Taxi Ripoffs

Thread Starter.

I decided to head over the Cabana Las Lilas for my last supper here in BA before I fly out. The food and service were great (Thought the 15p per person cubierto sucks)

Outside there are a line of taxi's, and I grudgingly decided to grab one. The taxi driver seemed to be deaf, and I had to repeat the address 3 times.

Driving there, the other taxi driver had gone out of the way a few blocks, but nothing major. It had cost 5.72 pesos or such.

Going back, we're only 4 blocks from Puerto Madero and it's already over 5 pesos. WTF?

By this time, I know I'm dealing with a fixed meter. It seemed about twice as much as a normal one. The guy almost hit two pedestrians, and one other taxi on the way there. The fare was 9.64p (He didn't go out of the way at all)

I have all my 5+ peso bills in a money clip, and pulled out a 10 peso note. He then starts to hand back a two peso bill and told me I gave him the wrong bill. I told him he was wrong, he just shrugged, and went on his way. It's bad enough he nailed me for double the correct fare, but then trying the old switcheroo too?

I doubt you'd ever get this guy, but he's the fattest taxi driver I've seen in BA. The wheel can barely turn when he's in the seat. He also has some dash mounted guages on the passenger side of the car.

Speaking of taxi ripoffs, I had my first one on my most recent trip. The meter in the taxi kept going out. And I would say to the driver, "Senor, your meter is not working." So he would restart it, and in 15 seconds it would stop working again. This happened like 3 times, and I finally stopped reminding him.

So we get to the destination and he quotes me double what I know the fare to be. I knew how much, since the pickup was outside of Black, and the destination was my hotel, a route I took several times on my last visit.

So, I just handed him what I knew to be the correct fare, and like Jaimito, just got out of the cab. He drove off without making a fuss.

Now, even if I had paid his quoted double fare, I would have lost something like three dollars. BFD. But it's the point that counts. And I tend to tip the taxi drivers in BsAs very well, like one peso plus the difference in centavos between the meter and the next full peso. Most locals don't tip anything at all.

Be carefull in Taxi's in making change and or "Cambio"

Never give them a big bill such as a $100 peso note.

There's lots & lots of Counterfit money that floats around Buenos Aires and 9 times out on 10 your going to get it from a taxi driver.

Moreover, Taxi drivers love "Newbie's" to pass the Counterfit money too.

Exon

[QUOTE=Exon123]Be carefull in Taxi's in making change and or "Cambio"

Never give them a big bill such as a $100 peso note.

There's lots & lots of Counterfit money that floats around Buenos Aires and 9 times out on 10 your going to get it from a taxi driver.

Moreover, Taxi drivers love "Newbie's" to pass the Counterfit money too.

Exon[/QUOTE]This is true. One of the tricks a newbie has to learn is to keep your spending money in small denomination pesos - 2s, 5s, 10s, 20s. Nobody will ever have change for a 100, except in hotels or restaurants.

I am sure that all guys in-country a long time are well aware of this, but for the inexperienced I will reiterate that you should stick to well known Radio-Taxi companies such as Radio Taxi Premium, Mi Taxi, Tu Taxi, and the like. Taking taxis off the street is fine, as long as they are Radio Taxis from one of the reputable services. I myself will take an independent street taxi from time to time, but only if I am with a group of six or more that is trying to squeeze into one taxi (some radio taxi drivers will not allow this because their insurance will not cover them if some mishap occurs with 7 people in a 4 passenger cab) However, street taxis find their niche here in that they don't give a fuck and would put 10 people in their cab without blinking an eye.

In addition, there is absolutely no need to take any shit from these taxi drivers, or anyone else trying to rip you off down here (in most cases) The typical Argentine hustler will do his / her best to fleece you out of your dollars, but the second you get in their face and let them know who they are dealing with and that you are not going to take their shit they immediately back down and do nothing. No offense to anyone here, but Argentine men are NOT a tough lot, physically speaking, and are easily intimidated.

Dirk

Never give a taxi driver a $100? They, like almost everyone else, often don't have change for a $10.

I take the first taxi I see on the street and dont even notice if its a "reputable" one or not. Never seen any difference and never had any problem in 5 years (maybe 3000 rides) that I can remember. Exception, if its hot and I have a long ride ahead I will wait for one that I see has AC sometimes.

