Airport cab to hotel, etc. - Scam?!?!

Nick-H · Nov 21st, 2006, 14:38

Chennai airport has three booths: my experience is that two of them charge a more-or-less standard price ---but the other is much cheaper! But I think it is better to maybe be charged an extra Rs100, but know where you stand, than to have to be at the mercy of the driver on arrival, with little idea of whether the guy is a rogue or even undercharging you!

Above all is the convenience aspect: When we arrive we are coming home, we know where we are going, we know the route, we know the price. Mrs N, particularly, would have no difficulty in wandering out in the road and getting buses (except that our flights to arrive in the middle of the night, of course). But we do not travel light, after a long trip all we want is for someone else to pick up our bags and bundle us into a car.

Have to agree with Merchant, though: that kind of behaviour from hotels amounts to a criminal behaviour. Especially in these days when almost everyone seems to get a local SIM for their mobile; just call the police from your room. Now. What's the number? One-zero-something.... three? six?

Oh dear: I live here and can't remember!

cooksisters · Nov 21st, 2006, 15:50

Do be careful with the pre paid booth at the Delhi airport.
The first pore pay bppoth -- which normally has a smart lady in a saree is a private one -- and is not run by the Delhi Police --so ignore that and walk on ahead. They will hail you and try and attract your attention.
The one that comes a few kiosks later is the Delhi Police on.e

One thing that works with me -- is carrying a mobile-- even without a sim. As they bundle my luggage into the cab -- I always pretend that I am talking to someone and tell them I am on my way and will be there in 30 mins. I also tell them the cab number. It works for me all the time.. -- I am taken straight to the destination.
And the other point Gypsy mentioned-- never alloW AN EXTRA PERSON IN THE CAB-- Just the driver -- no frends wanted.

ananda2193 · Nov 21st, 2006, 19:35

This happened to me many years ago on my first trip ti India. I arrived late at night in Bombay. Left the airport and got a taxi outside. There was the driver and a friend of his in the front seat. I had no idea what hotel I wanted to go to so they took me to one of theirs. But in the meantime as were driving they asked me if I wanted to change money. I being pretty green as a traveler and first time in India so I said ok. So they gave me my Rupees and I gave them $100 u.s. Some minutes later he says to me that he changed his mind and didn't want to change, and tried to give me $1 back instead of the $100. I told him it'snot mine,I have no $1 bills. So he said nothing more and took me to a hotel that he forsure got a big commission on!

Eve68 · Nov 21st, 2006, 19:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragon

Better to take the EATS bus from the airport to Connaught Place - it always go the right way!! Then get rickshaw to hotel. You are saving much money!!

Dragon

How late does the EATS bus run?

cyberhippie · Nov 21st, 2006, 20:02

Pretty much all night!! Though there may be delays leaving the airport if the bus isn't full. The first time a used this bus the driver turned up went to the back of the bus and after 5 minutes we heard the sound of snoring. After an 1 1/2 hours we asked the guy at the ticket office to wake hime up!!

Be careful on this bus it's the only place where someone on the bus tried to steal from my pack!! Keep an eye on your luggage.

machadinha · Nov 22nd, 2006, 02:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eve68

How late does the EATS bus run?

Try also http://www.toandfromtheairport.com/delhi.html , pretty up-to-date from looking at cities I know.

kidsan · Nov 22nd, 2006, 02:49

i met a couple of travellers in mcleodganj last month who had been scammed by the classic 'pre-pay' delhi airport scam.

Now i've heard this before and normally i think, why on earth didn't you read the LP where it's all laid out...then i actually read the latest edition and was amazed to see that LP have got it wrong! they say that the delhi police pre-pay is just past customs. IT IS NOT! it is outside the terminal on the right.

I couldn't believe they had got it wrong...it must be the most important piece of advice they can give to 1st time travellers, rather than having people ripped off the moment they arrive in india!

In fact i am now beginning to doubt it myself, despite having reread it 3 times to be sure.

Needless to say, i have written to LP who weren't in the slightest bit repentant but said they would try to check it before the next edition i.e. in about 2 years?

machadinha · Nov 22nd, 2006, 02:59

Maybe it's moved?

Eve68 · Nov 22nd, 2006, 03:24

What's LP?

