Riding a Rickshaw in Mumbai

The hectic streets of Mumbai would not be complete without the screeching horn of the auto-rickshaw. These three-wheeled, yellow-and-black vehicles are great for quick rides across the city. Follow these tips to get the most out of them.

Getting a rickshaw is straightforward, just raise your hand and yell “auto” to hail one. Many of the drivers won’t speak English, so it’s a good idea to try and get a price estimate from the concierge or any passersby.

Haggling is also part of the culture in India. As a foreigner, don’t be surprised to get an outrageous quote from the driver. A ride shouldn’t cost more than Rs. 150, and try to negotiate the price down to 50 percent of the quote. The drivers in Mumbai will usually use the meter; but don’t rely on this if you don’t know the city, as they could take you on a long route to jack up the fare.

When you’re exploring the city, you might head to an area where getting a ride can be difficult. If this is the case, you can negotiate a waiting and return rate for the driver to stay put and take you back. If he does a good job, hiring him for a day trip can be cheaper and more reliable than getting a taxi.