Basic question about India
Jan 14th, 2006, 04:36 PM
#42
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I have recently received a quote for a car and driver to take us from Delhi airport to Agra and around Agra, Fatipur Silkri, etc. and then back to Delhi airport; a total of 4 days. All this for a charge of IR7960 including tax. The company name is Indiatravelite (or something like that).
Only thing is that they want prepayment. I don't know what their cancelation policy is yet.
This expense is about US$45 per day. Most days will be short days with only one early start, otherwise only afternoons and one evening when we go back to the airport.
Any input from the "experience" on this board?
Only thing is that they want prepayment. I don't know what their cancelation policy is yet.
This expense is about US$45 per day. Most days will be short days with only one early start, otherwise only afternoons and one evening when we go back to the airport.
Any input from the "experience" on this board?
Jan 15th, 2006, 05:55 AM
#43
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Hi Lyndie: All is well and I hope the same by you. We will be doing a cruise of the Tahitian islands and the Cooks this summer. Can't wait! In the meantime its work and more work.
Tatersalad: (Making me hungry BTW
. I would try to get some references first. I would think a partial prepayment would be in order and whatever I pay would be with a CC only just in case they don't show up. The $$ sounds quite reasonable to me.
Tatersalad: (Making me hungry BTW
. I would try to get some references first. I would think a partial prepayment would be in order and whatever I pay would be with a CC only just in case they don't show up. The $$ sounds quite reasonable to me.
Jan 15th, 2006, 06:35 AM
#44
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We just wanted to follow-on the issue of tipping that was mentioned. We consulted with a number of people (ex-pats and locals included) and got a consistent answer regarding tipping -- around $5/day for a driver, $10/day for a guide. Obviously, tipping is discretionary depending on service (our driver was truly exceptional, so we decided to go over the range in appreciation of his superb service). We were impressed with the hard-working and professional approach of the drivers and guides and certainly felt that it was totally appropriate to tip well. Better to recognize good service with your cash over buying yourself something, in our view.
Jan 15th, 2006, 12:03 PM
#45
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On tipping in India: Around 100-150 rupees a day for the driver ($3-$4), same for a guide. Anything more and you are in the "very generous" regime.
Aside: Tip to Western travelers to India - NEVER EVER let a driver or tour guide recommend shopping to you. NEVER let them even suggest alternatives to where you ask them to take you. Go prepared beforehand with your shopping recommendations. It has become a racket now with drivers aggressively steering people to places they get commission from.
Aside: Tip to Western travelers to India - NEVER EVER let a driver or tour guide recommend shopping to you. NEVER let them even suggest alternatives to where you ask them to take you. Go prepared beforehand with your shopping recommendations. It has become a racket now with drivers aggressively steering people to places they get commission from.
Jan 15th, 2006, 10:23 PM
#46
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hi jw-have a great time in the Pacific! The Cooks are on my list!
agtoau-hi there. Pls tell us if Indians tip much the same amount as tourists do or are expected to, for similar service? I've observed & been informed that the amounts Indians (even wealthy Indians) tips are far less than tourist's tips, generally. True or not, in your experience?
agtoau-hi there. Pls tell us if Indians tip much the same amount as tourists do or are expected to, for similar service? I've observed & been informed that the amounts Indians (even wealthy Indians) tips are far less than tourist's tips, generally. True or not, in your experience?
Jan 16th, 2006, 12:21 AM
#48
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Lyndie, jacketwatch has partially answered your question on Indians tipping. The more interesting question is - do NRIs (Indians living in America and elsewhere and earning in dollars) tip as much as Westerners when visiting India? Anecdotal evidence suggests a no answer.
Jan 16th, 2006, 12:56 AM
#49
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Thank you jw & agtoau!
So, jw, I'm not sure what the exchange rate has to do with anything (??) but extrapolating exchange rate data & comparing AUD to USD therefore validates & justifies (????) my tipping protocol in India. What does she think she's saying, you might ask? Good question!
