Best taxi booking apps in Mumbai

Flapping your arms and calling for a taxi, it is a been there done that moment for all of us. Who knew we would reach a stage where cabs will arrive at our doorstep by reaching out to our pockets. Be it running late for work or being plain lazy; there is a taxi for every occasion. Taxi companies like Ola, Uber, have left Mumbai’s ‘kaali-peeli’ way behind in the game.

There are several taxi booking app that enables you to reach your destination in a jiffy. In fact, we are spoilt for choices. It has also become easier to make price comparisons especially with variants like pool (sharing cabs), on the go cab (solo travel), SUVs (family cab), etc. in the offering.

So, which are the apps to consider in order to book taxi online?

1) Meru: They have been the face of online cabs in India since 2007. One of the best features of Meru is their timely service. While people nowadays complaint of time management followed by taxis, Meru cabs arrive on time most of the time. It is sophisticated and safe, especially for those travelling in the night to/from airports.

2) Uber: They are considered to be direct rivals of the ‘kaali-peeli’ premier taxis. Uber is the most favoured taxi booking app for its range of services. If an affordable ride is what you are searching for, Uber Pool and UberX are accessible. Meanwhile, luxury car lovers can opt for Uber Black. 

3) Ola: User-friendly interface and instant communication are the USP of Ola. In fact, they are available at affordable rates, giving a stiff competition to Uber. What's more? Ola has also started providing Ola kaali-peeli and Ola auto-rickshaw services off late. And if you want to listen to your kind of music, there are radio and selected music on their mini TV. These are the primary reasons why the office goers consider Ola to be the most preferred taxi app.

4) Taxi for sure: They offer point to point travel services and are mostly found around the airports. Taxi for sure app is the ideal solution for in-city tour. It is available across metropolitan cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Indore, Chandigarh and so on.

5) Tab Cabs: There was a time when Meru and Tab Cabs owned the streets until Uber and Ola entered the fray. Be it bulk booking or regular ride; Tab Cab app is the one to go for.

There are currently 1.6 billion licensed cabs operating in India. In fact, even women cab drivers have started making their way onto the streets. Keeping in mind women’s safety, the ladies can book taxi online via Priyadarshini, Viira or Womencabs services.

5 points to remember before shopping grocery online

Gone are the days when people went to a vegetable/fruit seller and bought the best ones’ home. With the advent of technology, every and any product is available online. The user-friendly online grocery websites such as Big Basket, Grofers, Nature’s Basket or online portals such as Amazon offer groceries online and at competitive price rates.

You need not dread to visit the supermarket anymore. All the items such as fresh produce, frozen food, dairy products, pre-made gourmet meals and even eggs can be bought online. Consumers are finding online grocery shopping to be reliable and convenient.

However, there are some points to remember before making the payment on the go:

1) Safety first: Before you get started, find the best grocery store online. Security should be a priority on the list. Metropolitan cities have more options for purchasing products online. However, it is advisable to get reviews and opt for a reputable online grocery store. Always remember, you will be providing your payment details on these websites. As the saying goes, ‘looks can be deceptive.’ In this scenario, brand name can be deceptive.

2) Reliable customer service: One of the crucial aspects of online grocery shopping is the arrival of the products in excellent condition. For example if the item is damaged, ensure there is an appropriate customer care service available to address your grievances. This service is useful even if the products have not arrived or the order needs to be changed.

3) Fee structures: Online grocery websites have a different fee structure in place. Some allow you to make payment online, some follow cash on delivery policy, and some follow unlimited delivery for the set subscription period. Look out for these payment policies as they can save those extra money.

4) Coupons and codes: The primary reason people opt for the online mode is the comparison of prices and deals. While websites like Amazon and HDFC PayZapp runs offer every month, official sites provide deals periodically. Some of these stores have mobile applications as well. Grocery shopping app provides further discounts than the portals. Watch out for those deals before you start your shopping.

5) Crosscheck the order: Imagine a scenario where the delivery guy hands over your products. One of the iterm is missing out from the list. You blame the delivery guy for the mishap. And you realise you forgot to add that particular product in the cart at the time of shopping. To avoid such circumstances, always crosscheck your order, maybe twice or thrice.

Apart from the above steps, always remember to do online grocery shopping from a website that will deliver to your area. Shopping has never been so easy, right?

Top 4 DTH recharge portals

In a world of smart technology, everyone is opting for the online procedures. It is hassle-free, convenient and simple. Recharging mobile phones, DTH, paying utility bills are only a click away. It saves time and the effort of walking up all the way to your mobile store or electricity/gas connection office. 
With almost nil usage of cable networks nowadays, DTH networks have gained immense profit. To make life simpler, these networks associate themselves with online recharge portals such as Paytm, Freecharge, HDFC PayZapp, etc. to provide lucrative DTH recharge offers to the customers. 

