What is a tuk-tuk?
Quick answer
A tuk-tuk is a small three-wheeled motorized vehicle used as a taxi, with a driver in front and a covered seat for passengers behind. It’s also called an auto rickshaw. The name imitates the “tuk-tuk” sound of the small engines used in early models.
Tuk-tuks are a familiar sight in busy cities across Asia, Africa and Latin America. They’re cheap to run, small enough to weave through traffic and can carry two or three passengers, sometimes more.
Names around the world
| Country | Common name |
|---|---|
| Thailand | Tuk-tuk |
| India | Auto, auto rickshaw |
| Sri Lanka | Tuk-tuk, three-wheeler |
| Pakistan | Rickshaw |
| Peru | Mototaxi |
| Egypt | Toktok |
| Philippines | Tricycle (often a motorcycle with a sidecar) |
A short history
Three-wheeled delivery vehicles were developed in Europe and Japan in the 1930s to 1950s. Italy’s Piaggio Ape, launched in 1948, was especially influential, and Indian companies such as Bajaj began making auto rickshaws in the late 1950s. Thailand’s tuk-tuks became icons in the following decades.
Today, many cities are switching to electric tuk-tuks, which are quieter and produce no exhaust fumes.
Riding a tuk-tuk: tips for travelers
- Agree on the price before you get in, unless the vehicle has a meter.
- Have the address written down or on a map.
- Be wary of drivers offering very cheap tours that include stops at shops.
- Hold on: they’re open-sided and can be bumpy.
- Ride-hailing apps in some countries now offer tuk-tuks at fixed prices.
Traveling in Asia? Check what time it is in India before you call home.
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