My AUD's are worth 25% less than my American buddies USD's due to the 25% difference in the US to AUD, worldwide!
Seriously thanks agtoau for validating my already exhaustive comprehensive research on Indians & their tipping habits. I'm just worn out thinking about it! Have fun!
So, jw, I'm not sure what the exchange rate has to do with anything (??) but extrapolating exchange rate data & comparing AUD to USD therefore validates & justifies (????) my tipping protocol in India. What does she think she's saying, you might ask? Good question!
My AUD's are worth 25% less than my American buddies USD's due to the 25% difference in the US to AUD, worldwide!
Seriously thanks agtoau for validating my already exhaustive comprehensive research on Indians & their tipping habits. I'm just worn out thinking about it! Have fun!
Jan 16th, 2006, 04:04 AM
#50
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Lyndie: Sorry about the unclear answer. I mean that if a tip at home would be, say $5.00, in India it would be much less given the big difference in currency. $5.00 USD is around 220 rupees which in some cases would be way too much. For example lunch for 4 people ar Nirulas, a popular spot in Delhi (CP) can be had for a very reasonable price. A $5.00 tip for 4 would be a bargain in Australia or the US but given what you pay for the meal 220 rupees would be alot. I hope this is clearerv now. You have to think that what seems normal for you usual environs is not normal there. . Cheers, Larry
. Cheers, Larry
Jan 16th, 2006, 09:13 AM
#52
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When you travel in India (at least in the top hotels), there are two rates -- one in dollars for non-residents and another lower one in rupees for residents. Clearly the economy is such that foreigners can generally afford to pay more than local residents. Drivers and guides serving foreigners are not unreasonable to expect different tips from locals versus foreigners as well. While one does not want to be insensitive to cultural differences (and certainly not to throw money around in in appropriate ways), to be ungenerous also seems a shame. In our opinion, you should tip well if you receive good service.
Jan 16th, 2006, 10:46 AM
#53
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Just to add to the above I have found that tipping well in India for good service does not mean you have to give in dollars what you would have given at home. Most people don't expect a tip that high though they do expect more from foreigners vs. locals. Generousity is measured in different terms. It is in context to the economic environment you are in.
Jan 16th, 2006, 11:19 AM
#54
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Not that I want to get into the "my driver was better than your driver" end of this...but part of the reason I recommended Parul Tours (see above) was because of the quality of the drivers.
We used two main drivers (and another briefly for a transfer) organized in advance through two different agencies. The drivers from both agencies were fine but the those we organized through the small agency in Udaipur were really pleasant and personable, very quiet but composed. There was NEVER any question of them suggesting shops or shopping.
WE met the owner of the agency when we came into Udaipur from Bundi and we understood why he had such simpatico driver...he was such a friendly, low key, warm chap and clearly prefered to work with similar people. We were very impressed.
As Craig and others have noted you will probably not be using the driver much at night. When we stayed in the countryside we ate at the hotel and in the towns, Udaipur, Jaiselmer etc. we often walked to a restaurant for dinner. It's useful to have the option, for example we used the driver to take us to the Umaid Bhawan Palace for dinner in Jodhpur.
We used two main drivers (and another briefly for a transfer) organized in advance through two different agencies. The drivers from both agencies were fine but the those we organized through the small agency in Udaipur were really pleasant and personable, very quiet but composed. There was NEVER any question of them suggesting shops or shopping.
WE met the owner of the agency when we came into Udaipur from Bundi and we understood why he had such simpatico driver...he was such a friendly, low key, warm chap and clearly prefered to work with similar people. We were very impressed.
As Craig and others have noted you will probably not be using the driver much at night. When we stayed in the countryside we ate at the hotel and in the towns, Udaipur, Jaiselmer etc. we often walked to a restaurant for dinner. It's useful to have the option, for example we used the driver to take us to the Umaid Bhawan Palace for dinner in Jodhpur.
