🚗 Car Rental & Drivers in India – Tips for French Visitors 🇫🇷🇮🇳

Exploring India by road offers a unique chance to experience the country's rich diversity, but navigating its traffic and systems can be tricky—especially for travelers from France. This guide helps French tourists make smart, safe choices when renting cars or hiring drivers in India.

🇮🇳 Should You Rent a Car or Hire a Driver?

✅ Hiring a Car with Driver – Recommended

• Stress-Free: Indian roads can be chaotic; local drivers handle it better.

• Affordable: Hiring a car with driver is surprisingly cost-effective.

• Local Insights: Drivers often act as informal guides.

• No License Hassle: French driving licenses aren’t always valid for self-drive.

❌ Self-Drive Rental – Caution Advised

• Roads may lack clear signs, especially in rural areas.

• Left-hand driving and unpredictable traffic are difficult to adjust to.

• Foreign licenses may require International Driving Permit (IDP).

📍 Where to Book Reliable Car & Driver Services

Recommended Platforms:

• India Taxi Online – Great for custom itineraries & airport pickups.

• Makemytrip / Yatra / Gozo Cabs – Trusted aggregators for tourists.

Local Operators (Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Goa):

• Many hotels offer trusted chauffeur-driven car services.

• Avoid booking at random kiosks—especially near train stations.

💡 Tips for French Travelers

• Always agree on the price & inclusions (toll, fuel, driver allowance) in writing before the trip.

• Keep emergency contacts and driver’s ID handy.

• Tipping is appreciated – ₹100–₹300/day depending on service.

• Avoid night driving in remote areas unless essential.

🧾 Documents & Essentials

• For chauffeur cars: Just carry your passport and visa.

• For self-drive: French license + IDP, passport copy, local SIM for maps.

🧳 Top Road Trip Routes for French Tourists

• Golden Triangle (Delhi → Agra → Jaipur)

• Rajasthan Circuit (Jaipur → Udaipur → Jodhpur → Jaisalmer)

• Kerala Coastal Drive (Cochin → Alleppey → Varkala)

• Himalayan Roads (Chandigarh → Manali → Leh)

⚠️ Beware of Common Scams

• Fake tourist desks near airports or railway stations

• Overcharging by street vendors pretending to be official

• Always verify company credentials & read reviews