How to Hail a Cab in Paris

With more than 450 taxi stands and in excess of 14,000 taxis in Paris, the next stop on your whirlwind sight-seeing tour is just a moment away.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• French Dictionaries
• French Phrase Books
• Local Guidebooks
• Maps

1. Find a taxi stand when you want to hail a cab in Paris. Taxi stands are located near intersections, tourist destinations and shopping areas, to name a few popular places.
2. Look for a lighted "taxi" sign on the car's roof to determine if a cab is free. An illuminated orange light under the taxi sign means the cab is already hired.
3. Be prepared for a healthy fare. Pickup alone is 13 French francs; surcharges or higher fares are charged for a fourth passenger, service after 10 p.m., copious amounts of luggage and destinations in outlying suburbs.
4. Make sure the driver understands where you want to go. If you don't speak French fluently, it is best to either point it out on a map or write the address on a piece of paper.
5. Agree on an approximate fare to your destination before the cab leaves the curb or taxi stand.
6. Let the driver get out of the taxi before you do. This will give you a moment to get the fare together while the driver gets your bags or the door.
7. Keep in mind that tipping is not required in France, but 10 percent is standard.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the taxi stands whenever possible, instead of calling a cab or having one ordered. Taxi drivers in Paris start the meter when they set out to collect you, instead of when you get in.
• Have French francs for the fare. This will avoid confusion about exchange rates.
• Avoid trying to hail a taxi in mid-block. Some Parisian cab drivers may not stop for you; others who may not feel like going to your destination could refuse you altogether.
• Don't assume taxi stands will proceed in nice orderly lines. If you don't step up and get to the front, you will never get a taxi.