Cabs on call number
Cabins on the phone numberHotelstaxi constellations are mainly for hotels, but cab riders don't mind who gets into their cars as long as it's a ticket price. "You have most likely learnt this from riders, but it is generally not the case. Riders say this to try to lower the charges they have paid and maintain their overall rates.
Be sure that you can use your plastic to pay by asking for it over the telephone (if you call before) or by agreeing to pay with the rider before he starts the counter. If you do this in advance, it will make sure that the rider knows that this is a prerequisite for obtaining your company, and it will prevent a yellow exchange from taking place at the end when you fight out the front doors.
As with many other types of transport (e.g. eating out, haircuts), taking a cab generally involves a tip. However, only if the chauffeur offers good customer care - a tip should work like a thank-you. When your chauffeur is courteous, takes you there safely and healthily and otherwise allows you a smooth journey, 15% is okay.
However, if your chauffeur goes beyond that, e.g. offers a sightseeing trip, helps you with luggage or brings your child for 20%. Throughout New York city, the yellows you see everywhere are not the kind of taxis you call (or mark). Others without the infamous yellowness are the ones you can actually call - the ones that #TAXI uses in its data base.
There is a gimmick with yellows: Only when the EMIDLE numbers light up on the top of a yellows taxi is it in use. TAXI is especially useful in New York because it can look like you're never driving a taxi in your lifetime rush, it can seem like you can't find the number for a taxi that you can call.
If you are a non-resident, you can be a simple sign for locals who are trying to make money by increasing tariffs. If you arrive at the airports, try to get an information manual that describes the standards of the regional taxis markets (e.g. prices, inclusive of charges typically levied from the airports to the main regional destinations).
Check with reception to see if you are accommodated in a nearby guesthouse for information on taxis in town, prices and what to look out for. If possible, call only suggested taxi operators (e.g. from your tour leader or the hotel) and check prices in advance. Otherwise, you may not be able to get a price quote. It is much simpler (and potentially safer) than having to deal with a chauffeur in the driver's cabin - especially if there are linguistic obstacles.
Stake the prize with the rider before he drives off - for the whole ticket amount, plus any extra costs. Please always wear the country code. Watch the different Taxizolls in the How to Hail a Cab in South Africa recorded during the 2010 World Championship. Prices in some towns and abroad. http://www.cantaxi.ca/membersonly/taxi_rates_survey/taxi_rates. htm (Prices in Canada).
If you are looking for information specifically for your town, read our section hints for getting taxis in your town.