G7 vs Uber in Paris

We just returned home from Paris this weekend. We used the G7 taxis many times during the week without the app. Our hotel called for the taxi a few times and other times we just found one parked and asked them. If you come to a line of them be sure to ask the first one in line, that seemed to be the protocol. A couple of times we had to go down the line to one that could accommodate the 4 of us. We used Uber in Paris on a previous trip, but this time just used taxis since they were always available.

No, you don't have to have the G7 app to take a G7.

You can find them at taxi stands, or call this number to reserve:

+331.41.27.66.99

Or if you happen to see one with a green sign on its roof, you can hail one in the street (unless you are too close to a stand or train station).
I just find them a lot more responsive and more reliable than Uber these days. Uber in Paris kinda stinks. Bolt is usually better.

Like CatherineK, we either had the hotel call for us or we just walked to the nearest taxi stand. There were almost always 2 or 3 cars sitting and waiting for folks like us, you walk to the lead car make eye contact with the driver and gesture if it's OK to go for a ride.

I usually paid cash but for the ride out to CDG I tried to use a credit card. He couldn't (or wouldn't) get it to work so I tried another and it was fine. Yet another reason to always have an assortment or cards.

Btw, that number that Kim posted for G7 is it’s English-speaking line. No need for any French.

G7 is a legal taxi company and is able to use the dedicated bus lanes which is quicker than sitting in traffic that isn't moving much.
Uber is not eligible to use these. I don't know about Bolt.

Bolt is not either.

The government makes clear distinctions between taxis and "VTCs" (Uber, Bolt, etc)

So keep Sharyn's excellent point in mind too !

I discovered the G7 app thx to this forum last May. I was with my niece who has mobility issues. I signed up for the app w my credit card..yes I was a bit reticent...and never looked back. I found them professional and prompt. I was able to contact them on a moments notice wherever we were in and around Paris. I do not know about the cash exchange..but I will use them in Paris whenever I need transport. Btw..the cars were upscale clean and all the drivers were dressed in suits. All very helpful.

Very helpful discussion.

For any excursions I need a taxi:

Plan A: contact G7, either let my hotel do it, or I will call them,

Plan B: look for a taxi stand

Plan C: Uber since I have that app

Of course I intend to use Metro, too, it just depends...

Thanks to all, hope this discussion helped others,

I am grateful for everyone who shared tips here. On another string it was advised to leave extra time... can be an extra hour or more with traffic.

Whenever you call, click, or book a taxi in advance in Paris, the meter starts from where the driver gets the dispatch, so there's already an amount owing by the time it arrives. So wherever possible, I'd try and take a taxi from a queue or taxi stand. We tried the latter on our last trip, not even sure what it was. Near our hotel on the median was a sign that said "Taxi", just like a bus stop. We stood there for a few minutes, and an empty taxi spotted us and picked us up.

I believe that when you call for a taxi, you are charged 4€ or 7€ depending on when the ride was arranged plus 2.60€ and then the meter begins once the passenger is in the taxi. The meter is not running while the driver makes their way to you (I.e. point of dispatch to point of pick up). There is an amount owing, 6.60€ or 9.60€ but not some amount based on where the driver was when the call was received. Please, a local, correct me if I am wrong.