Watch outRefusal to go where you want, and 'meter down' negotiations. App cabs sidestep both.
5. Hand-pulled and cycle rickshaw
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Hand-pulled rickshaws survive in a few central lanes — the last city anywhere where they do.
Tip: Agree the fare first; the lanes are too narrow to renegotiate.
Booking apps in India
Agreeing the fare in an app before you travel removes the argument at the end of the
journey, which is where most transport scams happen. Links go to each app's official page —
lookalike apps are themselves a scam.
Cars, autos and motorbikes with the fare shown before booking.
Coverage: All major Indian cities.
Why it helps: Fare is agreed in the app before the trip, and the route is recorded — which removes the refused meter, the tampered meter and the fixed 'foreigner price' in one move.
The main Indian ride-hailing operator, covering cars, autos and bikes.
Coverage: Nationwide, including many smaller cities Uber does not serve.
Why it helps: Fare is agreed in the app before the trip, and the route is recorded — which removes the refused meter, the tampered meter and the fixed 'foreigner price' in one move.
Motorbike-taxi first, and usually the fastest way across a congested city.
Coverage: Most large and mid-size cities.
Why it helps: Fare is agreed in the app before the trip, and the route is recorded — which removes the refused meter, the tampered meter and the fixed 'foreigner price' in one move.
The official Indian Railways booking app — the only legitimate source for reserved tickets.
Coverage: Nationwide.
Why it helps: Fake booking offices near stations charge large 'service fees' for tickets that are free to book here, or sell tickets that are not valid at all.