OK, so the real or safe pre-pay is outside the terminal on the right? How many pre-pay booths are there in the Delhi airport just so I know what to (not) look for?

machadinha · Nov 22nd, 2006, 03:30

LP = Lonely Planet

Lou Wilson · Nov 22nd, 2006, 03:38

Money due on arrival Thats my motto. Don't give anybody a rupee until you arrive at your destination.

kidsan · Nov 22nd, 2006, 04:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by machadinha

Maybe it's moved?

no, it hasn't moved, it's always been there (as far as i know anyways)

But noone will actually tell you where it is. I asked the customs official specifically where it was and he sent me to the rip-off merchants just past customs leading me to believe that they're all in it.

kidsan · Nov 22nd, 2006, 04:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eve68

What's LP?

OK, so the real or safe pre-pay is outside the terminal on the right? How many pre-pay booths are there in the Delhi airport just so I know what to (not) look for?

there is a little bank of them just as you leave customs. There is no official sign but they all hold up cards saying pre-pay.

So, past them and past the barriers, leave the actual terminal and it's just outside. Big sign above it saying delhi police pre-pay and also lots of indians using it...always a good sign.
Oh, just make sure you count your change!

good luck

zzzehar · Nov 22nd, 2006, 10:07

If something ever happens with anyone again anywhere in India, just ask the taxi driver to stop as you want to speak with the police and probably they will help you out. It will scare the shit out of them as the laws here are getting more and more secure for the foreign nationals.
And, If the police tries to create the nuisance as well, just ask them to take you to the embassy. Game Over !

And the drivers happen to ask for more money than quoted - lose ur temper and start shouting at him in public, that will do the trick.

The number for the police is 100 from any phone in India.

Also, If they lock you up or something - smash a window pane and tell them you are gonna call the police and just walk out with your stuff and don't pay a shit for that damn window pane. Like someone mentioned, If police somehow happens to intervene, 99% of the time, you wouldn't have to deal with the petty officers - the comissioner get a kick and he would definitely take your side as they sure don't want to go thru all the trouble of logging a case against a foreign national and It would be much easier for them to nail down that fckin' hotel guy and get some money out of him.

Whatever the scenario, DON'T PANIC. Whatever happens, will be in your favor (The Indian Laws/Psychology are Such)

rajuindia · Nov 22nd, 2006, 13:34

all together 4 to 5 pre paid booths in all the airport. Almost all they have same fares.They should charge for central Delhi around 250 to 300 Rs.

Nov 22nd, 2006, 03:38	#41
Lou Wilson http://picasaweb.google.com/LouWalterWilson Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Philadelphia. PA USA Posts: 137	Money due on arrival Money due on arrival Thats my motto. Don't give anybody a rupee until you arrive at your destination.

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Nov 21st, 2006, 14:38	#31
Nick-H This is just a cameo appearance Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 36,191	Chennai airport has three booths: my experience is that two of them charge a more-or-less standard price ---but the other is much cheaper! But I think it is better to maybe be charged an extra Rs100, but know where you stand, than to have to be at the mercy of the driver on arrival, with little idea of whether the guy is a rogue or even undercharging you! Above all is the convenience aspect: When we arrive we are coming home, we know where we are going, we know the route, we know the price. Mrs N, particularly, would have no difficulty in wandering out in the road and getting buses (except that our flights to arrive in the middle of the night, of course). But we do not travel light, after a long trip all we want is for someone else to pick up our bags and bundle us into a car. Have to agree with Merchant, though: that kind of behaviour from hotels amounts to a criminal behaviour. Especially in these days when almost everyone seems to get a local SIM for their mobile; just call the police from your room. Now. What's the number? One-zero-something.... three? six? Oh dear: I live here and can't remember!

Nov 21st, 2006, 15:50	#32
cooksisters Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: LONDON Posts: 85	Do be careful with the pre paid booth at the Delhi airport. The first pore pay bppoth -- which normally has a smart lady in a saree is a private one -- and is not run by the Delhi Police --so ignore that and walk on ahead. They will hail you and try and attract your attention. The one that comes a few kiosks later is the Delhi Police on.e One thing that works with me -- is carrying a mobile-- even without a sim. As they bundle my luggage into the cab -- I always pretend that I am talking to someone and tell them I am on my way and will be there in 30 mins. I also tell them the cab number. It works for me all the time.. -- I am taken straight to the destination. And the other point Gypsy mentioned-- never alloW AN EXTRA PERSON IN THE CAB-- Just the driver -- no frends wanted.

