How to correctly flag a taxi

Taxi are a popular form of public transport in the compact city state of Singapore, with fares considered relatively low compared to those in most cities in developed countries. However you may find taxi system in Singapore is slightly different from most of other countries, find out more!

Here are a few interesting facts about taking a taxi in Singapore:

• You have to wait up to 30 minutes in a ridiculous queue for your turn in taxi stands, especially during peak hours, bad weather conditions and close to midnight time.
• You can't flag a taxi wherever you want, only in designated areas.
• Standard cabs never pick up more than 4 adult passengers on principle.
• It is sometimes cheaper to flag a cab than riding buses/MRT if you travel with more than 3 people.

Taxicabs use meters and are reasonably priced and honest, however, a shortage of taxis in Singapore means that they are often unavailable for hours at a time. Outside weekday peak hours, trips within the city center should not cost you more than $10 and even a trip right across the island from Changi to Jurong will not break the $35 mark. If you are in a group of 3 or 4, it's sometimes cheaper and faster to take a taxi than the MRT. Be aware, however, that taxis are often remarkably difficult to secure, especially during peak commute or shopping hours, or when there is inclement weather. During these times it can be impossible to get through to a booking agent via telephone, and you can expect extended waits in taxi queues. There is a puzzling lack of action to address this persistent and frustrating taxi shortage.

Premium Chrysler cab in Singapore

Pricing

Taxi pricing is largely identical across all companies at $2.80-3.00 as a flag down rate (depending on the type of vehicle used), which lasts you 1 km before increments of $0.20 per 385 m (for the first 10 km) or $0.20 per 330 m (after the first 10 km). (The sole exception is SMRT's giant black Chryslers, which charge $5 and then $0.30 per 385 m.) Watch out for surprises though: there are a myriad of peak hour (35%), late night (50%), central business district ($3), trips from airport or the IRs ($3-$5 during peak hours), phone booking ($2.50 and up), public holiday ($1) and Electronic Road Pricing surcharges, which may add a substantial amount to your taxi fare. All such charges are shown on the bottom right-hard corner of the meter, recorded in the printed receipt and explained in tedious detail in a sticker on the window; if you suspect the cabbie is trying to pull a fast one, call the company and ask for an explanation. Note that there is no surcharge for trips to the airport. While all taxis are equipped to handle (and are required to accept) credit cards, in practice many cabbies do not accept electronic payment. Always ask before getting in. Paying by credit card will incur an additional surcharge of 17%. During rush hour in the city center, or late at night on the weekends, it's wise to call for a taxi from the unified booking system at +65 6342 5222.

Despite the costs involved, taxis may sometimes take you to distant locations outside the CBD faster than mass transport. An airport trip from downtown may take less than 20 mins on a cab but more than 30 mins on an MRT.

Shopping centre's taxi stand queue

In the Central Business District, taxis may pick up passengers only at taxi stands (found outside any shopping mall) or buildings with their own driveways (including virtually all hotels). Outside the centre, you're free to hail taxis on the street or call one to your doorstep. At night spots featuring long queues, such as Clarke Quay, you may on occasion be approached by touts offering a quick flat fare to your destination. This is illegal and very expensive but reasonably safe for you. (Drivers, on the other hand, will probably lose their job if caught.)

Some Singapore taxi drivers have very poor geographical knowledge and may expect you to know where they should go, so it may be helpful to bring a map of your destination area or directions on finding where you wish to go. Some cabbies may also ask you which route you want to take; most are satisfied with "whichever way is faster".

Taxicabs Hotline
Dial-A-Cab: 6342 5222 (6-DIAL-CAB)



To summarize:

• There is no bargaining on cab fare in Singapore as all cabs are licensed and run on meters.
• Pricing is standardized across taxi companies.
• If you want to flag a taxi on the street, make sure you're standing on the correct spot where taxi drivers will be able stop.
• If you're heading towards a busy taxi stand, make sure you know a dial-a-cab number, waiting at the taxi queue can be excruciatingly long.
• ...and if possible, find out a postal code of your building for an automated taxi booking system.
• Beware of the extra surcharges to avoid "bill shock".

If you have any good tips on taxi usage in Singapore, please leave it in a comment section.