Most taxi drivers will keep some sort of club / tire iron under the seat for protection - intimidation. I have seen a couple pull one out and waive it at another driver or pedestrian in a road rage mode.

I tend to look for well dressed (shirt and tie) older types. Avoid the guy who looks like he just got out of prison - unshaven, 220 lbs, sloppy appearance.

Also watch out for side street diversions. No need to head through residential areas for many monger type trips.

If you feel uncomfortable, just step out when cab stops and throw 'em 5 pesos. Better than being taken to some area for a robbery - usually done by some thugs following or a couple of thugs waiting on some side street.

Overall, very safe with cabs, but probably the best opportunity for robbery other than the snatch and grab of a watch by thugs on motorcycles.

Also noticed lately several bike riders cruising neighborhoods, in groups of two and three. 16 - 20 years old, definitely not Recoleta material. Back in good old USA this was a favorite MO for strong arm robbery. If you see the same guys riding around within a couple of blocks they may be checking you out. Be especially aware if their direction changes while you casually walk a few blocks. Spotted a couple the other day around Montevideo and Arenales.

Thanks, Good Info!

This cabby waited outside of a parking circle between Asia de Cuba and the Hilton. Normally, from Port Madero to my apartment in Recoleta, the fare would run A$R5.00. All the way he drove very fast, and so did his meter - flipped pretty fast. The whole trip I did not say anything, I was observing and amazed, wanted to know how much this guy is gonna rip me off in the end. And in the end, the meter showed A$R10.00, big deal, not even worth to get my doorman involved! I gave him the exact amount but, I did point out to him, "Sir, you meter is not right", he explained something while he quickly drove off.

In all, my experience with BA's taxi drivers was good, most of the cabbies are honest. Before paying my fare, I would always ask the driver to turn the back seat light on, and check the bills (from the changes) into the light right in front of his face. It seems to be rude, but hey, isn't the thing everybody does in Buenos Aires?

Strad.

[QUOTE=Jaimito Cartero]I decided to head over the Cabana Las Lilas for my last supper here in BA before I fly out. The food and service were great (Thought the 15p per person cubierto sucks)

Outside there are a line of taxi's, and I grudgingly decided to grab one. The taxi driver seemed to be deaf, and I had to repeat the address 3 times.

Driving there, the other taxi driver had gone out of the way a few blocks, but nothing major. It had cost 5.72 pesos or such.

Going back, we're only 4 blocks from Puerto Madero and it's already over 5 pesos. WTF?

By this time, I know I'm dealing with a fixed meter. It seemed about twice as much as a normal one. The guy almost hit two pedestrians, and one other taxi on the way there. The fare was 9.64p (He didn't go out of the way at all)

I have all my 5+ peso bills in a money clip, and pulled out a 10 peso note. He then starts to hand back a two peso bill and told me I gave him the wrong bill. I told him he was wrong, he just shrugged, and went on his way. It's bad enough he nailed me for double the correct fare, but then trying the old switcheroo too?

I doubt you'd ever get this guy, but he's the fattest taxi driver I've seen in BA. The wheel can barely turn when he's in the seat. He also has some dash mounted guages on the passenger side of the car.[/QUOTE]

I usually use a $100 bill whenever I'm paying at normally reputatble places such as resturants or shops. I always make sure I have some $2 and $5 bills and plenty of coins with me. This way I can give exact change to taxi drivers with tip included, and aviod having to worry about receive any counterfeit bills back from them. I do the same thing at privados also, always try to pay with the exact amount.

I recently spent a couple of weeks in BA. I uesd taxis to get around. In all of the taxis I used I never felt that I was overcharged and was always treated fairly, with small bills only given, which I learned on this forum. If more could speak English it would be better but my experience with taxi drivers was very positive.

Cactus

Well, I've had lots of taxi ripoffs tried on me around the world. It's one thing that's constant. Many will try and hustle you.

One thing I did seriously this time, it to make sure the bank at the airport gave me LOTS of small bills. I got plenty of 20's, 10's and 5's. Trying to get them at other times can be pretty difficult.

