By Taxi in Caracas

By Taxi

Licensed taxis have yellow license plates and carry secured signs that say libre (free) on the roof, while pirata (pirate) varieties have signs that are obviously detachable. When selecting a taxi off the street, settle only on official cars -- tales of robbery by pirata drivers are legion -- and agree on the rate before you depart. Unless you are traveling only a couple of blocks, Bs8,000 is a standard fare anywhere in the central city area between Capitolio and Altamira. Note that fares increase by as much as 50% at night and on weekends. Once en route, don't be surprised if your driver cuts corners and ignores stop signs and red lights as he maneuvers through downtown traffic. Many larger hotels have their own taxi companies. Ask your hotel or restaurant to call you a taxi if you go out at night.