Delhi Taxi Drivers (actual!)

Gerlinde

Ordered a Taxi some days back and a private car came, old, diesel, without meter. For 15 km with about 10 min. waiting he asked for 150 Rs.
I offered 100 Rs what is still too high and he agreed.
Today a "normal" taxi came, old, diesel, with meter. After the distance of 10 km with 20 min. waiting he wanted 150 Rs! While the argument started he was very quick in taking out the fare chart. But when I told him the meter was not working correctly as for 10 km and 150 Rs one can get an Esteem with air condition he took the 100 Rs (still more than double compared to 2 years back) not without telling me that no car would come from the stand if I call them again....
Anyhow there is a problem as taxis and autos had and still have to change to gas. The stations for gas do not have enough capacity so that the waiting time for refill is hours. Hence they have to make up their losses and it's worse than ever.
The transporters who have the white Ambassadors are charging about 400 Rs for a maximum of 4 hours and 40 km.
Please keep this option in mind while thinking about taxis in Delhi.

indiamike

I assume that this increase also effect the taxi's from IGIA to central Delhi. Just for my own knowledge, since I will be using one in a couple of weeks. What's the going rate now from IGIA to CP.

Mike

Gerlinde

Mike, for 23 km at night 250 Rs will be the absolute minimum.
Gerlinde

indytravl

I am going to be in New Delhi for month of feb & need accomodation.

I'm looking for something decent, not extravagant, but with TV, phone, geyser. Thought about paying guest accomodation. Have found places in Defence Colony, Lajpat Nagar, & feroze shah rd. Could anyone give me an idea about the neighborhood & reasonable rent rates? Does anyone know of anything that might work with my requirements?

Does anyone know what is the limit for money a non-Indian can bring to the country for their own use before having to declare?

I'll be arriving at IGA around noon & would also like to know how much I should expect the fare to be to CP or one of the above neighborhoods.

I would be interested in purchasing some large furniture & art pieces & sending them to USA. Can anyone help me out with further info about this? Is it a bad idea or can it be managed with some perseverance?

I bought my ticket from NY to New Delhi on Virgin Atlantic for $910 including tax. I've travelled on several airlines & had a very good experience with Virgin. There were some restrictions on this fare (which was going for $985 on their website) but I used an Indian travel agency & shopped around. Suggest checking the airline's website every so often for specials & then banging heads at the indian agencies. Don't waste your time with the rude ones & email me if you want to know the one I used. The agent was a real go-getter & at least civil.

thanks, indytravl@hotmail.com