I also name the amount I'm giving them, and never give them more than 5 pesos over the amount that they're charging.

I've never gotten any fake money. I think one other time, I had a taxi driver hustle me for the (Oh, senor you only gave me 2 pesos) so I'm pretty familar with all the different scams. I think I'll just stay away from any type of taxi stands (Though, I've never had a problem with the Village Recoleta one) especially in expensive areas.

I got a good driver going to the airport. He quoted me 40 pesos from Congreso, plus tolls. He turned the meter on, and when we got there, the meter read 37 and change. That's all he asked for. I gave him the 40p though.

I would say that a couple of other taxis have fixed meters to some degree. I've taken the same trip from my apartment, and had one come up to 8 pesos, and the other 12p, driving the same streets, and no long traffic delays.

Whenever I get cash at the ATM, I always get p490 (per transaction limit 500 for me). Then I always use 100s when eating at decent restaurants - which is most days - I rarely go to Burger King and there is no Denny's in BA. That keeps my wallet full of smaller bills. Also I find that a small business that knows you well will give you change. The kiosk I use almost everyday will usually change a 50/100 for me if needed.

Whenever I go to the bank before 3:00 pm tp get some pesos, I always just get in line and change the $100's right there at the bank. It's no problem, they do it for the locals all the time. It saves having to change money all the time.

I've never had a bad experience with a taxi driver here except for one that went a long way around one time. Recently I jumped in a cab in Recoleta and told him I wanted to go to Plaza Dorrego and he took off in the wrong direction. I quickly told him that he was not going where I wanted and he said that he thought I wanted to go to another place called Dorrego. When we got to the Plaza, he told me I could pay less than the meter for the lost time. I did check the map the next day and there is a station Dorrego in the direction he was going so it was probably an honest mistake.

Other than that, I find the taxi drivers very honest, and most like to talk to you about your travels, the US, the Governator (when they hear I'm from California) pretty friendly people. I never call a taxi, just grab one off the street, pretty much all hours of the day and night.

It takes everything I got to keep from killing the taxi drivers in Prague.

Taxi service has been great. Never any odd directions. Also giving back the change. On Sunday when I had only 100 peso bills, taxi driver carried me to a shell sattion where he changed bill with the attendant.

All you have to do is give them an intersection of 2 streets and they semmed to be able to get there.

I've only had one or two taxis drivers who were obviously trying to scam me on the ride, i.e., taking a much longer route than necessary. As my knowledge of the city and of Spanish has improved, I don't worry too much about that anymore.

But getting counterfeits is still something I keep in the back of my mind. To that end, I try to never get in a situation wherein the taxi driver will be giving me $10 peso notes or above for change. In other words, if I know I'll be taking a taxi, I will make sure I have a $10, a $5, a few $2s, and loose change beforehand. I keep a little jar of that stuff around the flat just for that reason.

Taxi from Airport to Hotel?

Am I better off hiring a car service or just getting in a taxi, I have heard they might take you off the beaten path and rob you, I am sure you will all get a laugh about the question but I honestly heard that today.

I also heard of how poor they drive scares people to death.

Appreciate any feedback guys thanks.

Call Anna Luna. Do a search for her services and feedback on the board.

[QUOTE=Webcams]Taxi from Airport to Hotel?

Am I better off hiring a car service or just getting in a taxi, I have heard they might take you off the beaten path and rob you, I am sure you will all get a laugh about the question but I honestly heard that today.[/QUOTE]If you use the taxi booth outside the arrivals hall, you'll pay a flat fee (58 or 59 pesos) to the downtown area. This includes tolls and everything. I've used these taxi's many times, without any problems. From the city to the airport is 47 pesos.

Mo and Ana Luna provide the same service, for a little more if I recall.

