Why You Need This Guide
Arriving at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport can feel like walking into a movie scene. Terminal 3 glows with glass and lights, baggage carousels hum, and the aroma of chai drifts from cafés. Then, the sliding doors open — and suddenly you’re in a crowd of drivers, touts, and “helpers” all calling out, waving, insisting you follow them. If you’ve just landed after a 14-hour flight, bleary-eyed and jet-lagged, this chaos feels overwhelming.
It’s in this very moment that most scams begin. And unless you know what to expect, you might find yourself in the wrong cab, paying double, or worse — waking up at a hotel you never booked. That’s why we’re starting this two-part series with the scams you’ll meet first. In Part 1, we’ll uncover two of the most common tricks: the fake prepaid counter inside the terminal and the classic “Your hotel is closed” lie. Let’s dive in.
Scam #1: The Fake “Prepaid” Counter
You step into Arrivals, and a polite man beckons: “Prepaid taxi, sir! This way!”. There’s even a counter with a board. It looks safe. But here’s the truth: those counters inside the terminal are fake. They charge two or three times the real fare, and sometimes the drivers still divert you.
The real counters are only outside Gates 5 & 6. Once you exit, the lanes are organized:
- Lane 1: Radio Taxis — Mega Cabs & Meru Cabs
- Between Lane 2 & 3: The official Delhi Police Prepaid Taxi Counter
- Uber Pickup: Not at the curb! It’s in the multilevel parking, across all 3 lanes
Pro Hack: Want Uber? You’ll need internet. The Airtel store sells prepaid SIMs both inside T3 and outside Arrivals. Grab one before heading out.
Scam #2: “Your Hotel Is Closed”
You’re in the taxi now, feeling safe. Then the driver glances back: “Sir, your hotel is closed. The road is blocked. Police not allowing anyone. Very dangerous area.”. Your stomach drops. Could it be true?
Here’s how the trick works: the driver offers to “call your hotel.” He pretends to dial the number you gave him. The person who answers confirms the lie: “Yes sir, hotel closed due to fire/flood/police.”. Of course, it isn’t your hotel — it’s the driver’s friend. Next stop: a dingy property that pays him a fat commission.
Traveler’s Hack: Avoid the drama by staying close to the airport. Aerocity is just 5–10 minutes from T3. You’ll find JW Marriott, Novotel, Andaz, and boutique options like Hotel Aerocity Purple Orchid, which also arranges trusted transfers for guests.
Delhi Airport To-Do Checklist
- Exit via Gates 5 or 6
- Use Mega/Meru (Lane 1) or Delhi Police counter (Lane 2/3)
- Uber pickup: multilevel parking across 3 lanes
- Buy an Airtel SIM inside or outside T3
- Keep your prepaid slip until drop-off
Approximate Prepaid Taxi Fares
- Aerocity hotels: ₹150–300
- Mahipalpur / Rangpuri: ₹300–400
- Connaught Place (Central Delhi): ₹400–600
- South Delhi: ₹500–800
FAQ — Delhi Airport Taxis & Hotels
Where is the prepaid taxi counter?
Outside T3 (Arrivals), between Lane 2 & 3, after Gates 5 & 6.
Are Mega Cabs and Meru Cabs available?
Yes, both operate from Lane 1 outside Gates 5 & 6.
Where is the Uber pickup point?
Inside the multilevel parking, across all 3 lanes outside Gates 5 & 6.
Can I buy a SIM card at the airport?
Yes, the Airtel store sells prepaid SIMs inside T3 and outside Arrivals.
Is there a hotel inside the airport?
Yes — Holiday Inn Express in the transit area. Nearby Aerocity has JW Marriott, Novotel, Andaz, and Hotel Aerocity Purple Orchid.
What’s Next?
These two scams are just the beginning. In Part 2, we’ll cover more tricks: The Fake Driver and The Over-Friendly Helper. If you thought Part 1 was dramatic, wait until you see how creative Delhi’s touts can get.
Coming Friday: Part 2 →