We flew in last night and when we arrived to our destination the driver said he only took cash?! We have been Europe for three weeks. When we said we didn’t have that much cash, he said he would take dollars. It was the highest bill ever. From the airport to a hotel on the beach, but 80 Euros! We feel ripped off. He wanted us to pay the exchange fee too!
Posted by
Portsmouth
5715 posts
That's why I tend to use Bolt or Uber at a push. If neither are an option then I will confirm upfront that the driver will take a card, I never pay cash.
Did you use the official airport taxi from the approved rank?
Posted by
Chicago
3621 posts
Unfortunately, that can happen anywhere. I had a taxi driver in Vienna last month that I felt took the very long, scenic route to my hotel from the airport.
I figure if that’s the worst thing that happens on a trip, you’re doing pretty well. And now you know for future trips to ask a taxi driver if they accept credit card before you get in. Lesson learned.
I hope you enjoyed your time in Lisbon and now you have a good story to tell. :-)
Posted by
Connecticut
130 posts
I am so sorry for your welcome to Lisbon.
In general, the taxis in Lisbon are honest, fair and quite pleasant.
EXCEPT
Posted by
Connecticut
130 posts
oops, pressed the wrong key.
As I was saying, EXCEPT at the arrivals area at the airport. I wish you had run your plan past the group as there have been many warnings about it. The return ride is not the problem. The arrival meeting drivers rely on overtired and naive travelers.
You will find the rest of your interactions with the people not at all like that
Regards and enjoy the rest of your trip
Dennis
Posted by
Iowa
12 posts
My wife and I arrived at Lisbon Airport from Bilbao about 9:30 PM on April 22. We took a taxi to our hotel on Praça do Rossio and the driver insisted I pay cash--fortunately I had it. The hotel receptionist told me that the drivers ask for cash to avoid credit card fees, and that we would be better off using Uber or Bolt from the airport for a set fee. (I had avoided Uber etc. because several years ago at the airport in Barcelona we tried to use Uber and could never find the pickup point.) Later on in Lisbon we used Bolt twice getting around the city and it was very reasonable and saved time compared with the bus.
Posted by
24 posts
This is helpful advice. thank you
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8661 posts
Might help other if you could name the hotel or location. Can't really think of a beach in central Lisbon, and the coast or any beaches are a good distance away.
As others indicated, for Lisbon I stick with Bolt or Uber. Another tact I often use, if looking at a taxi to a hotel, is to ask the hotel how much the taxi should be. They almost always know a good estimate, or if there is a fixed rate.