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AUTORICKSHAWS: Not the most
economical way to get around.
Auto drivers often fleece
passengers, especially tourists.
If you don't know the language,
it's better to take a taxi. Most
autos sport tampered meters.
Fixing flat rates if you know
the distance is better. After 9
pm you must be prepared to pay
double the meter charge. There
are a few honest drivers around.
Hold on to them for the entire
trip once you've found them.
PRIVATE TAXIS: Available at
Chennai Airport, Central Railway
Station and near star hotels.
Comfortable even if you have to
pay a little more. Ideal if you
do not speak Tamil or know the
city routes.
BUSES: City buses are operated
by the PTC between 0500 hrs and
2200 hrs daily. Excellent
network connecting city, but
terribly crowded in the morning
and evening. Pleasant and fast
journey in the afternoons.
Luggage is not allowed in
yellow, front-boarding buses.
TIPPING: This is just
rule-of-thumb advice, and you
can certainly modify it to
reflect the service you've
received. 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
per cent will do nicely.
Remember we are not a rich city
and anything of gratuity is
appreciated.
FANCY RESTAURANTS: 10% at most
places including not so fancy
restaurants. Cafes, Rs 10.
AUTORICKSHAWS: All small change
(in any case its hard to get
them to return)
HOTEL STAFF: Depends on how
happy you are.
DRIVERS: Depends on your
personal liking.
ATTENDANTS: Rs 2.
(Tip more if you can afford it.
It won't go unrewarded.)
BARGAINING: When buying in bulk,
ask for discounts - shopkeepers
do oblige. But some shops follow
the fixed price norm.
RETURNS AND EXCHANGES: Most of
the shops allow exchanges. But
remember to keep the purchase
bills safely.
PHONES: Carry a lot of change as
a PCO call costs Rs 2.00 or look
for ISD/STD signs and pay as per
computer printout.
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: Most Chennai-ites
respect convention, so you must
take off your shoes before
entering the house. No footwear
in most places of worship.
INVITATIONS: Try being on time
for dinners. Wine is not
commonly drunk. Mixed drinks are
popular. People generally drink
until dinner is served. Dinner
also signals the end of the
party. So it isn't impolite to
eat and run.
EATING OUT: Not many pubs
around. The drinking joints are
the bars in the star hotels and
the illegal unorganised bars at
the wine shops. Restaurants are
open till around 10.30 pm. Some
roadside eateries do brisk
business even beyond mid-night.
HEALTH: Drink only well-known
brands of mineral water like
Bisleri or Parle. Toilet paper
may not always be available.
BEGGARS: Instead of giving them
money, give them edibles like
cookies or bananas.
CRIME: The city is not
completely safe. Chain snatching
is common on poorly lit,
deserted streets. Do not wear
thick gold chains. Do not flash
wads of notes.
ONE LAST WORD OF ADVICE: Smile.
It will make everyone feel
better.
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