The BA taxis do have a tendency to not stay in one lane, but other than that, they're far better than other latin america taxis. (Lima stands out as some of the worst taxi drivers I've ever had)

Speaking of Rip off around here,

I did get ripped off once taking a taxi, it happened when me & my buddy partied (we're in our 20's) our nights away in the famous Pacha club on the side of the river. My buddy didnt have a change and I didnt want to break my 100p bill - it was stupid in my part to use that in a taxi later on as it was already 7ish am after the whole night of partying we just wanted to go home. Knowing it would cost 20p for the fare, and 70p, we took the ride and the driver told us he has a change. Ok then, my buddy had a friendly chat with him while I was sitting on the back, when we arrived to our destination, he pulled a stack of cash, and started to pull one 20 and one 10 ok, that was weird mentally and my subconscious mind tried to dismiss the weird part while he pull another stack of bill to pick the 50 bill while he can get it on the first stack. It was dumb in my part for not recognizing the tactic and he gave me the bills and I lifted it and check the watermark - ok it's there, and I got out again, having a sense being duped and hand it to my buddy for confirmation as I had a strange feeling I got ripped off. Later on I cursed for getting ripped of 50p, that could have been a great hour in rio bamba privado lol.

But I think most drivers are honest and you do get once in a while the shady ones.

So taxi takers- beware

Plan ahead, always, always save your last 10P /20P bill for the taxi ride. Never, never give a taxi driver a 100P bill and ask for change.

One scam I encountered on arrival at the airport is: cabbie takes your money, looks at it, claims its counterfeit, and gives it back. Whereupon you give him another good bill. What he really is doing is putting your good money in his pocket and giving you back the same denomination bill from his stash which really is counterfeit. He knows you're in a hurry, don't know the currency well, can't see what he's doing in the darkness and in the front seat, and therefore are in a poor situation to challenge him or even notice. When I got into the airport to change back to dollars the changer pointed out to me how amateurish the argentine counterfeit money was. I suppose one solution is to mark or note a number on the bill you hand over so you know the counterfeit bill he gives you back is not the one you gave him.

Taxidrivers can not only rob you, they can kill you. I read below that the man who's dangerous probably was the driver trying to kill me on 7July 2006.

It was to a large extend my own fault, since he picked me at Lavalle / Pellegrino with bags from the shoppingmalls at Florida.

I had just recommended site members not to do this. But then I bought a book and read it for a couple of hour, then it had became completly dark, so the just time passed away at this café at Pelligrino 500.

He drove me to place empty of people. Then started to stab me with a screwdriver. I was alert and put up my arm as a shield, took some hits, but quickly got out of the taxi with my things. Had he been intelligent he would have set up a meeeting with his-partners-but he probably doesn't have any since is a-social rude guy. The majority of the taxudrivers are good people and enjoy talking. Many of them are well educated but have to work as taxistas since the stagnation of the economy since 1974.

After that incident I always use "Llamenos".

Finally I also recommend single foreigners to buy a stillett, pepper-spray, tear-gas, el-chock device. I feel bad about it, but I only have ONE life and don't want to be killed for maybe the 100 pesos I wear in my wallet.

One night going from Sudestada (Fitzroy and Guatemala) to Salome, I hailed a taxi.

The first warning sign to me was that his windshield was smashed.

I should have waived him by, but I was already in the taxi.

He refused to put the meter on, and was constantly looking in his rear view mirror, and circling around. Even I know he was driving in circles.

I was feeling increasingly edgy and screamed at him - " Stop the cab Mother Fucker! What do you think I'm fucking stupid! He asked for 5 Pesos, I threw him a 2 and told him to get the fuck out of there.

You had to see his face when I went to the back of the cab and took his plate #. It was precious!

Be aware.

Smuler

I noticed there haven't been any posts here for a long time, which probably says a lot about the taxi drivers in Argentina. I can't say much about the airport drivers, but I found the drivers in BA to be the best I've ever encountered. Always used the meter, were polite and often talkative, never drove me out of the way and gave change. I only used radio or official taxis and paid with small bills.

[QUOTE=Sidney]A foreign woman, a first time visitor was charged $400 from EZE to Recoleta! Keep your guard up![/QUOTE]Anybody that stupid deserves it. Let me know when she is next in town and I'll pick her up.:)

[QUOTE=Sidney]You are defending the Taxi scum, not the poor, uneducated woman![/QUOTE]I like the BA cabbies. There's a few bad apples, but IMHO 95% or more are reliable. As I have reported previously, head on up to Mexico City if you want to experience bad cabbies.

