Paris Taxi Woes and How to Minimize Them
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It’s the exception when someone has never been ripped off by a taxi driver. It doesn’t matter what country. I’ve had it happen to me in New York City. And I was just told about a person being literally kicked out of a cab because the driver didn’t want to take the route she requested. This was an older person who wasn’t prepared to do battle. She stood on the sidewalk with her caregiver until someone came to their rescue.
But being in a foreign country makes you even more vulnerable to the quirks of some drivers. It’s not a profession to which many people aspire. Taxi drivers are subjected to bumper-to-bumper traffic and can become downright grumpy as they wait for red lights to change — or choose to ignore them. Driving in a third-world country ups the odds for sour stomachs since highway systems are generally lacking and driving skills are less well honed.
Unless you’re going to hire a car and driver, don’t be surprised if you sometimes find yourself being taken the “scenic route.” If you have a foreign accent or don’t speak the language, you’re a prime candidate. Take precautions.
In France, where many immigrants have joined the league of taxi chauffeurs, always have the address clearly written out on a piece of paper. And, if it’s an out-of-the-way place, bring along a map (plan) or just a photocopy of the portion with your destination (your concierge will probably be glad to make the copy for you). Paris streets are a maze and it’s not unusual for a driver not to be familiar with your destination. I happen to live on a one-block long, one way street and most taxi drivers have never heard of it. If possible, give the driver the cross street(s) and if you have not written out the address, be sure to say it carefully. I learned that the hard way when I asked for Rue Joseph Bara and ended up on Rue Jean Barts.
If you have a certain itinerary in mind, make sure you let the driver know before you start out. Otherwise he’s entitled to take whatever route he considers most direct. Sometimes you’ll be taken on a longer route because the driver assumes that the direct route is jammed up, especially during rush hour. Don’t assume automatically that you’re being hoodwinked; in my experience the longer route often turns out to be faster.
If you’re staying in a hotel, ask the doorman to talk to the driver and give him (or her) the instructions. Always have the card of the hotel in your possession. English speakers are experts at mangling pronunciations, usually because sounds like the French “u” are hard to imitate. It also helps to adopt a French inflection even for very familiar names. For example, if you want the Picasso Museum you’ll have a better chance of getting there is you pronounce the name like the French do, with the accent on the “o.”
Be aware that taxis (supposedly) don’t roam French streets looking for fares. However you can often flag one down; look for taxis with the sign on their hood all lit up. In major cities, your best bet is to go to taxi stands which may be a walk of several minutes from where you are. If you’re in a restaurant that’s off the beaten track and plan to leave by taxi, ask the manager for help; if there’s no nearby stand, he or she will be to call a taxi for you.
If you’re staying at a hotel, it will have agreements with taxi companies that will improve your chances. But that isn’t a guarantee that taxis will be available since company dispatchers don’t say a taxi is on its way unless a driver has accepted the call. During rush hours (which include noon to two PM) be prepared to wait longer, whether you cue up at a taxi stand or call for a taxi.
You can reserve taxis (in Paris access http://www.taxisg7.fr or call 01 47 39 47 39 or 01 45 85 85 85) – but as noted below, there’s an extra fare on reserved taxis. However, it’s cheaper than missing your plane or train. The other alternative is reserving a private shuttle . If arriving, at the airport, specify that the driver meet you outside of the customs area so he can help you with your luggage.
If it’s not pouring rain and you’re not lugging bags, it makes financial sense to walk to a taxi stand since if you call a cab, the cab’s meter starts running from the moment the driver receives the dispatcher’s order. Don’t be surprised if your taxi arrives with 7 Euros or more clocked on the meter and you’ve yet to climb in. If you’re initiating a taxi ride at an airport or a train station, you’ll be hit with a modest surcharge (legit) and there’s also a fee for each suitcase put in the trunk.
Drivers in Paris are given minimum tips. If you want your suitcases placed inside the foyer of the apartment where you’re staying, visibly hold a 5 Euro bill. More than likely, that’ll do the trick and keep you from pulling out your back. Incidentally, a Paris taxi driver is legally required to transport a handicapped individual and place the wheelchair in the trunk at no extra charge.
Whether doing pleasure or business travel, look at the map before you set out. Cluster your destinations so you won’t spend the day in taxis going to and from. In some cities, such as Paris, the metro or RER is usually the way to go if you’re in a rush. Buses are great…
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It’s the exception when someone has never been ripped off by a taxi driver. It doesn’t matter what country. I’ve had it happen to me in New York City. And I was just told about a person being literally kicked out of a cab because the driver didn’t want to take the route she requested. This was an older person who wasn’t prepared to do battle. She stood on the sidewalk with her caregiver until someone came to their rescue.
