Mexico City: By Taxi

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By Taxi

Mexico City taxis come in several colors and sizes. Unmarked, or turismo, sedans with hooded meters are usually stationed outside major hotels and in tourist areas; however, they are uneconomical for short trips. Their drivers are almost always English-speaking guides and can be hired for sightseeing on a daily or hourly basis (always negotiate the price in advance). Sitio (stationed) taxis operate out of stands, take radio calls, and are authorized to charge a small premium over the meter rate or will offer a set rate. Among these, Servi-Taxis, Radio-Taxi, and Taxi-Mex (which accepts American Express) offer 24-hour service. Most sitio companies offer hourly rates, some for as little as $10 per hour, for a minimum of two hours. Hiring a sitio for a few hours can be an easy way to spend a half day or more seeing sights that may be otherwise time-consuming to reach and/or that are of particular interest to you.

Unauthorized cabdrivers pose probably the single greatest danger to tourists in the capital. Although the situation has improved slightly, outsiders are especially vulnerable to their assaults, and many have been robbed or forced to withdraw money from ATMs. This danger is easily avoided. Simply do not hail taxis on the street under any circumstances. If you need a cab but don't speak the Spanish necessary to call one yourself, your best bet is to have a hotel concierge or waiter call you a sitio. Be sure to establish the fare in advance if the sitio does not work with meter and premium. Otherwise, ask for a registered hotel taxi; even though it may be significantly overpriced, it's better than a street-cab rip-off. If you have the time to wait for a radio taxi, this may be a less-expensive option; be sure to ask the price of the ride in advance when you give your destination over the phone. Once in the cab, make sure all the doors are locked.

Taxi drivers are authorized to charge 10% more at night, usually after 10. Tips are not expected unless you have luggage -- then 10% is sufficient.

Information

Radio-Elite (55/5660-1122). Radio-Taxi (55/5566-0077). Servi-Taxis (55/5271-2560).