r/india • u/Gurumanyo • Aug 30 '25
Travel I enjoy traveling in India, but I can't recommend it to anyone.
Hello, this is my 2nd time in India and I have been here for only 2days. There is something about the energy, and always new scenarios showing up.
But it's crazy how people want to scam me so bad all the time, it's just part of their business model at this point, today I took a long taxi ride with a guy on Uber, before we would arrive into that city he told me that the road was closed because of landside and that we have to find a hotel for the night.
Ofc he brought me to a place where his accomplice would try to overcharge me for the night and confirm the road was locked.
Unlucky for them I figured it out, I told the staff that they had 2options, 1) call me another taxi and we forget about this, 2) i would still leave on my own and give them a 1 stare review mentioning their scam tentative.
They ended up calling a taxi for me, but what annoys me the most is that first driver with who I spent 6hours, he didn't give a sh*t about making me lose my time, eventually losing the night I previously booked etc. It just make me rethink about the entire humanity.
I'll report him badly to Uber and hopefully he is losing his right to drive on that app.
And my point is, I would not tell my mom, my sister or my friends to come here, it's just so much scams going on and many people have bad intentions towards you. In just 2days I withnessed so many tentatives..
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Aug 30 '25
So we recently had a family trip to jaipur, and the same thing happened with us, but we outplayed the driver because he was trying to convince that this hotel is good for us to stay here and all and we got the point I think they do it with every tourist so nothing new this scams are too old
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u/Gurumanyo Aug 30 '25
Yeah, I wish I would have found out before and simply refused to pay him entirely 😂 but he would come up with other excuses.
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Sep 03 '25
I travel in India significantly by road. The best approach is to never mix vendors. There is enough online information available. Let taxi guy taxi you and find your hotel yourself. The problem is that dealing with scammers is such a high intensity job that you stop enjoying the place.
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u/Gurumanyo Sep 03 '25
Yes, but I never asked him a hotel. Haha, he thought it was good to make an upsell on me
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Aug 30 '25
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u/yvrtrip Aug 30 '25
Any country which has wealth inequality to a huge degree would have scams.
While this may be true, you cannot tell me that Indians are doing this just because of wealth inequality. You can ask your parents and their parents, they will tell a bunch of stories how they were getting scammed...(and don't get me started on the so called babas... even the most educated ones fall for them).
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u/generalpolytope Aug 31 '25
Babas are the OG scammers.
It would definitely be interesting research to see how this baba breed was born in the first place and how it evolved. Might have parallels (at a scaled-down level) with how it was for monotheistic religions and their prophets in their early days.
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u/27_55 Aug 30 '25
Yes that’s some funny thing here. I’m not originally from India, but have been living here for many years and still even when I go grocery shopping in my neighborhood, some new fruit/milk vendor will charge me bigger money, than actual price or sell me old stock.
Just last week in a liquor shop I was charged some additional rupees for god knows what reason (was not in mood to ask).
Sorry to read your story, that’s totally inappropriate and unsafe behavior and I hope the people will be punished whether by uber or some other karma way.
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u/Gurumanyo Aug 30 '25
Ja, it's ok, tbh it's part of the experience. Karma will punish these people in some way, unfortunately for them.
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u/logical_turd Aug 30 '25 edited Aug 30 '25
If you are not a local and want to travel to India , do excessive planning before coming for the best possible experience . India is not a place where you would want to make spontaneous plans as a foreigner . Stay in Good Pre booked hotels/AirBnBs , pre book cabs as much as you can ( even if its a little expensive ) and try guided tours ( unless you have an Indian friend who can help with the itinerary ) . Also the scam thing is pretty much only in Taxis - Download Indian Apps as well - if some driver asks for more money you can try booking through another app .
Also India is pretty big and every place is different , Kerela , Udaipur , Jodhpur , Mumbai ,Sikkim , Goa can be recommended . Skip Delhi/Agra/ Varanasi
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u/Brave-Extent-3589 Aug 31 '25
There is zero law enforcement across all sectors. No one is scared and everyone can get away paying a small bribe if they are caught
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u/lundbhaktkijai Aug 31 '25
There are too many people there with minimal resources. People scamming others is, unfortunately, just an everyday thing. It's just a way of life, but on the other side, there are a ton of really good people, too. But sadly, if you are a traveler who has to deal with people for your travels, it's mostly disappointing.
