Tips to Avoid Getting Fooled by the Taxi Drivers of Mexico

Cabbies often rip off tourists in Mexico, and it is quite a regular event. If you are a traveler, then taxi drivers will inevitably target you. In most Mexican cities, taxis operate without a digital meter system. Naturally, you have to rely on whatever the taxi driver quotes. As a tourist, if you expect cabbies to offer you a fair price, then you are making a grave mistake. You can’t jump over a fence at the zoo to pet a lion. Similarly, you can’t prevent Mexican taxi drivers from trying to fool you. However, there are a few ways for you to save yourself.

Have an Estimate: Yes, you should have a rough idea of how much you want to pay before you approach a taxi. Of course, you can book a private Cancun airport cab from Oscar Cancun Shuttle before you arrive. Conversely, if you didn’t do so, then you have to rely on a regular taxi. Cabbies at the airport quote a regulated rate and they are generally non-negotiable. Just know that ten to fifteen minutes of driving time equal to fifty pesos in the cities.

Before Arrival: Find out the hourly as well as the minimum rates of the taxis before you reach Cancun. The prices will vary depending on your destination in Mexico. You can use the internet to find out the rates. This piece of information will prove helpful. It will help you ascertain the amount you have to spend to get to a place close to the airport. If you ride a Cancun airport cab for five minutes, you shouldn’t have to pay more than fifty pesos.

Learn Spanish: A little bit of Spanish can prove exceptionally helpful to everyone. Walk up to a driver casually and ask the charge for your destination. Even the least amount of the knowledge of the Spanish language will help you tackle the drivers of Mexico.

Be Confident: Yes, you must sound convincing while bartering with a cabbie. If you affix a fair amount, then you have to stick to it. For instance, you pay a certain sum of money to get to your hotel from the airport. While returning, you must shell out the same amount and not a single penny more. If you communicate that to the cabbie, then the person will know that you are aware of the fares.

Act Appropriately: If a driver quotes an incredibly high price, then walk away with a polite laugh. You have the right to approach another cabbie if there is more than one in the vicinity. Once you walk away, cab drivers will realize that you’re not the fool they thought you to be. So, they will summon you and agree with the price you want to pay. In most cases, taxi drivers in Mexico work for companies, and they have to submit a portion of their earnings. Naturally, they will agree to bargain with you instead of losing you altogether.

Final Tips: You should have small bills in hand if possible when you consider hiring a cab. Most cab drivers don’t accept large notes. If you enjoy the cab ride, then you can ask the cabbie for their card or phone number. You can avail that vehicle during your stay. It isn’t mandatory to give a tip to the cab drivers. You can do it if they help you with your luggage or wait for you while you enter a marketplace.