Traveling from one place to another in an Indian city is easier via auto rickshaw, but hailing an auto rickshaw at a reasonable price can be tricky. Here is an auto rickshaw guide for foreigners in India so that you can travel confidently and comfortably, enjoying the local experience.
What is an auto rickshaw?
Auto rickshaws, autos, rickshaws, bike rickshaws, or tuk-tuks – known by many names, these vehicles are the soul of India’s street transport. The three-wheeled vehicle is the best and easiest way to get from one place to another within the city.
Usually yellow-green or yellow-black from the outside, auto rickshaws are often decorated with colorful pictures, names, slogans, or symbols, making them a part of the street art in India. You will find many unique auto rickshaws during your time in India.
An auto rickshaw ride will expose you to the daily local culture of the city you are in, with traffic, horn honks, street chatter, and chaos all around.
Where to find auto rickshaws?
Auto rickshaws are present on most streets in India, from metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai to the smaller cities and towns. Auto stands can be found near airports, railway stations, tourist attractions, and markets, or you can directly hail one from the street.
In many places, auto rickshaws are shared by multiple passengers going the same route, which is an economical option but not necessary if you aren’t on a very tight budget.
There are also apps like Ola, Uber, and Rapido, which offer options of auto rickshaw or cab. This is a hassle-free way of taking an auto from one place to another, since the fares are shown in advance and you can pay online.
What is the fare for auto rickshaws?
You will find auto rickshaws running by meter in Mumbai, but almost nowhere else. Although autos are required to use a fare meter by law, most drivers do not use it. So you will need to negotiate the prices for your ride before getting in.
If you are in an auto rickshaw with a meter system, the minimum fare is INR 30 to 50 for the first 1 or 2 kilometers, after which it increases by INR 15 to 25 per kilometer, depending on the city. Always ask the driver to reset and start the meter once they start the ride.
If there is no meter, negotiate the prices beforehand. It is a good idea to ask locals or your hotel or hostel for the average rates. INR 100 to 150 is a reasonable amount for a 5 kilometer ride in most cities.
You can pay by cash or UPI apps if they are accepted. Carry small change, since many drivers try to extract more money by not carrying change.
Tipping is not expected for local transport, but you can definitely round off your fare by INR 10 or 20 – it will be appreciated.
Read more: Negotiating auto rickshaw prices in India
What are the common Auto rickshaw scams?
There are many honest auto drivers, but you will surely experience a few who try to take advantage of tourists as well as locals. Here are a few subtle scams you may not see coming.
Non-functioning meter: Many auto rickshaw drivers will tell you that the meter isn’t working and ask you for a high amount of money. You can negotiate the fare or simply choose another auto.
Long routes: If you are traveling in a rickshaw by meter, drivers often take longer routes to rack up the fare. For this reason, it may be a good idea to keep Google Maps on. You can also ask locals or your accommodation beforehand for the estimated fare to your destination.
Detours: Many times, drivers take unnecessary detours to take you shopping for something to a shop that more often than not gives them commission for bringing in customers. If you are not interested, politely decline and ask them to go directly to your location.
No change: A lot of times, when you pay in cash, drivers will tell you they have no change and make you round off your fare. So make sure to carry plenty of spare change.
Safety tips
Auto rides are safe for the most part, but as always, it is important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings and take some precautions.
- Prefer local auto rickshaws only during the daytime, and try to use app-based auto rickshaws during the night.
- Share your live location with someone you know.
- Note down the vehicle number before you sit inside the vehicle.
- If something feels off, it probably is. Ask the driver to stop, preferably in a public area, and try to catch another auto rickshaw.
- Keep valuables safe and out of sight.
- It is a good idea to learn some Hindi phrases, especially if you are traveling in the northern regions.
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