Hello, this is Shimao! When you go abroad, you may be wondering, “How am I supposed to get around?” In this article, I would like to introduce how to use Pathao, a car-dispatch application used by local people, and some tips I used when I was actually using it.
App you should get ”Pathao”
Nepal’s public transportation system, such as buses and trains, is not yet fully developed, and it is difficult to use them if you do not speak Nepali. But don’t worry, you can easily get around by cab or motorcycle using Pathao, a car-dispatch application. The cost is only a few dollers, so feel free to use it. The app’s usage is almost the same as that of other car-dispatch apps such as Uber.
- Get a SIM that can be used locally.
- Download the app
- Register an account
- Select Bike or Car
- When a map appears, type the destination in the “seach destination” box or tap “Set on Map” below it to set a pin to the destination on the map. (There may be multiple places with the same name, so it is recommended to check the location in advance by using google map, etc.)
- Check estimated fees and time required and request the ride
- Wait for pickup
Now your car is dispatched!
However, it is the communication with the driver that you are concerned about. I’ll go into more detail in the next section on tips on how to interact!
Tips| Azurr
「Azurr」(spelling is not correct. It sounds like this to me) I believe this is the first Nepali word that travelers should learn. The reason is its versatility. When answering the phone, making a responce, replying, etc., just say “azurr” and the conversation will go on (note that this word mainly holds contexts of agreement). According to a local friend, the meaning changes depending on intonation and the way you say it.
If you arrange for a motorcycle or cab in Pathao, the driver will usually call you in Nepali. Often they will shout at you, especially if the road is noisy. At first, you may have trouble with the momentum.
This is where “Azurr” comes in. Here is the actual template for the author’s exchange.
Azurr, azurr（meaning excuse me）
Hello?
If the driver switches to English at this point, proceed in English.
If the driver does not speak English, he/she will continue to speak in Nepali
○△□○△□○△□○△□○△□
The nature of the Nepali language makes it difficult to find the break, so there is no problem if you start speaking in a covered form.
Azurr, Azurr（speak with an agreeable intonation here.）
＜destination＞
After Azurr, you clearly tell him/her where you are going.
○△□○△□○△□○△□○△□
The driver will either repeat the destination or tell you something in Nepali
I do not speak Nepali, but based on the times when I have been able to communicate in English, I believe that most of the time it is something along the lines of “I’m going to pick you up now,” or “I’ll be there in about xxx minutes.
Azurr（End the conversation with OK-like intonation.）
With this series of exchanges, a car should be arranged with almost no problems. Since all necessary information, such as destination, pickup point, and price, is communicated to the driver on the app, I think there are few cases of trouble. I used Pathao on a daily basis and never failed to reach my destination.
How was it? Nepal’s major tourist areas are scattered far apart, making it difficult to get around on foot. We hope you will enjoy your visit to Nepal by using Pathao!
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