Some of the frontrunners in the DTH recharge field are:

1) Paytm: It is one of the leading portals in India that enables users to recharge and pay bills instantly. Now, you can also make safe bank transactions via Paytm. It has coupons, deals running almost every day that are not available offline. For example, they have various dish tv recharge offers presently such as 100 per cent cashback up to INR 50 on bill payment for first-timers. They also have the ‘lakhpati’ offer for dish tv users where you can win up to INR 1 lakh on recharge or bill payments. The customer will receive INR 60 cashback on DTH, mobile postpaid and electricity.

2) FreeCharge: Another leading portal, FreeCharge, has several offers on DTH recharge such as INR 75 cashback if paid with UPI using code UPI75. They are offering 100 per cent cashback up to INR 75 for the first-time users. Meanwhile, Axis Bank users will receive INR 100 cash back on first transaction.

3) Mobikwik: By making use of Mobikwik’s secure digital wallet, you can avail several offers and discounts. From the plethora of offers on DTH recharge, Mobikwik users can choose any of the deal from their portal. They have a special cashback offer running through which the customers receive 10 per cent SuperCash by recharging for INR 100.

4) Indiancashback: One of the benefits of online recharge is comparing the deals and opting for the best one. Indiancashback.com allows you to do just that. Users can check for best offers on DTH recharge under one roof. They provide the best deals from Mobikwik, Paytm, FreeCharge, etc. to bail you out from confusion. The customers will be given promo codes to reduce your payment.

Stop wasting extra energy and money by standing on long queues. Just like we make optimum use of the sale for branded clothes, start using the DTH recharge offers online to save those extra expenses.

Best mobile recharge offers for June 2018

Usage of the internet has been on a rise of late. We require mobile data almost 24X7: at office, college, home or anywhere else. It has almost replaced the television sets at home. In a workaholic city like Mumbai, the common man has no luxury of sitting on the couch to watch any live event. Most of the times you will spot office goers watching a movie/football/cricket match on their mobile phone either through their telecom networks TV apps or other television channel apps.

These apps have special offers that run every month. Here are some of the offers on mobile recharge for June 2018:

1) BSNL’s Monsoon plan: BSNL has a unique scheme running for prepaid mobile users. Their ‘monsoon offer’ is for limited period that lasts from June 16 to August 18. It triples the users mobile data in this period. The validity period for each of the following mentioned plans varies. Some of them are:
- Plan 186: 1GB data tripled to 3GB data
- Plan 485: 1.5GB data tripled to 3.5GB data
- Plan 999: 1GB data tripled to 3GB data

2) Jio’s ‘Double Dhamaka’ offer: JioTV app, a dedicated Live TV app for Reliance Jio users, has announced a ‘Double Dhamaka’ offer where the mobile users receive 3GB data every day on selected plans until June 30. The scheme has been rolled out specially for the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2018. Customers can also seek additional mobile recharge data for either INR 149, INR 349, INR 399 or INR 499. Users receive additional benefit of high-speed internet and free voice SMS.

3) Idea’s ‘jeeto bejhijak’ scheme: Over the past few months, telecom companies have been nothing less than a genie providing best offers on mobile recharge. Idea Cellular has come up with ‘jeeto bejhijak’ scheme concentrating on mobile data. It assures INR 20 cashback for every prepaid customer by recharging for INR 100. The scheme is applicable for recharge offer of INR 199 and above as well.

4) Paytm offer: One of the leading mobile recharge apps, Paytm, has a special cashback offer of INR 20 running for the month. The user has to insert the promo code of MONTHLY20 on recharging their phone. 

5) HDFC PayZapp offer: HDFC’s PayZapp is a complete payment solution for mobile recharge, booking movie tickets, paying utility bills, etc. One of the offers running for the mobile recharge on their end is INR 25 cashback on recharging 4 times in June. All the user has to do is include the promo code ‘ACTIVE.’

So, if you have been missing out on all FIFA action or finding the mobile data plans expensive, go for the above schemes to keep your pockets light.

6 tips to secured mobile banking

With every industry etching their mark in the digital world, the banking profession is not behind. Today, customers need flexibility and ease of services, irrespective of the date, day and time. One of the major boons the banking industry has received through technology is the availability of their services online as well as on customers’ smartphones.

Although net banking is one service that is widely used, mobile banking is slowly finding its way to the top. Finance companies are building customer-centric solutions to ensure the mobile experience is smooth and trustworthy.

Customers are not as convinced to use mobile internet banking to that of net banking. The rectangular box comes with several complications and challenges. Mobile apps generally contain many security layers and should support different Android, iOS and Microsoft versions. Below are 6 tips to a secured banking over smartphone:

1) Additional security feature: A 4-digit password would not suffice in today’s time. Any hacker can crack the code and log in to your bank account. It is crucial to have an additional layer of security such as fingerprints or One-Time Password (OTP). This way nobody can deceive your account. 

2) Use of NFC-embedded SIM card: An NFC-based SIM card is a way of downloading all your credit/debit card information into the Near Field Communication (NFC) SIM card. You can protect your account’s overall information without the usage/swiping of your card. It also means you are storing all your account information to the mobile internet banking.


