Taxis are a popular option when traveling to a new destination. While pricier than a bus or train, taking a taxi will get you to your destination faster without having to pay attention to the route as closely as you would while taking a train or bus. And if you’re splitting the cost with your travel partner, it might be cheaper. We’ve taken taxis around the world, and prices and availability varies enormously.
If you opt for a taxi, it’s imperative to research the typical fare for a trip to the city center, especially when interacting with opportunist taxi drivers who claim their meter is broken and charge an exorbitant rate to foreigners.
With the rise of ride-hailing apps like Uber, getting a taxi has never been easier, especially in major cities. Essentialliving.co.uk analyzed 38 major cities to determine the best taxi services globally. Washington D.C. in USA scored best, while Stockholm, Sweden and Oslo, Norway ranked 23 and 27 respectively.
I always refuse to ride in a taxi with a ‘broken meter’ as you will find the agreed upon fare mysteriously increase once you get to the destination.
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Related: How I Travel from Airports to City Centers
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In some countries, the common practice is to have a flat rate from the airport to the city center. In this case, do not be afraid to hop in the taxi. I find it good practice to have the driver write down the agreed-upon fare before getting into the car. This way it is more difficult for the driver to change the price once you arrive at your destination. Always handle all these things before you get in the car or begin loading your luggage. Once you get in the vehicle and the driver begins the trip, you have lost your leverage.
Essential living reports that the most-costly Uber in the world is in Warsaw, Poland. Helsinki, Stockholm and Oslo rank 15, 16 and 17 respectively.
Do not be afraid to negotiate with taxi drivers as well. I often try this tactic after already having researched the typical fare. Sometimes I try it without knowing the typical fare. You will know that you are not that far out from a fair amount if the taxi driver keeps following and pestering you. If a taxi driver leaves you alone after you take a hard line on an amount, you will know that your offer was too low. I always act as I am not in a hurry and have gotten as much as a 50 percent discount on their original offer by waiting them out.
Which city has the longest waiting time for an Uber. Some examples according to Numbeo: Shortest waiting time has New Delhi, India with 3 minutes. In Stockholm, you have to wait 6 minutes, while the waiting time in Oslo is 18 minutes.
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Related: Hotel Booking Secrets
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Recently, I arrived at the airport in Bucharest, Romania and watched where the locals went to get a taxi, which was a bit further to the left of the exit doors. I found a ride to the city center for $15. Later, I was told that the normal ‘tourist’ price was double. Get a lay of the land before choosing your ride and it can save you a lot of money. Be wary of taxi drivers who offer to take you to your destination in an unmarked car. Most likely the driver is simply trying to earn a living on the side, but drivers of these unmarked cars are more likely to participate in kidnapping or robbery schemes since they do not have a taxi company or government authority to answer to. That is not to say that taxi drivers who work for companies in marked cars do not participate in these schemes, they simply have more to lose if reported.
Many countries have a taxi desk inside the airport near the exit. You pay a predetermined fair at the desk and receive a coupon that you present to the driver at the front of the line of taxis outside the airport. This is a great way to avoid corruption and make tourists feel confident they are not being taken advantage of. A lot of these kiosks accept credit cards as well – an added bonus.
Taxis Around the World, written by Tor Kjolberg