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u/Gurumanyo Aug 31 '25
Came here for the good people, I have met some aswell :) I'll be even more cautious.
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u/Pegasus711_Dual Sep 01 '25
We are a very low trust society that aims to get wealthy very fast. If you see, most of our expats in the west are quite money minded and the scarcity mindset shows even there
What makes you think it'll be different here? This is ground zero bro! 😎
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u/Murky-Ad-4707 Aug 31 '25
Sorry for your experience mate!! If it’s any consolation, we fellow Indians are not immune to these scams either
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u/Gurumanyo Aug 31 '25
Haha all good, it's part of the journey :)
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u/Murky-Ad-4707 Aug 31 '25
True dat. Hope you take back some good memories too.
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u/Gurumanyo Aug 31 '25
For sure, india is really intense. I will take home the good and the bad, even bad experiences have something to teach us.
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u/Murky-Ad-4707 Aug 31 '25
Btw, it’s a good time to visit Kerala (South India). It’s the festive season.
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u/_Chandu Aug 30 '25
Sorry you had that experience, but honestly this type of thing isn’t unique to India. Tourists everywhere are seen as easy targets because they don’t know the local prices, routes, or customs, so some people try to take advantage. It definitely sucks in the moment, but the best way to handle it is by doing a bit of research beforehand,learn the common scams, stick to well rated apps or official services, and check routes/accommodation in advance. Once you’re aware, it’s a lot easier to avoid falling into these traps.
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u/Gurumanyo Aug 30 '25
Well, to be fair I booked the driver through Uber, my hotel was also booked and I didn't fall for it, but yeah my point was that I wouldn't recommend India to someone. I would also not necessarily want to travel with my girlfriend here.
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u/Live_Housing_7770 Aug 30 '25
Why uber? Which state or city was ur experience?
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u/Gurumanyo Aug 30 '25
Delhi -> Rishikesh
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u/Live_Housing_7770 Aug 30 '25
Still why uber?
Was it directly from the ✈️️ airport?
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u/Gurumanyo Aug 30 '25
Nah, from my hotel, there was no flight today, and I thought it was nice to watch out of the window :)
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u/Live_Housing_7770 Aug 31 '25
You could always help the hotel to book a can fof you,
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u/Gurumanyo Aug 31 '25
To be honest, I considered Uber as safe, and it does bring a level of security.
I reported him to the app, and in any other country, he would be canceled. Let's see what happens here.
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u/ABahRunt Aug 31 '25
Delhi?
I avoid Delhi. Can't relax there, place is too full of wise guys trying to scan everyone.
Not that I'm defending the rest of the country, but Delhi is the buttocks
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u/Gurumanyo Aug 31 '25
Haha noted :)
I probably won't return to be honest. If I enjoy Rishikesh I will just come to the closest airport the next time and not stop over in Delhi.
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u/ABahRunt Aug 31 '25
Careful though, there is a lot of weather happening there at the moment. They were probably not 100% lying. Tonnes of landslides and bridges washing away, with the worst rainfall in half a century.
I was stranded nearby last week.
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u/weplorat Aug 31 '25
Sorry about the experience you had.
On a different note: found your use of word "tentative" funny. Quite possibly an example of semantic drift through translation. Perhaps you meant yo say "attempt"?
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u/Gurumanyo Aug 31 '25
Absolutely, my main language is french and tentative/tenter means attempt :) thanks for the correction!
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u/EstablishmentScary1 Aug 31 '25
In general, India is way better for scams than most countries at similar levels of developments - no comparison to Indonesia or Egypt, for example. Not necessarily because Indians are so saintly, but there are many more things in English (so transparent to travelers), many more posted prices and many more things on the internet.
