickshaws
7. In Madras, you'd get only high blood pressure. Take a radio taxi.
8. In all other cities, take a bus or walk it. Better sunstroke than apoplectic rage.

crvlvr

cross posted with ronsaik..
Autorikshaws, like almost everything else in India, operate differently depending on the city you are in. So, which city are you in?

camelgirl

ronsaik....perfect!! A Rickshaw Rider's Manual

Hal2004, just keep walking away! Since getting mad doesn't help, laughing & walking away makes you feel better, even if it doesn't help.

I recall having a price "misunderstanding" & the driver throwing the money at us when we got out & paid him. Yipes! Lot's of drama to be had in India on a daily basis. We actually felt bad....for 2 minutes...wondering what had happened because it really was a miscommunication.

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capt_mahajan

Not any more. Almost as bad as Chennai.

I have a scrap with them about 85% of the time, now.

nayan

Yes captain.... I almost laughed at the comment that in hyderabad they go by the meter.... they do so only in the very central areas of the city.... that too not after 8pm... then they start asking rediculous rates if they see you are a women and cannot afford to stand on the streets forever.

hal2004

Hyderabad.

I'm here on business. I've noticed when traveling with my Indian colleagues that they will also get refused a trip to an area where there are few return fares, or will be charged a premium.

And I learned today not to go anywhere near the stands where they really do gang up on you. In front of Lifestyle in Begumpet I had about 4 of them crowding round me shouting prices at me and telling me tales about how if the meter said 40 then with the fare adjustment cards it would be 100 anyway. I said all I want is someone who will go by the meter and one guy eventually chirped "Meter" and pointed to his cab. I sat down and he immediately said two hundred. Bugger!

PeakXV

Hiring a ride in India can be a dirty little 'shell game'. But if you approach it with your best poker-style bluff & a bit of a sense of humour - it won't rob (or age) you nearly as much in the long run. Don't forget that the odds are in your favour with all the rides available. Allow an extra 10-15 minutes in the morning for verbal wrestling with these road bandits. And never take a rickshaw/cab directly from a hotel or taxi stand .... because there will be a built in surcharge that you will not be able to rid yourself of - even with the best guerilla higgling tactics.

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ronsaik

How sad.
When I stayed there for about 4 months back in 2006, I didn't have too many problems. Banjara Hills to Jubilee Hills to Bowenpalli to Secunderabad....

Besides, I was coming out of 3 months of Chennai rickshawing.

Cry, beloved country.

capt_mahajan

Its called progress.

Things got bad after they were told to switch to electronic meters, which are now tampered to hell and back. Then the fuel hike, and the increasing gridlocked traffic (getting road rage just thinking about that one )

So now, even in the centre of the city... (and sorry nayan, in my experience, almost at any time)

negotiations end with about a 50% overcharge, I think. So better than Chennai, also more polite. They are almost puzzled when I grab them

nayan

well..... makes me feel slightly better that a sea captain also cannot always get the better of them.

I always seeth in anger when I have to give in to the extortionate rates .... I consider myself a wimp and hate it that I dont have the guts to drive in hyderabad (well... its better to face extortion than death )