My driver wants to stop at a shop or says "my friend's place"
Say no and keep going. These stops pay the driver a commission, not you.
A visitor from the UK reported taxi and tuk-tuk drivers repeatedly stopping at handicraft and textile shops "for charity" or "just five minutes". Locals in the same thread said shops and drivers work together. You are under no duty to go in, and prices inside are set with the commission in mind.
Say this
“No shop. Straight to my hotel, please.”
In Hindi: Dukaan nahin. Seedha hotel chalo.
Do this
- Say it clearly once, then again if needed. Point at the map on your phone.
- Don't get out to "just look". Staff can be hard to leave.
- If the driver won't go on, get out and book another ride.
- Pay the agreed fare only.
Use this instead
App cab or app auto to your exact pin, or a hotel car with a fixed price.
Already paid or handed something over?
A shop purchase is hard to undo. Keep the receipt, photo the goods, and ask the shop for a refund in writing. Dispute card payments with your bank.
Where this comes from · checked Oct 2026
- r/india: drivers stopping at handicraft shops (Sep 2023)
- r/delhi: two days of scams, rickshaw then fake agency (Mar 2026)
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.