Airports, scams and taxis
The arrival at mumbai was a bit of a guilty pleasure. I really enjoy walking past all of the currency booths to find the hidden atm to the right of the exit (terminal 2). I am also prepared for the inevitable scammers that are waiting for you. They are pretty good in Mumbai. Good scammers have great english - its one of the ways to win your trust.
I was supposed to get a pick-up from my hotel but they hadn't appeared.
The vultures descend...
"Where are you going?". They are not too pushy though. They know the "friend" wins trust better than the "salesman".
"Ok, I will call them for you". Thats nice of you! Ok I will speak to them ... "Yes, I have a reservation for today, and I was supposed to have a pickup from this time" -- "yes yes we have your reservation, what is your name?" -- "My first name is Steve, what is my surname? If you have my reservation you should know my surname..."
... Silence ...
In this situation the tout was obviously trying to get me to go to another hotel where he would get a commission. I just make sure I don't show my full hand and withhold a lot of information as a test. That was enough for me to write off this guy as being genuine - that and his friend lurking in the background.
Taxis can be equally devious. Many airports operate a pre-pay taxi scheme. Make sure you are going to the correct booth - not some makeshift stand pretending to be the booth (I've heard of this happening at Bangkok). You then pay the clerk the fare they state, and in return you will receive a ticket with a taxi number on it. You then go to that taxi and they should take you to where you want to go with no further need for payment. (unless you pass through some toll road).
It is important however that you keep the ticket... this means that if you have any trouble with the taxi - the ticket will help identify the driver, the police will be able to find him and also any complain may result in that driver being banned from entering the airport again. Asserting that you want to keep the ticket shows you know this - and the driver shouldn't mess you around.
When I say shouldn't mess you around - he will probably have no idea where he is going unless you are staying at a big famous hotel - so be prepared to be taken all around town before you get to your destination. Just sit back and enjoy the free tour!
