Afraid of getting "ripped off" by taxis in Rome. I have read numerous articles and blogs that state that most taxis in Rome will try to rip tourists off, actually, even natinals, and that you really have to know the difference betweeen Zone A or B because they will try to charge you incorrectly (the higher amount) and they'll scream and yell at you to intimidate you into paying. Some will even claim you gave them different (lower) bills than what you gave them, etc. I'm traveling alone, so kinda nervous about the taxis....
Thoughts anyone?? Thanks :-)
Posted by
Dallas
1022 posts
We found Rome taxis to be cheap compared to say NY or London. I haven't a clue whether a driver took us for an extra € or 2. I don't think so, but it didn't matter. We always got to where we wanted to go quickly-no strange routes. The drivers were safe and courteous, so no problems for us. I wouldn't worry about it.
Posted by
OP
St Petersburg, Florida, USA
39 posts
OK...Thanks
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
First time I arrived in Rome, i took a taxi to my B&B from Termini and the meter said about 7.50 and he tried to ask me for 20. I would only give him 10 and he backed down. Since then I have been back to Rome again and taken taxis a few more times and have not had a problem. Stand your ground, know the approximate fare you should be paying, make sure the meter is on when you get in and make sure you look at the meter when the driver stops. Can you get ripped off? yes, in Rome and other places in the world, but I wouldn't be afraid of it. That said, you're not going to be in danger from a taxi driver IMO. I travel alone, too. Worry more about protecting yourself from pickpockets than taxis if you're going to worry about anything. Most importantly, enjoy Rome and have a fantastic time :)
Posted by
NYC
922 posts
I don't know how accurate this is, but it might be worth having some people on these boards test it out. Either before or after taking a taxi in one of the supported cities (it includes Rome, Paris, London, Dublin, Zurich, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Prague, etc.), try the calculator and see if the estimate it gives comes close to matching the fare you actually paid. http://www.worldtaximeter.com/
Posted by
OP
St Petersburg, Florida, USA
39 posts
Thanks so Much to everyone for helping!!!!! :-)
Posted by
NYC
922 posts
Google shows it's 9.6 km from Via Margutta to the Ostiense station, but only 7.3 km from Via Margutta to the Tiburtina station.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16235 posts
The taxi from via Margutta to the Ostiense should cost you about 20 euro, including night surcharge before 6am. The Flag down fee is euro 6.50 at night. Then it's Euro 1.10/km. Once the meter reaches 11 euro (including the initial 6.50 fee), so after about 4 km., the higher rate of 1.30 euro/km kicks in. So: 6.50+(1.10x4)+(4x1.30)=16.10 euro. Add 1 euro per suitcase (the first one is free however).
In addition if you call (instead of going to the taxi stand yourself), there is a radio dispatch fee of 3.50 euro. Overall you should be around 20 euro.