[QUOTE=Msch912]I noticed there haven't been any posts here for a long time, which probably says a lot about the taxi drivers in Argentina. I can't say much about the airport drivers, but I found the drivers in BA to be the best I've ever encountered. Always used the meter, were polite and often talkative, never drove me out of the way and gave change. I only used radio or official taxis and paid with small bills.[/QUOTE]We obviously live on another planet. And especially if you drive here. They are the most indifferent, selfish drivers in existence. Sin excepcion. And cause mayhem to other drivers by their gutter-crawling driving technique. The reason there are few posts is that words fail us!

Argento

I see two (or maybe three) faces of cab drivers here.

For the most part, like Doggboy says, they are business like and get the job done with no muss or fuss. In the two years I've lived here, I've had one taxi driver ask for too much after he forgot to turn on the meter (and I gave him about half what he asked for) two taxi drivers that were obviously running with bad meters (I paid them what I knew the trip was worth) and one taxi driver that took me and two buddies too far to a place where we knew we were going and tried to argue with us (and we paid him what the trip was worth)

I have been in cabs with foreign visitors who have tried to be "fierce" with a cabbie and ensure that the cabbie is not ripping him off. I have seen these people try to tell the cabby the names of the streets and give directions they want to go in a fashion that even I had a hard time understanding and get angry at the cabby and accuse him of not understanding on purpose. (I'm not naming any names here;))

I once saw a cab driver purposefully bump a school gril who crossed in front of him as the light was changing - he actually hit her backpack and quite on purpose. I was in the cab (forgot to list this with the issues above) and got out immediately and refused to pay the prick a dime.

I agree with Argento 100% too - cab drivers are the biggest problem of traffic on small streets and trying to get around the city in busy places because of the way the trawl for their fares to the exclusion of other people being able to get around them, and they are the absolute worst drivers because they couldn't give a rat's ass about ANYONE else on the road, whether it be another cabby or a private driver.

And lastly, I know of two women who have been raped by cab drivers late at night.

The cab drivers are far from angels, although I have to say that I personally, when I ride in cabs, have had an extremely small percentage of issues, but I'm a reasonably big guy and probably make most of them think twice before trying anything too outre.

I have mixed view of the cabbies of BA. I used about 60~80 odd cabs during my stay. I would say that almost 80% of them were very likable, pleasant, welcomed me as a foreigner, chatted with me with great interest about my life and in all offered a great ride to my destination.

However, 20% of them were very mediocre in their jobs, didn't have a clue on the BA routes, deliberately tried to increase the fare by taking longer routes, absolutely non cooperative at times, rude, sulky, unpleasant.

Overall, having used taxis in 50 odd countries in last 10 years, in my consensus purely, I would rate BA taxi drivers as much safer and less corrupt as compared to drivers of many 3rd world countries or even some of the other Central or South American countries. I never felt scared hailing a cab at 3 am in the morning on the streets of BA, I never felt scared going to a unknown place with a new cab driver at 2 am in the night. It speaks a lot about the safety the BA cabs provide to non-Spanish speaking tourists.

Being a well traveled person, I can vouch that their are some really rogue taxis in some of famous world cities. So, 3 cheers to BA cabs from me.

My personal experience with cabs in BA is 97.5% positive. Over multiple trips with many cabs, I have had two bad experiences.

One was an obviously fast meter. The fare was twice the usual. I paid the cabbie the standard fare and exited the cab. The second incident was a minor one. When the cabbie dropped me at the airport, he asked me to pay for the tolls also. I said the deal was all inclusive paid him the agreed fare and walked away.

My female friends on the other had tell me many stories of bad cabbies in BA. I guess the sight of a foreign female brings out the greed.

On a positive note, on one ride half way to my destination I noticed the meter was off. Upon being reminded the driver immediately turned it on and started cursing himself. At the destination when I asked him what was the total fare, he pointed to the meter which read $4 something. I gave him $8 which was the fare of my previous trip.

Keep in mind that about 70% (my estimation) of cab drivers aren't the owners so any trip they do with the metre off is stealing from their employer who can't check this at the end of the day with the metre unless the car is equipped with sensors beneath the seats that indicate the amount of kilometres someone has been sitting there. That pleasant, talkative chap that drives you to the airport from the car owner's point of view is a thieving fucker that is stealing from him.