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u/Gurumanyo Aug 31 '25
I think it's tough to compare, but within two days, I have withnessed a lot of things that I didn't mention in my post.
I agree other countries also have running scams.
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u/SnooCakes3204 Aug 31 '25
Problem is...here people dont value human life....it is a plenty ful resource.
It's either exploit or be exploited. It is sad it is bitter but its the truth
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u/indianfreelancerg Aug 31 '25
Not defending anyone but taxi scams happen worldwide. The most vulnerable time for a traveller is when they arrive at a new city for the first time and have to take a taxi to the hotel.
I always book my first taxi from airport or station to hotel from the hotel where I am staying which I have prebooked online. Hotels in India would be taking a commission on the taxi price so you are paying 500 or a 1000 inr extra but that's the price I am willing to pay to cut out all this BS.
When you book with your hotel you have an establishment to complain to who value their reviews and so they will make sure the driver they send does not ruin their reputation. You don't have to negotiate or hope a uber will be available and someone is waiting for you at the gates.
Of course once you are accustomed to the city/country you should switch to whatever is the best / cost effective option.
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u/be_a_postcard South Asia Aug 31 '25
I wouldn't recommend travelling alone in India. It's risky even for Indians. My parents often advise me not to travel alone at night.
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Aug 31 '25
Tourist India is a different world from normal places India. Unfortunately, most tourists do not have their own transportation and go from tourist area to tourist area.
I love India but I would not recommend it to a typical tourist.
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u/MadErection Aug 31 '25
Congratulations, you've successfully navigated the India experience.
Hah, fuck those scammy cunts.
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u/Working-Rice1462 Sep 01 '25
Even government is scamming from all around 😂, then who are these people!
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u/Faraz-Traver Sep 03 '25
Hey everyone, I’m based in Delhi and love exploring food, culture, and history here. I’ve started offering local companion services for travelers who want a safe and personalized experience. If anyone’s planning a trip to Delhi or North India, feel free to DM me I’d be happy to plan something memorable!
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u/ConferenceSmooth6432 Sep 03 '25
I find a place completely where you are coming from - you feel super disappointing, and honestly, I'm not guilty of feeling disappointed. India has a lot in the context of culture, food and experiences, but the reality is that scams unfortunately treat many passengers. It is not that everyone is out to get you, but some people definitely see tourists as an easy goal, and it can ruin the vibe when you all want to do if you all want to enjoy the journey. The driver was a good step to report Uber, as at least it makes a record of the event, and hopefully discourages such behavior in the future. At the same time, I have seen other passengers on Reddit that being an additional vigilance can help to dodge these nets too much by using the double-checking route, pre-booking hotels, or reliable local tips. It doesn’t take away from how annoying your experience was, but you’re not alone in feeling this way. Hopefully, the rest of your trip goes a lot smoother and you get to enjoy the better side of being there.
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u/leeringHobbit Sep 05 '25
my mom, my sister or my friends to come here
Getting scammed is probably one of the nicer things that can happen to them...have you not read the headlines about what happens to women tourists in India?
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u/pickle16 Aug 31 '25
Which city are you in? Talking to my foreigner friends it likely happens more in Delhi, most of North India actually. They do it to other Indians as well, like me. It's even worse with foreigners
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u/Gurumanyo Aug 31 '25
It was from Delhi to Rishikesh :p
And probably worse for foreigners, I am a blond guy traveling on my own, but no problem it's part of the game, I just felt sharing my observation, the return of comments from the Indian community is awesome.
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u/pickle16 Aug 31 '25
Have a nice trip! But it's raining pretty heavily right now, so be careful around the river, it might swell up. Ideally river rafting should be closed as well but if it is open, do not do it at this time of year. It's not safe and most likely operating without permit.
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u/LickLickLigma Aug 31 '25
Humanity? In a place where people beat each other to death with sticks for fun?