But being in a foreign country makes you even more vulnerable to the quirks of some drivers. It’s not a profession to which many people aspire. Taxi drivers are subjected to bumper-to-bumper traffic and can become downright grumpy as they wait for red lights to change — or choose to ignore them. Driving in a third-world country ups the odds for sour stomachs since highway systems are generally lacking and driving skills are less well honed.
Unless you’re going to hire a car and driver, don’t be surprised if you sometimes find yourself being taken the “scenic route.” If you have a foreign accent or don’t speak the language, you’re a prime candidate. Take precautions.
In France, where many immigrants have joined the league of taxi chauffeurs, always have the address clearly written out on a piece of paper. And, if it’s an out-of-the-way place, bring along a map (plan) or just a photocopy of the portion with your destination (your concierge will probably be glad to make the copy for you). Paris streets are a maze and it’s not unusual for a driver not to be familiar with your destination. I happen to live on a one-block long, one way street and most taxi drivers have never heard of it. If possible, give the driver the cross street(s) and if you have not written out the address, be sure to say it carefully. I learned that the hard way when I asked for Rue Joseph Bara and ended up on Rue Jean Barts.
If you have a certain itinerary in mind, make sure you let the driver know before you start out. Otherwise he’s entitled to take whatever route he considers most direct. Sometimes you’ll be taken on a longer route because the driver assumes that the direct route is jammed up, especially during rush hour. Don’t assume automatically that you’re being hoodwinked; in my experience the longer route often turns out to be faster.
If you’re staying in a hotel, ask the doorman to talk to the driver and give him (or her) the instructions. Always have the card of the hotel in your possession. English speakers are experts at mangling pronunciations, 
usually because sounds like the French “u” are hard to imitate. It also helps to adopt a French inflection even for very familiar names. For example, if you want the Picasso Museum you’ll have a better chance of getting there is you pronounce the name like the French do, with the accent on the “o.”
usually because sounds like the French “u” are hard to imitate. It also helps to adopt a French inflection even for very familiar names. For example, if you want the Picasso Museum you’ll have a better chance of getting there is you pronounce the name like the French do, with the accent on the “o.”
Be aware that taxis (supposedly) don’t roam French streets looking for fares. However you can often flag one down; look for taxis with the sign on their hood all lit up. In major cities, your best bet is to go to taxi stands which may be a walk of several minutes from where you are. If you’re in a restaurant that’s off the beaten track and plan to leave by taxi, ask the manager for help; if there’s no nearby stand, he or she will be to call a taxi for you.
If you’re staying at a hotel, it will have agreements with taxi companies that will improve your chances. But that isn’t a guarantee that taxis will be available since company dispatchers don’t say a taxi is on its way unless a driver has accepted the call. During rush hours (which include noon to two PM) be prepared to wait longer, whether you cue up at a taxi stand or call for a taxi.
You can reserve taxis (in Paris access http://www.taxisg7.fr or call 01 47 39 47 39 or 01 45 85 85 85) – but as noted below, there’s an extra fare on reserved taxis. However, it’s cheaper than missing your plane or train. The other alternative is reserving a private shuttle . If arriving, at the airport, specify that the driver meet you outside of the customs area so he can help you with your luggage.
If it’s not pouring rain and you’re not lugging bags, it makes financial sense to walk to a taxi stand since if you call a cab, the cab’s meter starts running from the moment the driver receives the dispatcher’s order. Don’t be surprised if your taxi arrives with 7 Euros or more clocked on the meter and you’ve yet to climb in. If you’re initiating a taxi ride at an airport or a train station, you’ll be hit with a modest surcharge (legit) and there’s also a fee for each suitcase put in the trunk.
Drivers in Paris are given minimum tips. If you want your suitcases placed inside the foyer of the apartment where you’re staying, visibly hold a 5 Euro bill. More than likely, that’ll do the trick and keep you from pulling out your back. Incidentally, a Paris taxi driver is legally required to transport a handicapped individual and place the wheelchair in the trunk at no extra charge.
Whether doing pleasure or business travel, look at the map before you set out. Cluster your destinations so you won’t spend the day in taxis going to and from. In some cities, such as Paris, the metro or RER is usually the way to go if you’re in a rush. Buses are great if you have a bit more time.
When going to big cities in developing countries, take even more time. One banker who was parachuted into Jakarta for business meetings had his secretary schedule them. Since she didn’t know the lay of the land, he spent all day in taxis going from one end of the city to the other. In the end, most of his meetings had to be done by phone. He really didn’t need to fly all that way NOT to meet with his business associates.
Do check this web site before setting out:
It may save you a lot of time and headaches even when it comes to walking.
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