Caribbean Taxis

[purplecatherine]

I'm getting alot of advice to 'jump in a taxi' to have a tour of the islands but to 'agree a price before you get in'. This is all well and good, but how do I know which is an exceptable price?

[bruce-r]

I'm getting alot of advice to 'jump in a taxi' to have a tour of the islands but to 'agree a price before you get in'. This is all well and good, but how do I know which is an exceptable price?

 

It will really depend on which island you are visiting. I suggest posting the question on the individual island sections.

[Aplmac]

I'm getting alot of advice to 'jump in a taxi' to have a tour of the islands

but to 'agree a price before you get in'. This is all well and good,

but how do I know what is an acceptable price?

Some ports of call have a Taxi RATES Board up somewhere

displaying prices to/from various popular spots on the island.

 

When you hear his big-figure quote, assume it is local dollars, not U.S. Dollars

Make sure what currency you are both talking, when negotiating.

Although the USD is widely accepted

there's an exchange rate to be taken into consideration, if local currency comes into play.

.

[John Bull]

You'll get the drift after a bit of haggling.

 

Firstly, be sure whether you're talking in UD$ or EC$ etc. They usually talk $US

And be sure whether you're talking the price for the vehicle or per person.

Usually but not always the rate is per taxi, or per person in a shared minibus.

Finally be sure to include the itinerary & approx time back at the ship (or other finish point, like a beach or shops). Entrance fees etc are not usually included, its just the transport.

 

Don't accept the price asked, tho' in the Caribbean they usually start with a reasonable opening gambit. US$35 probably means they want $30 but just might be persuaded down to $25 if taxis significantly outnumber tourists

 

If they don't accept your top offer - but when you walk on they come running after you to agree , then you've judged it beautifully. :)

If they don't come a-running after you, you've been too mean :p

 

"Hey, give me a real good tour & we'll make it a real good tip" might sway the balance.

 

Always, but always, keep your haggling good-natured.

 

If there's a part-filled minibus, those before you will have done the hard work.

 

Looks difficult in print, but it's easy. And if you pay $5 more than the next guy, its not the end of the world.

 

As you've already been told, agree at the start & pay at the end. That's not a problem, it's what the drivers expect.

 

John Bull

 

John Bull

[samavarcruiser]

I'm getting alot of advice to 'jump in a taxi' to have a tour of the islands but to 'agree a price before you get in'. This is all well and good, but how do I know which is an exceptable price?

 

More info:

 

http://caribbean-guide.info/getting.around/taxis/