Understanding Taxi Rental Charges: A Complete Guide to Transparent Billing in 2026
Booking a cab should be simple, but the final bill can often be confusing with various add-ons like "Beta," "Toll," and "GST." At www.thenicalltaxi.com, we believe in 100% transparency. Whether you are booking a local trip in Theni or a long-distance outstation journey, this guide explains exactly how your fare is calculated.
Base Fare: Calculated per kilometer (Per Km) based on vehicle type.Driver Beta: A fixed daily allowance for the driver’s food and stay.
Hill Charges: An extra one-time fee for mountain driving (e.g., Munnar, Kodaikanal).
GST Rate: 5% for standard taxi services (without Input Tax Credit).
HSN Code: 9964 (Passenger Transport Services).
Exclusions: Tolls, Parking, and State Permits are usually extra and paid at actuals.
Breaking Down Your Taxi Bill: The Components
When you receive a quote from Theni Call Taxi, the total cost is divided into several specific categories. Here is the detailed breakdown:
1. Per Kilometer (Per Km) Rate
This is the fundamental charge for the distance covered.
Hatchback (Indica/Swift): Lower rate per km.
Sedan (Dzire/Etios): Mid-range rate.
SUV/MUV (Innova Crysta/Hycross): Premium rate per km.
Note: Most operators have a minimum km limit per day (usually 250km or 300km) for outstation trips.
2. Driver Beta (Allowance)
"Beta" is a traditional term used in South India for the driver’s daily allowance.
Day Beta: Applicable for trips within standard working hours.
Night Beta: Usually charged if the driver drives between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
This fee covers the driver’s meals and basic expenses while away from home.
3. Hill Station Charges
Driving in hilly terrains like Munnar, Kodaikanal, or Meghamalai requires more fuel, higher brake wear, and expert driving skills.
A flat Hill Charge (ranging from ₹300 to ₹1000 depending on the vehicle) is added to the total bill to cover these operational costs.
4. Tolls, Parking, and State Permits
These are "At Actuals" charges.
Tolls: Paid via Fastag at every plaza.
Parking: Fees at airports, railway stations, or tourist spots.
Inter-State Permit: If you travel from Theni (Tamil Nadu) to Kerala, a temporary state permit fee must be paid at the border checkpost.
GST and HSN Code for Taxi Services
For corporate bookings and GST-registered businesses, understanding the tax structure is vital.
| Feature | Tax Detail |
| GST Rate | 5% (Standard) or 12% (With ITC) |
| HSN Code | 9964 (Passenger transport services over land) |
| SAC Code | 996411 (Taxi services) |
At Theni Call Taxi, we provide valid GST invoices for all our rentals, ensuring you can claim business expenses accurately.
Taxi Rental Pricing Table (Reference)
| Charge Component | Type of Charge | Approx. Range (2026) |
| Base Fare (Sedan) | Per Km | ₹13 - ₹15 |
| Base Fare (Innova) | Per Km | ₹18 - ₹24 |
| Driver Beta | Per Day | ₹300 - ₹600 |
| Night Drive Fee | Per Night | ₹300 |
| Hill Station Fee | One-time | ₹500 - ₹800 |
| GST | Mandatory | 5% on total bill |
Frequently Asked Questions (Q+A)
Q: Why is there a minimum kilometer per day charge?
A: For outstation trips, the vehicle is dedicated to you and cannot take other local bookings. The 250-300km minimum ensures the operational cost of the vehicle and driver is covered.
Q: Do I have to pay for the driver's food?
A: No. The Driver Beta is specifically meant to cover the driver's food and incidental expenses. You are not obligated to provide meals, though it is often considered a kind gesture.
Q: Is the GST rate the same for all car types?
A: Yes, the 5% GST rate applies to all passenger taxi services regardless of whether you rent a small car or a luxury SUV.
Key Takeaways
Transparent Billing: Always ask for a quote that includes Beta and GST.
Actuals: Tolls and Parking are never fixed; they are paid based on actual usage.
Hill Readiness: Ensure your operator doesn't surprise you with hill charges at the end of the trip; it should be mentioned upfront.
Trust: Using a registered service like www.thenicalltaxi.com guarantees no hidden costs.
Call to Action
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Author Bio: The Finance Team at Theni Call Taxi. We specialize in providing affordable, transparent, and reliable transportation solutions across Tamil Nadu and Kerala.