Taxi in Rome

Rome is known to have many old and historical buildings. But its dark side is not usually exposed.

Rome also has many pickpockets just like in many third world countries. There are also unscrupulous taxi drivers here. That is why many travellers advise not to take Rome taxi as much as possible.

However, there are instances that you have no other option but to really take a Rome taxi. If that’s the case, you can call a taxi or ask someone you know in Rome to get you a taxi. But before you ride in any Rome taxi, you should be aware of the things you should know.

Many taxi drivers in Rome ask exorbitant fees but not all taxi drivers are like this. The usual hotspots of these dishonest taxi drivers are airports. As a tourist, you are a potential victim of these Rome taxi drivers.

Speaking Italian won’t help much if you don’t know how to protect yourself against these people. So better keep in mind these following tips and don’t count yourself as one of their victims:

Don’t ride in an unauthorized Rome taxi. You can easily identify an authorized Rome taxi with its white coat. It also has a SPQR mark and have the sign TAXI on its roof.

Take only taxis that have a phone number marked on the car’s outside. This is a clear proof that the taxi works with a certain radio cooperative.

Make sure that the taxi has a taxi meter.

Copy the license number of the taxi driver. This is different from the car license plate. You don’t have to feel embarrassed when the driver noticed you taking down his license number. This will already warn him that you are ready to protect yourself in case he asks for excessive fees.

Get the phone number displayed outside the door. This is the contact information of the company. You need this in case you have to report the taxi driver.

Know the general rate if you don’t want to pay triple of what you supposed to. One ride from Termini to almost all destinations within Rome is between 8 to 15 Euros. Travels from and to Ciampino and Fiumicino will cost only around 30 to 40 Euros.

Don’t buy the taxi driver’s different excuses. The taxi driver might ask for more fees by taking your luggage or extra passengers. The fixed rate is applicable for up to four passengers with baggage from and to Ciampino and Fiumicino.

The timer is not part of the meter. You don’t have to pay for how long the timer spent ticking.

Never get off the taxi without making sure that you are in the right destination. Find a landmark that can tell you that you are in the right destination already. Some Rome taxi drivers often leave tourists stranded in unknown place and don’t allow to be a victim of that.

Never pay if you are sure that the Rome taxi driver is asking excessive fees. Argue if you have to. Warn the taxi driver that you will call 112 and ask for a receipt if he insists on paying the undue fare.

Having enough knowledge is your ultimate tool of fighting dishonest Rome taxi drivers. Keep in mind all these pointers and you will surely be able to fight for your right. That way, you can have a more peaceful and more enjoyable travel in Rome.