Hi everyone, I’m a regular traveler between Chandigarh Airport (IXC) and Panchkula. Lately, the "extra cash" demands from Uber and Rapido drivers have become systemic. I recently paid ₹750 for an Uber XL and was still harassed for more.

If you’re traveling to/from IXC, please be aware of these two specific scams so you don’t get bullied into paying twice.

Case 1: The "Parking Fee" Hustle

Drivers often demand ₹50 to ₹100 for "parking" or "airport charges" right before drop-off or after pick-up.

• The Reality: IXC has a 10-minute free window for commercial vehicles. If your driver was in and out quickly, they paid ₹0.
• The Double-Dip: Uber already adds an "Airport Access Fee" (roughly ₹40-₹90) to your digital bill. This is the fee the airport charges the aggregator.
• The Scam: Even if the driver exceeds 10 minutes, the actual parking fee for a car is ₹30 (up to 30 mins). Asking for ₹50 or ₹100 verbally is a pure profit-grab.
• My Experience: My driver was in the airport for barely 10 mins. When I refused his verbal request for ₹50, he called me a "miser" to guilt-trip me. Don't fall for the "it's my daily work" emotional appeal—they are already being paid.

Case 2: The "State Tax" Extortion (PB vs. HR Plates)

This is the big one for anyone going to Panchkula. Since the airport is in Mohali (Punjab) and Panchkula is in Haryana, there is a State Entry Tax.

• The "Home State" Rule: If your cab has Haryana (HR) plates, they do NOT pay entry tax to enter Haryana. My last driver had HR plates and still tried to hustle for "tax." It is 100% fake in this case.
• The "Daily Permit" Scam (PB Plates): If the cab has Punjab (PB) or Chandigarh (CH) plates, they do have to pay. However, they buy a Daily Permit (approx. ₹100 for XLs, less for 4-seaters) that lasts 24 hours.
• The Extortion: Drivers try to charge every single passenger the full permit fee. My parents were once asked for ₹250 for state tax! That is more than double the actual daily cost.
• The App Inclusion: If you book an "Interstate" ride, Uber/Rapido algorithms already include the estimated state tax in the upfront fare. That ₹750 XL fare already has the tax baked in.

How to protect yourself:

1. Check the Plates: If it’s an HR plate going to Panchkula, there is zero tax. Period.
2. Ask for the Receipt: If they insist on cash for parking or tax, say: "I’ll pay, but I need the physical printed receipt to claim a refund from Uber." Most will back down immediately because they don't have one.
3. The "No Cash" Rebuttal: Tell them: "Uber policy says all taxes are in the app. If you want more, please contact Uber support to add it to my digital invoice." (Drivers cannot do this manually).
4. Report Them: Don't just let it go. Use the "Driver asked for extra cash" option in the app. If we don't report, the "Airport Cartel" of drivers will keep doing this to travelers and the elderly.

Has anyone else faced this? It’s giving Chandigarh a really bad reputation.

EDIT: I have used Uber/Rapido a lot all over India. Recently came from Mumbai/Pune and I was honeslty impressed by how honest and systematic everything was. Even in Delhi (growing up was considered a notorious city), I never faced this issue. This is unique to Chandigarh in my experience.