How to Use Taxis in Rome
Rome is a bustling big city with a very provincial feel. The ancient streets and buildings create a setting which still harkens to the films of the 1950's and 60's as little has changed in Rome since then. Getting around on foot is always best in Italian cities, but sometimes distances must be crossed and with the enigmatic ticket purchase policies of the Italian public bus lines, taxi is usually the best way to go.
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Instructions
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Finding Taxis on the Street
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Locate the nearest taxi stand. These are clearly marked by square yellow signs with the "taxi" written in bold black letters. Most often these taxi stands will be placed at strategic locations near hotels, government buildings, or main intersections. In theory there should either be a taxi waiting at the stand or one will stop when you are spotted there waiting.
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Take only a registered city of Rome official taxi which will be clearly marked on the side and front of the car. Other private or illegal taxis are to be avoided. Hand your bags to the driver who will place them into the boot for you. Tell him or her where you are headed. Make sure the driver turns on and uses the taxi meter so that you may watch your fare (see Tips).
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Pay the fare and include a small tip. Usually one or two Euros is sufficient. Europe is not the tipping society that the United States is, as most service industry workers are paid a salary and depend less on tips that their American counterparts. A tip in Europe is more of a compliment for good service than a necessity that is expected.
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Once at your hotel you will find that a taxi stand is located nearby or that the hotel front desk can arrange for a pickup whenever you may require one.
Arriving at the Airport/Rail Station and Talking a Taxi
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Calculate your taxi fare from airport to hotel or other destination prior to arrival using the Internation Taxi Fare Calculator listed under Resources. This will give you a good idea of what to expect so that you can be prepared. It will also ensure that you are not overcharged for the ride.
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Visit the ATM and withdraw Euros suitable to your needs (see Tips).
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Exit the arrivals terminal and search for the taxi stand which will be located a few steps from the door to your left. Here a line of taxis is waiting to take your wherever you need to go. Enter the next taxi in line and you are off.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are arriving in Rome from a non-Eurozone country, make sure to visit the ATM or Bancomat found in most major airports and rail stations. Take out some Euros for the taxi ride as they will not accept credit cards and you will incur huge fees should you attempt to change money at an exchange booth.
Roman taxis are not permitted to stop and pick up fares anywhere but at designated taxi stands. This is the system in most Western European cities.
Make sure your driver turns on the taxi meter as soon as you get into the car. If he or she does not, insist that they do, or have him stop and let you out. This is a traditional scam used on tourists and one which results in the creation of an exorbitant rate at the end of the ride. Typically Roman taxis will not do this, it is more of a Napolitano practice but just in case...
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Rome image by Reza Baktar from Fotolia.com
