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AUTORICKSHAWS:
The only reasonable way to get around.
Mostly available, accommodating and
honest. The odd opportunist is to be
expected. Plenty of autos in Central
Bangalore. Getting one in a
residential area late at night is
difficult. Do not pay over the meter
unless you want to tip. (See section
on ‘Tipping’). After 10 pm, autos
generally charge 100% over the meter.
They may charge extra to go to remote
areas.
If invited for dinner, do not hesitate
to ask your host to drop you back or
arrange a ride. Bangaloreans usually
go out of their way. If a taxi is too
expensive, hire an auto for the round
trip - fix price in advance and tell
the auto driver clearly what time you
will expect to return. Restaurants
will help you get an auto.
RADIO TAXIS: The city’s new service.
Call 5510000, 3320152, 3487192,
3327589
PRIVATE TAXIS: Check under ‘Car
Rentals’.
BUSES: Avoidable (except for
residents).
TIPPING: This is indicative advice: In
restaurants and hotels, tips are
pooled and shared by all working
staff. Be generous - most service
people run their lives on tips more
than salaries. When in doubt, 10% will
do nicely. Remember we are not a rich
city and anything of gratuity is
appreciated.
Fancy RESTAURANTS: 10%; Not so fancy
restaurants & pubs- 10% (max: Rs.
100/-); Cafes - Rs. 10/-.
AUTORICKSHAWS: All small change (plus
Rs. 2/- if the driver was nice). HOTEL
STAFF: Depends on how happy you are.
DRIVERS: Rs. 20/- for lunch and dinner
each, plus a gratuity depending on how
you much you liked the driving.
ATTENDANTS: Rs. 2/-.
Tip more if you can afford it. (It
won’t go unrewarded.)
BARGAINING: When buying in bulk, ask
for a discount - shopkeepers do
oblige. Otherwise, fixed price is
(sadly) the convention.
RETURNS/EXCHANGES: Bangalore shops are
very understanding. But remember to
keep your purchase bills safe.
PHONES: Carry a lot of Re. 1/- coins
for pay phones. Or look for the "ISD/STD"
signs. Pay per computer printout. The
GPO (posts) and CTO (phones) on Cubbon
Rd. are efficient and open from 1000 -
1900 Mon - Sat and till 1330 on Sun.
DRESS: Informal. Skimpily dressed
women (no matter how normal by western
standards) will be stared at. Wear
jeans or skirts and you won’t feel
uncomfortable. Suits for business
meetings.
ETIQUETTE: Bangaloreans are informal.
But in some homes you must take off
your shoes before entering. A pile of
shoes at the front door is a good
indication. No footwear in most places
of worship.
INVITATIONS: It is fashionable to be
late in Bangalore. If you are invited
at 8pm, it’s expected that you
won’t arrive until 9pm. Wine
(extremely expensive) is not commonly
drunk. Mixed drinks are popular.
People generally drink until dinner is
served (often not till midnight.) Good
idea to grab a bite before you go.
Dinner also signals the end of the
party. So, it isn’t impolite to eat
and run.
EATING OUT: Bars close at 11pm (last
orders 10:30 pm). Some restaurants
stay open till midnight. Eating out
after pub closing is best in a 24-hour
coffeeshop in the bigger hotels.
HEALTH: Drink mineral water or aerated
drinks. (Or beer.) Toilet paper may
not always be available. Carry a roll.
BEGGARS: Instead of giving them money,
give them edibles, like cookies or
bananas.
CRIME: Bangalore is relatively safe.
The police confirm that organised
crime is minuscule. Still, be careful.
Don’t flash wads of notes. If in
doubt, check routes in advance. Leave
valuables/ passports in the hotel safe
... or with someone safe.
ONE LAST WORD OF ADVICE: Smile.
It’ll make everyone feel better.
HAVE FUN IN BANGALORE TODAY!
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