For first time travellers in India, hailing auto rickshaws (or tuk-tuks) can be a painful experience since most drivers refuse to use the on-board meters. The whole exercise becomes one of avoiding being ripped off (excessively). This is my guide on how to determine how much to pay for that tuk-tuk ride in India.

However, before we get carried away with slashing prices, do remember we are dealing in rupees and that extra 50 rupees (US$0.75) isn’t really a big amount. So while you can take pride in slashing prices and getting a “local” price, don’t get overly dragged into securing the best price. It is better to walk away knowing that you weren’t ripped off by too much and not squeeze the margins so much that the driver is getting paid close to nothing.

Rule No. 1 – Avoid Auto Rickshaws, if possible

Often, you can get cheaper and more comfortable rides using apps like Uber. The prices there are likely going to be cheaper than any fare quoted on the street. So if you are travelling from your hotel or a particular restaurant or a landmark, consider calling for an Uber first. This will help avoid any hassle bargaining.

The question then is when will you ever need an auto rickshaw if you can always call for an Uber. Well, India is a rather crowded place known for its poor traffic conditions. Waiting for an Uber under the hot summer sun where temperature can be as high as 43 degrees celsius is definitely not enjoyable. It may be easier to just flag a nearby auto rickshaw and get it over with.

So what is the secret of knowing how much to pay the tuk-tuk driver?

Rule No. 2 – Always consult Uber

Even if that Uber is too far away, you can use the app to determine how much to offer to the driver. My rule of thumb is I should not offer more than what Uber will charge me for a car ride.

Logical, isn’t it?

The best part is that you actually use the app to convince the rickshaw driver that his asking price is too high:

Driver: “200 rupees. Place is far away.”

Me: “No! 200 rupees is too high.”

“I can call for a car for 80 rupees.”

*Waves phone at him*.

“100 rupees only!”

Of course, this trick only works in the cities. If you are in a more remote area (like in Jaipur while visiting their outlying forts), you don’t really have the bargaining power to do this. The drivers there will likely gang up on you and take a “take it or leave it” attitude. In such a case, you may just have to take the hit. Alternatively, you can consider approaching your hotel to arrange a driver for such a day if the price is right.

Rule No. 3 – Recognise distances and corresponding prices

Once you get the hang of Rule 2, you will likely be able to estimate a fare price just by looking at the distances on the map. This gives you a more local vibe.

Towards the end of my trip, I encountered a funny situation after my phone’s mobile data failed me and I couldn’t rely on Uber.

Time to put my estimation skills to the test.  

A tuk-tuk driver had offered to take me from Delhi Sarai Rohilla railway station to New Delhi railway station for 200 rupees. I looked at him and said “No, 100 rupees is more than enough”. He kept dropping his price and eventually we got to 125 rupees. An opportunistic driver then swooped in and asked for just 100 rupees. I went over and off we went. The first driver was fuming by then. Hilarious.

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