The shorter the journey is the more the cabby earns. They make more on the "bajada de bandera" (pulling the flag down) than on the kilometre driven (plus the fact that they use less gas) So the "scenic route" you all worry about is not to the driver's benefit. It's just because he's an idiot that doesn't have a clue where he's going at least during normal working hours. Notice how the tortoise becomes a hare once he has a passenger. He wants to get rid of the fucker as quick as possible so as to pick up someone else!

Highway tolls are paid by the passenger unless specifically (and this means SPECIFICALLY) indicated otherwise. If you refuse to pay, most cab drivers' attitude is to jump in the cab and get back on the streets and make it up. They get robbed at gun point, all they made in the day stolen, their cars stolen. Even shot or stabbed so a gringo refusing to pay for the "peaje" is just part of their daily losses! Big deal two or three pesos more or less!

A few years ago, it had become quite dangerous to take a cab in Bs. As. Crooks were stealing cabs from their owners and driving them till they picked up a likely client and robbing him or taking him to an ATM machine to empty the account (the reason why banks justify the limits they have on withdrawals) but strict police controls and collaboration with the legitimate cab drivers put an end to this type of crime or at least lowered it drastically.

Today, the percentage of crooks driving cabs is low but, of course, shit happens.

But I do recommend rather than work a deal with a cab driver you either take a remise or some other fixed price means of transportation for long hauls or a radio cab for shorter trips around town!

I was taken. Very slick taxi driver about 55 years old. Waiting outside Mahados in Rcoletta.

I got in. Meter wasn't on. Said he would charge me 25 pesos to Palermo. (I knew the story and it was more then the actual fair but let it go as my stomach wasn't feeling good)

When we got to Palermo I handed the guy a 50 pesos. He took it and I don't know how he did it but the guy was a wizard and changed the 50 into a 5 practicaly in front of me.

I was amazed and here is where the killer blow came (hindsight is a *****) I went to my wallet for the 50 that I knew I had and when it wasn't there I realised I had no change and gave him 100 pesos. He took it and began counting out my change in 5 and 10s up to 50 pesos. The original amount I thought I had given him. I got out and as soon as I did I knew something was up. I closed the door and stood there smiling at him. He sat there looking at me for about 20 seconds and I just stood there smiling. I knew that he had done the switch-er-oo but at that time didn't realize that he had short changed me as well.

He roll's down the window and asks me if everything is OK and tells me there is some good clubs around the corner before slowly putting the car in gear and dawdling away. I just stood there smiling.'

Fuck me the Guy was smooth and fuck me I was slow.

So I got taken for 95 pesos which I'm sure will come back in the form of a horse passing the post and he'll get a burst tyre some night.

A little jet lag and a little tipsey with a bit of a bad stomach and not paying attention one late night in be. A.

Lesson learned. Do NOT take taxis right outside boliches. The chances of running into a problem of one sort or another increases exponentially.

That they turn on the meter, if they say "pay me what you think the trip is worth" give them 25 centavos. Just fucking demand that they turn on the meter or pull over, as simple as that.

Second since change is war in BsAs seperate your money, keep big bills, 100s in one pocket with like 2 two peso notes. When you go to a place you know will have change (Coto, Jumbo, big places not the corner kiosko) whatever the charge is pull out the wad with the 100's and 2 two peso bills, look stupid as a gringo should and just say "no tengo cambio". This will insure at the end of the night you have enough 10s and 20s to pay taxis.

I agree with Dogg and DR, and I would emphasize that having change is the most important defense against rogue taxis. Simply put, if you're in any situation wherein there is any sort of fare dispute, just toss whatever you believe is the correct fare into the taxi's front seat and walk away.

Every now and then I get a taxi with a rigged meter. In these situations I just sit quietly until we arrive at my destination, exit the taxi (never pay while in the taxi) and hand him approximately what I know the fare should have been (and perhaps less) and just walk away. Of course the driver will start his usual protestations, even exiting the vehicle to confront me, which is when I tell him that I know that the meter is rigged, but if he wants to pursue the issue further then I will be pleased to take up the issue with the police. At this point there is usually some exchange of colorful unpleasantries as he drives away.

Thanks,

Jackson