Everyone is susceptible to being scammed, but tourists are at a larger disadvantage because they are not familiar with local customs. Most of Mexico does not use a digital meter system, which makes it far more likely you will unknowingly overpay for your taxi just about anywhere in the country. A big part of Mexican culture and tradition is haggling over prices. Taxis are not exempt from this. Drivers have been known to make a quote three times more expensive than what the actual cost should be. Many tourists don’t know any better and accept the drivers without thinking twice.
The biggest reason tourists are paying more for taxis is because they look like tourists. It’s hard not to look like a tourist, so at least try not to act like a tourist. If you have the confidence of a native or, at least, a well-seasoned traveler, you’ll pay less than you would otherwise. Haggle with confidence. Demonstrate you’re aware of fair pricing. If you paid a certain rate one way, you should pay a similar rate going back. Letting the driver know you are in-the-know about local customs and pricing helps keep rates fair and reasonable.
Taxi Cab Prices in Mexico
Not all taxis have meters in Mexico. Ask the price before you get in the taxi. Even if there is a meter, ask, but you definitely need to ask if there isn’t a meter in the taxi. It is the custom in Mexico to ask the cost before hopping in and heading on your way. If you don’t ask, it’s a big neon light saying you’re a tourist, and the driver will drastically over charge you. If you don’t ask, you have no room for negotiating at the end of your trip. Rates to and from the airport are less negotiable because they are set and standardized, so you probably can’t negotiate for a taxi at the airport.
Research, Research, Research
Do a little research. You can usually find out the fares for areas in Mexico online. Short trips will cost you between 35 and 50 pesos. Hourly rates can vary depending on the area, but they are good to know. If you know how much an hour costs, you’ll be able to better estimate when you’re being overcharged. Before approaching taxi drivers, you should have a basic idea of how much you want to pay for a trip. In cities for a 15 minute trip, you should expect to pay around 50 pesos. Rates will be higher in tourist saturated areas. If you’re not afraid of getting some exercise, walk to a less touristy area. In busy areas with lots of tourists and attractions, you will pay much higher rates. Walking a few blocks away from these areas can save you a decent amount of money.
Be Prepared to Walk Away
Having a nonchalant attitude can be helpful. This shows drivers you’re not desperate for a ride and you’re willing to wait for a good price. Approach the driver casually and ask for a quote. Don’t be afraid to laugh and walk away. If the quote is terribly high, just walk away; it’s likely they will yell a much more reasonable price as you leave.
Brushing up on basic Spanish is also a great way of dealing with taxi drivers. They don’t all speak English. Even those who do speak English will appreciate you at least trying to communicate with them in their language in their country. It can help you get a better fare.
Make sure to have cash
Credit card machines are not a given in Mexican taxis. Carrying cash ensures your ability to take a taxi. Many drivers will refuse to make change for larger bills, so keep small bills accessible when traveling. Tipping is not necessary, but you can. Tipping is only done when the driver helps with luggage or something else that is not in their job description. If you are really impressed with your driver, you can ask for their card. This way you can give them a call the next time you need a ride.
Mexico is a beautiful place to experience. If you do a little research, stick to your guns, and haggle with confidence, you shouldn’t have any problem getting where you need to go at as reasonable a price as you can expect.