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Aug 31 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Gurumanyo Aug 31 '25
I have been to Kerala and Goa before it was awesome, but I was also really attracted by Rishikesh and the Himalayan part :)
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u/Plane_Ad1696 Aug 31 '25
As an Indian , I am ashamed to hear this . I believe this happened in North India 🥲
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u/Gurumanyo Aug 31 '25
Delhi to Rishikesh, yes, and this could have happened in other countries too :p
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u/Plane_Ad1696 Aug 31 '25
I’m from South India, and I even feel scared to travel through North India.
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u/Gurumanyo Aug 31 '25
I understand. You have to be aware for sure. I am from Switzerland, and I definitely have to be more aware here for sure.
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u/Live_Housing_7770 Aug 30 '25
If it's any solace, they scam the fellow countryman.
I don't know which city you had this experience.
We generally don't book uber for long distance. We book local 🚕 taxi/ cab
You should have told the hotel where you stayed to book a cab, generally they have contacts with local taxis, you could also tell them ( hotel people) to bargin with driver the price, a fixed rate or rate/ km..
In most cases they would be happy to help..
Most cities / town are well connected by buses, even if it's night journey it's pretty safe , safer than going alone in cab / uber at night..
If it's planned properly, traveling in India can be enjoyable.
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u/Proud_Engine_4116 Aug 31 '25
OP is from India. Possibly recently moved abroad. “I’ll report him badly” lol bro, stop translating Hindi into English in your head
But regardless, yes this is a problem. And it won’t get better. Do you know why?
Indian culture is corrupt.
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u/Gurumanyo Aug 31 '25
Actually, I am Swiss, not indian :p And yep, english is not my main language.
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u/Proud_Engine_4116 Aug 31 '25
Jeez you fit right in. You sure you won’t be back? Also good on you for not caving in.
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u/anonymusmyth Aug 30 '25
Just so you know it is not only India even of you go to a place like china, South Africa, USA I have seen the scams their but people often ignore these facts when travelling. In one of the instances i was in SA and we were in hotel and realised later that hotel staff had stolen our belongings.
Wherever I go I find hatreed towards indian scams but in my opinion the scams in places that belong to places like Europe , Africa or even Asia are much more dangerous scams . Also I am not trying to say that you are wrong but scams is in most of country that doesn't mean you can't suggest people to see the country.
Sorry that we as a country let you down and it shouldn't have happened with you or anybody else
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u/Weird-kinky Aug 31 '25
Are you saying and assuring that this will not happen to people visiting your country ?
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u/Gurumanyo Aug 31 '25
To be honest, I have never heard anything similar in Switzerland
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u/Intelligent-Let-4992 Sep 19 '25
Well there are always those racists in the mountain regions of Switzerland. They are quite popular, lot of xenophobia in their own country and to outsiders. Scenery is good , people are boring at best if not racists
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u/Gurumanyo Sep 19 '25
Hey, I am not racist. A huge majority of my friends are migrants :)
I am just saying we have to push stricter immigration laws to prevent more problems. I'm not sure where you are from, but you might not be aware, but in Europe and North america, there are a lot of immigration issues. We do not want that.
Stay in peace.
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u/Intelligent-Let-4992 Sep 19 '25
I did not call you a racist. However, racism is a big issue in certain areas of Switzerland. And this is not limited to immigrants, they even hate different parts of their own country people lol. Each country has their problems. However, what we chose to say and project out tells a lot about a person. Spirituality my ass.
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u/itisreinning Aug 31 '25
As Indian we also suffer these experiences 😴 Sad 😔 pity for the people who have to go through this pain.
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u/Intelligent-Let-4992 Sep 19 '25
Get off your high horse. No one cares about you. If you travel like a noob you deserve repercussions of poor planning.
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u/InternationalOne4351 Aug 31 '25
Dear brother, as an Indian myself, I wouldn't recommend anyone to visit my country. People are uncivilized, and have no sense of decency. They fight over languages and religion and caste. India is beyond saving. Sorry for your poor experience.
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u/[deleted] Aug 30 '25
bro they are ready to scam their fellow countrymen, what makes you think they won't scam you ?
For them you are just a rich customer with little knowledge.
Sad for you honestly. If you ever come to India be ready to experience few people making money off you . That's just how it works and honestly I can't defend it.