3) Real-time SMS and email alerts: One of the best ways to secure mobile banking is by linking your accounts to an updated mobile number and email id. In case any fraudulent activity takes place, the bank will alert you over SMS or email. This way your account information will not get compromised.

4) Behaviour analysis: Your laptop, tablet or smartphones have your email and account details stored in the device. Whenever a secondary person tries to log in to your account or email from another location, you get notified about the same. You bank raises the red flag if they notice any suspicious activity.

5) Secure access: Users should use secured connections such as HTTPs that will store customer’s information safely between the browser and website. This avoids malicious activities as well.

Mobile banking can get better and safe if banks keep adopting newer technologies. Banks should also educate the customers and encourage them to use banking via smartphones.

4 best mobile banking apps in India

Finding time to go to the bank is next to impossible. In fact, visiting a bank branch has become a chore. Again, passbook needs to be updated; new chequebook orders have to be placed, ATM cards have to be blocked in case they go missing. The list is endless.

Precisely why mobile banking app invention is one thing we all will be thankful for forever. Mobile banking operations started in India in 2002. Everything such as bank transactions, checking bank statements, paying credit card and utility bills, can be done by a click.

Time-saving and convenient, these apps are now massively popular. Listed below are the brands who are the face of banking app industry:

1) HDFC mobile application:HDFC is one of India’s leading banks today. It holds 4.2 rating and has over 10 million downloads on Google Play store. It allows the customers to view their account summary, transfer funds, make credit card payment, etc. Their app is also available in Hindi catering to the mass audience. HDFC app has a ‘LITE' version that makes it compatible with those using low internet speed. However, the ‘LITE’ version does not cover all the aspects. Nevertheless, the regular services are covered under it.

2) ICICI Bank’s iMobile application:ICICI was the first bank to launch full-fledged banking app services in India in 2008. The Google Play has rated ICICI bank’s app 4.5. It is one of the highest rated mobile banking apps in India. Apart from paying bills, the app allows users to open fixed and recurring deposits. Consumers can also manage life insurance policies here. Apart from the iMobile app, ICICI bank also launched the iWear smartwatch app. With Apple and Google smartwatches used heavily, ICICI bank users can access their account and check their last 3 bank transactions, current balance and credit card accounts on their hand.

3) Axis Bank’s mobile application: Axis bank’s app is known for its stability. It has over 5 million downloads and holds 4-star rating on Google Play store. Apart from the regular features, Axis bank users can time their credit card payment, covert them into EMIs, block cards and replace them, temporarily deactivate the debit card, set limit on debit card purchases. The customers can also autopay bills for over 200 utility services through the app. Axis bank’s app is also social-media friendly as users can email and Tweet directly from the app.

4) SBI’s Anywhere Personal Application: The app was previously called ‘State Bank Freedom App.’ The Anywhere Personal app provides essential banking services. The bank has 3.9 rating on Google Play. One of the salient features of the app is mCash. Through this medium, users can transfer funds to a mobile number or email id. It also has the mPassbook feature through which the users can check their past 150 transactions. They, too, have a smartwatch app for the smart users.

So, ensure that you install a mobile banking app today and start using it.

Advantages of making a bill payment online

With the advent of technology, our efforts towards household chores are almost negligible nowadays. Earlier, people used to stand in long queues to pay any bill, be it mobile or utility services. Today, one can quickly log into their mobile network or LPG website and make bill payment in a jiffy.

Earlier, many were sceptical to conduct online bill payment. Now, there are secure gateways and several encryption keys that make payment safe. It is specially convenient for those who live a fast-paced life.

There are several advantages of making bill payment either online or via apps. Here are some of them:

1) Saves time and effort: This aspect comes to play for those who use bill payment app. With the help of our mobiles phones, we can pay our bills anytime and any day. In fact, online merchants accept either credit/debit card or cash on delivery payment modes. So with your handset, you can make payments using either MasterCard or Visa.

2) Eco-friendly: Another advantage of online bill payment is you save a lot of paper. Precisely why banks and other service providers send statements or bills via email. Less paper means fewer envelopes minus the hassle for you. It is safe to say that online process is environment-friendly.


3) Safe and secure: With more and more users thronging the internet, online merchants are using the SSL mechanism to conduct safe and secure payments. The level of encryptions today is so high that it is impossible to perform fraudulent activities online. 

4) Consolidation of record: Some people do maintain records of their bills, be it payment slip of utility bills or any shopping receipt. Through the internet, the receipt is saved over your email once the payment is made.

5) Convenience: Bill payment app allows you to control on when to pay the bills and how much you wish to pay for each bill. You also have the liberty to change your expense choices or even cancel it.

6) Deals and offers: Customers can grab last minute deals while making payments. Recharge websites especially run offers now and then. Banks, too, give away deals periodically. This way you can go light on your pockets.

Every service provider today has their portals. They are associated with recharge websites such as Paytm and Freecharge or banking apps such as HDFC or ICICI. Bill payment has never been so easy and quick before.