Finding my way around for the weekend, advice please

twin-mummy

Finally I am coming to Chennai to check out city / housing / school … but how do I find my way around? Any suggestions?

I will have my boys with me all the time ( 5 years ), so please don’t tell me that public transport would be the best.

Can I go by taxi, shall I hire a driver….please let me know what will be the cheapest, best and most convenient.

Thanks again for your help. You guys are really great!

josh4u

Call taxis are the best option where u can cut and call at every place you go. Need not worry on the waiting charges. But stick on to one reputed operator so that the continuity of service will be there. Never leave your material in them. They also help you out in identifying the locations as Chennai now has got too many fly-overs and cross-overs.

Nick-H

I would suggest that you get a driver, by the day or half day as required. It will be a flat charge for the period, including a maximum mileage. My wife has just this minute taken a car for five hours for Rs500, and is going to the far North of the city and back.

You should specify that you need an English-speaking driver. This may be easier to get from your hotel or a travels company attached to the hotel ---I guess you could even try for German: the tourist drivers are quite likely to have good language skills! However, although you might find a chatty driver, keen to impress with said skills, most drivers will go where you ask, they might be able to do a tour of the standard tourist sites, but I wouldn't expect more*.

But... I hope that someone from your company will shepherd you! Otherwise, how do you get started? They should line up a broker with some possible places for you to see, or arrange for you to use the services of a relocation agency like Global Adjustments --- probably more expensive, but could be worthwhile.

*Heck, this is Chennai: you'll probably get one that is a property broker on the side: everybody is a property broker in Chennai!

Many call-taxi drivers will not speak English. I'd say to go to a travels company, and preferably one that deals with foreign tourists.

twin-mummy

Thanks for the helpful words.

The company of my husband is very small and VERY new in moving people. So to say we are THE only ones they have ever moved so far and we did everything on our own. Including extra payments or service,.

It may sound posh but how about hiring a car and take my driver (who is originally from Chennai)with me?
Could you recommend a company who is located at the airport like hertz or thrifty?

Nick-H

If an air ticket and accommodation for a companion is on the budget, and the guy is a Tamil speaker originally from Chennai, then absolutely! Bring him along! I can think of nothing better than to have a local-language man who you trust to interpret fairly and be on your side in any negotiations

I just wouldn't bother about self-drive, though, even if he still has an Indian licence (or International permit). It will cost you just as much, if not more, for a self-drive car, and it is better to employ your man's mind as guide and interpretor.

On top of which, if he has not driven here for a couple of years, he will find some bewildering new one-way routes and flyovers.

twin-mummy

You make this city really looking a city to go to!

Yes, he speaks Tamil, has Indian drivers licence and used to work for the tourist department or travel agency.
On top, he has his family living in Chennai.

Ok, I will bring him along.

Thanks so much.

Nick-H

Indian passport? If not --- don't forget the visa!