When traveling to Auroville or Pondicherry, taxis is an easy, safe, and affordable mode of transportation. Booking a taxi before you land can save you time, money, and the hassle of hailing a cab in a unknown place. Her are few taxi etiquette for tourists hiring taxi to Auroville and Pondicherry –
Be Proactive
Book your taxi with Naturforsker in Auroville or Pondicherry. Be proactive and order your taxi beforehand to ensure you are picked up on time. If you are proactive, the first leg of your trip to Auroville will go much smoother. Follow these tips to order a taxi before takeoff:
Research – Look online, read reviews, and decide which taxi company in Auroville is right for you.
Contact – Get in touch with the taxi company in Pondicherry to determine whether your schedule lines up with theirs.
Book – Simply calling beforehand doesn’t necessarily ensure you’ll be picked up. However, once you book, the driver and/or company will be contractually obligated to service you.
Be Specific
Once you’ve booked your taxi in Pondicherry or Auroville, keep in contact. Let your driver know exactly when and where your plane lands. If you have a change of plan, or the plane is delayed, contact the driver and/or company immediately. Consider this: waiting isn’t fun for anyone. If you prefer your taxi to show up at the right place on time, make sure the driver is informed of any changes in place or time.
When it comes time to stop at your destination in Auroville or Pondicherry give your taxi driver ample warning. Don’t scream or suddenly tell your driver to halt at a specific location-give specific directions and addresses when boarding your cab.
Be Prepared
Whether your taxi driver has five minutes’ or five weeks’ notice to pick you up, make sure you’re prepared. Once you’ve left the plane, keep your luggage close. Don’t wander around the airport and keep your driver waiting an unnecessary amount of time.
If your driver isn’t there waiting, you should wait or call the company directly until he or she arrives. And if your driver keeps your waiting for more than ten minutes, try to stay patient and assume the best-your driver might be stuck in traffic.
Be Honest
Don’t ever lie to your taxi company in Pondicherry or Auroville. If you pre-order a taxi and promise to only have two people and two bags, but show up with double or triple the amount, your driver might become flustered and frustrated. Keep in mind that it’s illegal to overload a taxi cab in Auroville and your driver won’t have to service you if you’re unwilling to be honest and law-abiding.
Be Considerate
Just because you’re using your taxi driver’s services in Auroville, it doesn’t mean you should use your taxi driver. Be considerate and give your driver a hand when loading baggage and passengers. Instead of sitting back, relaxing, and watching your driver struggle with heavy bags, jump in and help. Many hands make light work-volunteer yours and you’ll be out of the airport faster than you can say “taxi!”
Be Patient
Are you stuck in traffic? If so, don’t automatically assume your taxi driver is at fault. You can’t always depend on freeways and highways to get you somewhere on time. Be patient-take your driver’s ETA with a grain of salt and enjoy the window views of your taxi cab on way to Auroville.
Be Polite
It doesn’t matter whether your driver can fluently speak English; be polite. Avoid the following while on the road:
Foul language
Backseat PDA
Shouting
Road rage
Backseat driving
Eating
Smoking
Loud music
Be Generous
Tipping is not compulsory for taxi drivers in Auroville or Pondicherry. But if you want to tip your driver to show your appreciation and respect you can give them what you feel is fine. Usually, Rs 100 to Rs 200 is good.
Whenever you stop for food, be kind enough to pay the taxi drivers food bill too.
If you are travelling to Pondicherry or Auroville for vacation then use these etiquette tips whenever you get into the taxi to Pondicherry.
