Tips for Travelling in Public Cabs Mumbai

When travelling in Mumbai in a public taxi [the yellow and black ones], keep in mind that you need to pay strictly by the meter tariff card. This is especially the case when you arrive at the Mumbai domestic or International airport or a railway station. The taxi driver may insist on quoting an outright sum when you take a taxi from the airport/station to your destination.In that case,ignore the taxi and take another one. You should pay ONLY as per the meter.


Secondly, as soon as you enter a Mumbai public taxi, make a discreet note of the taxi number. This is generally painted next to the glove comparment and sometimes on the back of the front seat(on the left side). So if (i) the taxi driver cheats you and charges you wrongly or (ii) you absentmindedly leave anything in the taxi when your reach your destination, you can in case no. (i) complain to the nearest traffic policeman and in the case of no. (ii) contact the main taxi lost property office [Ph.: 23090083 / 23861532 ].

Thirdly, keep an eye on the meter of the Mumbai public taxi. Some of the taxi drivers tamper with it, so it tends to 'jump'.The number at the beginning of your journey should read '1.00'. If it suddenly jumps to '2.00', then '3.00' and so on,you are looking at a tampered meter.There should be numbers in between that first 1.00 and the next [2.00],between 2.00 and the next 3.00, and so on like this: 1.01, 1.02, etc.

Fourthly, if you have just one or two bags, you can keep them on the floor behind the front seat and/or on the floor in the front.That way, you can avoid paying the luggage charges of Mumbai public taxis which you need to pay if you put it in the trunk or up on the carrier.Of course, if you have a lot of luggage, you will need to put it in the trunk! Note: the tariff card also shows the amount you have to pay for luggage.

Finally, on reaching your destination, first get out of the taxi with all your luggage and then insist on looking at the tariff card. If you feel that you have been cheated [example, you've noted that the meter jumped], refuse to pay what the driver says. Talk loudly and say that you will make a complaint to the police. Of course, make sure that you have an eye and hand on all your luggage as with the beginning of your argument it is guaranteed a large crowd will gather! If the meter was not jumping, you pay exactly what it says on the tariff card and not a rupee more. Naturally,the longer the distance the more you will pay.

Sugesstion: You could keep a map of mumbai with road markings with you, so that the taxi drivers don't literally take you for a ride by taking a circuitous route and thus increasing your fare charge unnecessarily.
That said,not ALL taxi drivers are dishonest! Some of them are really very helpful.

Meru Cabs

In addition to the public taxis, there are a number of private air-conditioned taxis, such as Meru Cabs Mumbai - Customer Service Center Ph: 4422 4422. [at night there is a higher charge]

Of course, if you can afford it, you can also rent a chauffeur-driven car !
 

Forshe private car

For the ladies, there is Forshe - it is managed and operated by women alone and the drivers are all ladies.
Contact Information of Forshe Mumbai: Ph: 24324161 / Mobile: 9892819245.



[Note: I am not endorsing any of the above-mentioned rental vehicle services - just providing some useful info.!]

Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam Online Booking

The Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam is a religious destination in Andhra Pradesh. The Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam (TDD) Trust, managed by the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple at Tirumala, has now started TDD online booking for darshan as well as Hotel bookings.

Click here for online tickets: Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam Online Booking

Click here for online Hotel Booking: Tirumala Online Hotel Booking

Official Website: Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam (TDD)

Tips for Visitors to India

Tips when Visiting Places of Worship in India
1. Leave your footwear outside the place of worship.
2. In some places of worship, it is mandatory to cover your head before you enter.
3. When you are offered prasad (holy offering), do not take it in your left hand. Cup your right palm, place your left hand below the right hand, and then take the prasad. In a similar manner, accept holy water given to you, sip it up from your palm, and wipe it off on the top of your head.
4. Do not talk loudly in a place of worship or giggle at a ritual.
5. Fold your hands, palm against palm, and stand with feet together during the aarti.
6. Photography is not permitted in some places of worship, so confirm this before visiting with a camera/handycam.

Tips when Visiting a Home in India
1. Leave your footwear outside the threshold or just inside the door.
2. Never visit a home during the afternoon between 1p.m. to 4p.m. unless you are specifically invited at this time, as this is the time when elders in the family have their siesta.
3. Always be puntual when invited for a meal as it is a tradition in an Indian home not to eat a morsel till the guests arrive.
4. Wait for an indication to start a meal, as some families begin with a short prayer.
5. Do not leave food in your plate as it is considered an insult to the Gods and not just to your hosts. You can be firmly polite & say "No, thank you, this is enough" when offered a second helping, rather than wasting food that you are unable to finish.
6. Do not leave the table till your hosts too have completed their meals.
7. It would be nice to give a small gift (flowers are just fine too) to your hosts either as soon as you arrive or just before you leave.

Respect the traditions and cultures of India, come with an open mind, and you will truly have an enchanting time in my beautiful country.
Welcome to India!