I don't have an Indian SIM - never particularly had the need for it - and won't be able to get one (easily) before I next need to book taxis. So I wonder if any could help me out with their experience of booking taxis.

Normally, it's been colleagues or hotels booking cabs for me (or me picking them up from a prepay stand or rank). However, my one experience with Meru went badly, as they were unable to contact me on an international number, and so cancelled the taxi a short notice, leaving me in the lurch.

All the online taxi-booking services need a local mobile number. Is there any way round this?