Baksheesh

Bjoern

Dear all,

just a short question:
HOw is it done elegantly to transfer bakshish to a certain person at a taxi stand or wherever?
I'm just not sure how to do it: Just give him some cash with a wink, a nod or even passing it over?

Sorry for the stupidity of the question, but as the bakshish seems to be an integral part in some enterprises I wanted to make sure to do it right

Nick-H

Are you talking about tipping or bribery?

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Haylo

Baksheesh at a taxi stand? The usual question is "How do I NOT give the taxis too much money" rather than asking how to give them even more!

Can't help wondering what were you hoping the taxi drivers would do in return for even more money?

Bjoern

more or less bribing, yes!

Bjoern

not the taxi drivers but let's say at a prepaid taxi stand. I gathered in this forum that a little bakshish will reduce the much too high fare.
Same in shops, of course...

Brisso

Bjoern - I think you are confused. Neither baksheesh nor anything else will reduce a pre-paid fare.

Maybe you need to be clearer with your question.

Bjoern

okay, forget the taxis, and thanks a lot for your replies so far!
just focus on the fact that bakshish seems to be of help in certain situations - but how to do it without seeming to be a bloody amateur?

karuna

You hold the cash out, pull this face ---> and do this --->

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karuna

OK, being sensible now, here's an old thread on baksheesh:

Baksheesh

Mostly about giving to beggars but does cover the bribery angle.

Haylo

But to be fair, you are a "bloody amateur", and as (for instance) offering bribes to government officials is a pretty serious offence, it might be best not to go there...

karuna

Just noticed this is in the Mumbai forum...moving to...moving to...somewhere else....


I've moved it to Scams and Annoyances.

Nick-H

You don't.

Paying a bribe in as much a crime as asking for or receiving one. You are unlikely to be dealing with officials, anyway.

A fixed price is a fixed price, whether it is for a car or a shop. What would be the point of paying more to be charged less?

If you show any willingness whatsoever to part with extra money for any transaction, you can be assured that it will often be accepted. So don't.

You can read threads on the site about giving tips, which is a very different thing. You'll find different views expressed, but they will be informative for you, and I think you'll getter a better feeling for things by browsing them and other threads here.

shashank.aggarwal

BAKSHISH is not bribe. It means TIP.

RISHWAT means Bribe !! and as Nick pointed out, accepting and offering the same is crime.

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Hal

There will be no need to elegantly hand over any more money than anyone already expects. If you want to give a tip for good service (after the fact) then that's appropriate. Wandering around handing out money to people at taxi stands or hotels or restaurants will not get you a preferred seat or a better ride or a nicer stay in a hotel. It's not Chicago, it's India.

nayan

I am trying to imagine the look on a taxi drivers face when someone tries to bribe him....

I think the OP needs more info about Indian scenarios before venturing into such a bakshish scenario.

BTW... Shashank is right. Bakshish is not bribe.