Rent a car with Driver in India

 

 

Fees: prices are per day and can vary:

 

-    according to the size of the vehicle,

-         if your vehicle has air conditioning (mandatory during the warm season)

-         according to the rent period and the duration of your journey.

 

The prices are almost identical in the various agencies. Around 30 Euros for an air-conditioned Ambassador and 50 Euros for a Toyota (4 WD).

 

Prices include:

            fuel

            state taxes to be paid at each change of state

-         tolls

-         parking

-         insurance

-         meals and residence for the driver

-         reception at the airport as well as the transfer on the way back for your departure. (To be checked with your agency)

 

They do not include:

 

- the tip for the driver, which is paid according to your satisfaction and to the quality of the services. You can give the tip at the end of the day or on the totality the last day. Remember this is his salary!

 

- your personal expenses, visits, meal and your residence.

 

Ask for a contract, if your rental agency does not spontaneously supply it to you.

 

 

ADVANTAGES:

 

This solution for the journey offers you more flexibility in your travels and a comfort that is sadly missed when travelling by bus or by train. The price becomes more interesting if you are two or more .You will have the leisure to leave when ready and to stop during journey to take photos!

 

The driver usually knows well the region and will make you discover places off the beaten track. He may transform into a guide, and may accompany you in excursions (we had this luck).

However it is advised to use the local guides. (Rates more than acceptable, to see with your travel planner).

 

Always of good advices, the driver will listen to you and will find you a solution for the small problems of the daily life that you can encounter during the trip. He will endeavour to make the journey pleasant for you.

 

Drivers have a good knowledge of Indian roads and you will be safe! One has to go there to see that cars, animals, people and numerous lorries share roads. The pavement covering is very bad and many obstacles may be encountered (rocks, holes...). Europeans cannot drive on Indian roads!

 

 

SMALL INCONVENIENCES:

 

Some drivers may not speak good English; this can trigger some misunderstanding between you and the driver. However, it is not a handicap in itself and it gives more authenticity to your journey. Use simple words and make sketches to make you understand.

 

Beware with shopping, because numerous agencies carry agreements with shops, in which tourists can be swindled on the practised prices.

 

 

ORGANIZATION:

 

You will first agree with the travel planner about your itinerary. The driver will bring you to the cities and monuments to visit as forecasted. During the visits, he will wait for you or will pick you at the desired time if a lengthy visit is expected.

 

He will in general not take his meals at the same time as you. You can however invite him to a restaurant. Some drivers do not accept, because certain hotelkeepers do not appreciate their presence within their restaurant. The drives often know the best places; do not hesitate to ask them for the smartest restaurant in town. Rates are low for European standard.

 

Your driver will take charge of almost everything; you will only have to let yourself transported and admire the surrounding countryside and its fascinating people. You will have nothing else to settle during your routes, except your personal expenses, your meals and your accommodation.

 

PAYMENT:

 

It is the custom to pay the travel planner in Euro (in cash) and to pay a good part of the sum at the beginning of the journey (minimum 50 %) and to settle the balance before the end of your journey.

 

Good journey!

 

 

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