1Shopping detours and commission
Some drivers and autos in Jaipur earn a commission from the shops they bring you to, often a large share of what you spend. That's why a day tour is sometimes offered at a price that looks too low: the shop pays the rest. The stop is sold as a quick look at a "government emporium" or a family workshop, and the prices inside are raised to cover the driver's cut. You don't have to go in. Say no politely, and ask to go on to the next place on your list. With us there are no forced shopping stops: our drivers are paid by us, not by shops, and only take you shopping if you ask.
2"It's closed today"
A driver, a guide or a friendly stranger tells you the fort, the palace or even your hotel is closed today, then offers to take you somewhere better. That place usually pays them. Before you change plans, check for yourself: the opening hours on Google Maps, the monument's official ticket site, or a call to your hotel. If one of our drivers ever says a place is closed, message us and we'll check it straight away.
3The gem resale pitch
Around Johari Bazaar and the big sights, a friendly local, sometimes a "student", gets talking and soon mentions a way to make money: buy gems here, carry them home, and sell them to a partner abroad at a profit. The partner never appears, and the stones are worth far less than you paid. Any offer to make money by carrying gems out of India is a scam. Jaipur is a fine place to buy jewellery for yourself, from a shop you chose, with a proper bill.
4Cash for tolls and tax at the end
On rides to Delhi, Agra or Mathura, some drivers ask at the end for cash to cover tolls and the state entry tax, with no receipt. Tolls are paid by FASTag and state tax online on the government's Parivahan site, so there is always a record. Before you book, ask whether tolls, parking and state tax are in the fare. Ours are, and the fare we agree on WhatsApp is the fare you pay.
5How to book a cab safely in Jaipur
Agree the price before you get in, in writing if you can. For a day of sightseeing, list the places you want to see and share them with the driver at the start. At the airport, walk past anyone offering a ride inside the terminal and go to the cab you booked or the prepaid booth. A commercial cab has a yellow number plate. Book with a company that has an office and reviews you can check, and keep its number handy while you travel.
