A Singaporean vlogger, Chan Sylvia, has issued a series of warnings for travelers planning a trip to Delhi after a troubling encounter with a rickshaw driver in Old Delhi. Her experience, documented in a series of videos, highlights potential pitfalls that tourists may encounter in the capital city of India.
In one video, Sylvia advises travelers to always keep cash handy. She recounts an incident where she and her friend took a prepaid taxi from the airport at night. Despite being a pre-paid taxi, the driver demanded an extra 200 rupees at the end of the trip and dropped them off at a different location than agreed upon.
Sylvia also emphasizes the importance of avoiding taxis at night, particularly when arriving from the airport. She explains that they were unable to secure an Uber and were forced to rely on a taxi, leading to the unfortunate experience.
Another video delves deeper into a more concerning encounter Sylvia had with a rickshaw driver in Old Delhi. While visiting Jama Masjid, a friendly rickshaw driver offered to guide them to the entrance. Grateful for his assistance, Sylvia and her friend agreed to use his services.
However, upon reaching the Red Fort, the driver refused payment, suggesting they could pay him later when he picked them up for their trip to Chandni Chowk. They exchanged contact details and messaged him on WhatsApp when they were ready to continue their journey.
The situation escalated when the driver began making numerous video calls and sending audio messages. When they boarded the rickshaw, the driver took them to unexpected stops, deviating from their planned route. At Khari Baoli, the driver even abandoned the rickshaw, leading them personally into a shop, despite their desire to explore independently. He seemed determined to keep them under his control.
Things became more tense when Sylvia and her friend informed the driver that Krishna Market would be their final stop. The driver then took them to an unknown location, approximately 5 km away from Chandni Chowk, and demanded an exorbitant ₹6,000 for the journey. Stuck in an unfamiliar area, they were forced to pay him ₹2,000 to resolve the situation.
Sylvia’s experience serves as a stark reminder for travelers to be vigilant and aware of potential scams in Delhi, particularly when dealing with rickshaw drivers. Her videos offer valuable insights, encouraging visitors to stay prepared with cash, avoid taxis at night, and exercise caution when sharing personal contact information.