Nov 21st, 2006, 19:35	#33
ananda2193 Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: you essay Posts: 1,901	This happened to me many years ago on my first trip ti India. I arrived late at night in Bombay. Left the airport and got a taxi outside. There was the driver and a friend of his in the front seat. I had no idea what hotel I wanted to go to so they took me to one of theirs. But in the meantime as were driving they asked me if I wanted to change money. I being pretty green as a traveler and first time in India so I said ok. So they gave me my Rupees and I gave them $100 u.s. Some minutes later he says to me that he changed his mind and didn't want to change, and tried to give me $1 back instead of the $100. I told him it'snot mine,I have no $1 bills. So he said nothing more and took me to a hotel that he forsure got a big commission on!

Nov 21st, 2006, 20:02	#35
cyberhippie Account Closed by User's Request Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 6,009	Pretty much all night!! Though there may be delays leaving the airport if the bus isn't full. The first time a used this bus the driver turned up went to the back of the bus and after 5 minutes we heard the sound of snoring. After an 1 1/2 hours we asked the guy at the ticket office to wake hime up!! Be careful on this bus it's the only place where someone on the bus tried to steal from my pack!! Keep an eye on your luggage.

Nov 22nd, 2006, 02:49	#37
kidsan Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Nouakchott Posts: 773	i met a couple of travellers in mcleodganj last month who had been scammed by the classic 'pre-pay' delhi airport scam. Now i've heard this before and normally i think, why on earth didn't you read the LP where it's all laid out...then i actually read the latest edition and was amazed to see that LP have got it wrong! they say that the delhi police pre-pay is just past customs. IT IS NOT! it is outside the terminal on the right. I couldn't believe they had got it wrong...it must be the most important piece of advice they can give to 1st time travellers, rather than having people ripped off the moment they arrive in india! In fact i am now beginning to doubt it myself, despite having reread it 3 times to be sure. Needless to say, i have written to LP who weren't in the slightest bit repentant but said they would try to check it before the next edition i.e. in about 2 years?

Nov 22nd, 2006, 02:59	#38
machadinha brother my cup is empty member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 14,373	Maybe it's moved?

Nov 22nd, 2006, 03:24	#39
Eve68 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: USA Posts: 105	What's LP? OK, so the real or safe pre-pay is outside the terminal on the right? How many pre-pay booths are there in the Delhi airport just so I know what to (not) look for?

Nov 22nd, 2006, 03:30	#40
machadinha brother my cup is empty member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 14,373	LP = Lonely Planet

Nov 22nd, 2006, 10:07	#44
zzzehar Account Closed Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: I see a Woman on Top - Feels Like Heaven :-) Posts: 370	If something ever happens with anyone again anywhere in India, just ask the taxi driver to stop as you want to speak with the police and probably they will help you out. It will scare the shit out of them as the laws here are getting more and more secure for the foreign nationals. And, If the police tries to create the nuisance as well, just ask them to take you to the embassy. Game Over ! And the drivers happen to ask for more money than quoted - lose ur temper and start shouting at him in public, that will do the trick. The number for the police is 100 from any phone in India. Also, If they lock you up or something - smash a window pane and tell them you are gonna call the police and just walk out with your stuff and don't pay a shit for that damn window pane. Like someone mentioned, If police somehow happens to intervene, 99% of the time, you wouldn't have to deal with the petty officers - the comissioner get a kick and he would definitely take your side as they sure don't want to go thru all the trouble of logging a case against a foreign national and It would be much easier for them to nail down that fckin' hotel guy and get some money out of him. Whatever the scenario, DON'T PANIC. Whatever happens, will be in your favor (The Indian Laws/Psychology are Such)

Nov 22nd, 2006, 13:34	#45
rajuindia Account Closed - Travel Agent. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: India North- Rajasthan Posts: 63	all together 4 to 5 pre paid booths in all the airport. Almost all they have same fares.They should charge for central Delhi around 250 to 300 Rs.