Hi - I am flying into Mumbai airport and want to know if taxis are readily available and if they take the American Express card. I usually just grab a taxi when I travel for business but this will be my first time flying into India.

Thanks!

Certainly there are taxis at the airport, but I doubt they accept American Express. There is likely an ATM in the airport, so you can get rupees before you need to get into a taxi.

Recommend taking MasterCard or Visa rather than AmEx. But you need cash for cabs. And the ability to bargain. Or you can book one:

http://www.csia.in/tofrom/taxi-car-rentals.aspx

Getting a cab at an airport in India (in fact, just stepping into the world outside the airport) is a pretty overwhelming experience the first time. Have your hotel send a car. At least use the prepaid taxi booth.

I agree with someotherguy to spend a bit more for a prepaid taxi. We had an awful experience at the airport.

First, when we arrived, it was raining and there was a shortage of cabs in the departure area. My son got the brilliant idea to find a cab in the arrival area. He had me wait with the luggage, and he found a driver dropping off a passenger. They agreed on a price, and they came to retrieve me.

Then, the trouble started. The driver claimed he misunderstood where the hotel was, and he tried to DOUBLE the fare. My son told me not to say anything. We decided to get our luggage out, and then pay him the original amount. Well, he followed us into the hotel, and he was screaming at us. I don't feel I got a warm welcome in Mumbai.

I think I will go with pre-paid. I'm arriving late in the evening and would feel better with pre-paid.

Thanks for your advice. I am pretty well traveled as I travel internationally for business quite often, but, this is my first trip to India and wanted to know what to expect.

CL you were wise not to cave into him. That's a common scam there. The porters at the train station in Delhi main tried that with us too. They tried to double the fee because the train was 5 mins. late.

Hi Mare0520,

The taxi experience for anyone traveling to India for the first time can be very overwhelming to say the least. The sad truth is that, very often, the taxi drivers will be able to tell that you are a foreigner and will try some or the other tactic to fleece you.

Please do carry INR with you, as they will not accept cards of any kind. Another decent option is to book an UBER or OLA Cab (Indian alternative to Uber - app based taxi service). The only thing is you may find it hard to communicate with your Uber driver on the phone if you don't speak Hindi.

Prepaid for the first ride is a good bet. However, do be careful, the prepaid driver also may try to sneakily ask you for more money when you get off the cab by faking some excuse etc. Just be firm and don't cave in.

However to get around town later - Uber is a great choice.

hope you enjoy Mumbai in the monsoons!