15

I'm not disputing it happened to you. But how common is it?

And was this with the prepaid service? (where AFAIk they note down the driver's license at the airport, presumable to make sure that if something happens like what you described it would be easy to find the culprit)

16

On this occasion I had flown into Mumbai on a domestic flight and there was no pre-paid desk operating. I doubt I was the first to fall for this, and probably not the last either.

And to be brutally honest, I wouldn't trust the pre-paid counter at the International Terminal anyway. Many drivers in Mumbai are not licenced, many cars are not even real taxis and the 'Taxi Mafia' is not a phrase I've just made up, it is common knowledge that the taxi industry in Mumbai and Delhi is mostly operated by criminal gangs and foreigners are their favorite targets because basically, we don't know any better and don't know who to turn to if we do get ripped off.

I've travelled to India 10 times in the last nine years and after the police, Indian taxi drivers (pretty well everywhere) are the group I trust least. A couple of years ago I ended up buying a car, drive myself and leave it with friends in Jaisalmer when I return home.

17

I've arrived in Mumbai many times during the middle of the night - have never had any problems. I always use the prepaid taxi service and always book a hotel ahead of time and let them know what time I'll be arriving.

18

Agree with no. 17. Also it's easy to get an auto to the closest train station (walk outside the airport)and hop a train to Churchgate. Have done this late at night (around 10 pm) without incident, but accompanied by a male friend.

19

I also did this at 1am from Bangalore airport

20

don't stay at airport just have a advance booking. Checkout these sites

Makemytrip
Cleartrip
Myguesthouse

21

If check-in and check-out time at a Bombay hotel can be as early as 9 am, and it is possible to find a quiet corner in the international baggage hall for a few hours of snooze, and considering how costly Bombay accommodation can be - why pay …

Early morning in a city like Bombay is an interesting time for a walk.