PARIS ON A SHOESTRING

There is so much to see in Paris, on foot, plus there’s always the myriad of public transportation methods at your disposal. However, sometimes you really want the service offered by a private taxi. Here are a variety of tips you should consider when using a Paris taxi.

To hail a taxi, simply wave from the sidewalk edge. Whistling or shouting will not garner the driver’s attention. However, if you’re within a block from a taxi stand, the driver will not pick you up. Priority is giving to the folks that have been standing in line.

In addition, most hotels or restaurants will be happy to call a taxi for you. It’s important to note though that your taxi will arrive with the meter running, so make sure not to keep the driver waiting,  or your fare could be quite large before you even left the curb. Some times the Hotel desk staff do not understand your instructions on at what time you want the Taxi, and tend to call taxis a lot earlier than necessary. It is also absolutely acceptable for a driver to refuse to carry you if they don’t wish to head in the direction you’re going, especially if it’s at the end of their shift.

Make certain to have cash on you, if you’d like to use a taxi. In addition, Paris taxis often don’t carry a lot of change. So, if you only have a big bill, you may end up giving your driver a bigger tip than you originally intended! If you’d like a taxi that takes a credit card, be certain to call and reserve one specifically stating that you need a driver that accepts credit cards. You don’t want to have to pay the extra mileage for the driver to have to drive you over to an ATM, so you can get cash out to pay him.

It’s a good idea for you to familiarize yourself, if possible, with where you’re headed. Whether you use a paper street map or an electronic map, having a good idea which roads are the most direct will help prevent you from being taken on a circuitous route, from a driver hoping to boost his fare. Rates do go up at night and when you leave the city. In addition, there’s an extra charge for a fourth passenger, luggage that needs to go into the trunk, and pick up at the airport or train stations. All of these charges should be posted on the rear door window, for you to see, before you accept the ride.

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