It's not NY, but taxis remain an important part of city life, and almost all of us have to use them once in awhile, so here are some things you have to know. Go away it along...
Ever before see someone wanting to hail a Parisian taxicab that's already considered? Or perhaps you have yourself attempted to get someone to decide on you up when there are a taxi cab stand at another corner? Or even worse, experienced the indignity to be refused a drive for reasons unknown? There are a number of reasons for having Parisian taxis that evade the radar of residents as well as guests. Here's the lowdown:
Getting One Paris Taxi Cab
If there are a taxi stand inside a stop, you have to go there to get a taxi cab. