An auto or tuk-tuk driver quotes a high price or says the meter is broken
Common, and easy to beat. Compare with an app price and agree before you sit.
Street-hailed autos often quote a flat price to foreigners or say the meter is broken. It isn't always a scam, but it is a price you can check. Riders in Delhi forums say app autos cost much less than street-hailed ones. Another trick is the driver taking you to a shop instead of your place.
Say this
“Meter, please. If not, I'll take another one.”
In Hindi: Meter se chalo. Nahin toh doosra auto le lunga.
Do this
- Open Uber, Ola or Rapido and look at the auto price for your ride. That is your benchmark.
- Say your destination first and agree the full price before you get in, or ask for the meter.
- If the number is far above the app price, say no and walk on. Another auto is always close.
- If the driver goes somewhere you didn't ask, say "stop here" and get out near other people.
Keep in mind
Night rides, bags and busy hours can bump a fair price a little. You are checking for a number that is way off, not a few rupees.
Use this instead
App autos, the metro, or a prepaid booth. Delhi Traffic Police run prepaid booths at the airport and the main railway stations.
Where this comes from · checked Oct 2026
- r/delhi: am I being scammed by rickshaw drivers? (Jan 2024)
- r/delhi: two days of scams, rickshaw then fake agency (Mar 2026)
- Delhi Traffic Police: prepaid booths
Traveller posts are individual accounts, not a count. This is guidance, not legal advice or a guarantee. When in doubt, don't pay and check with your hotel.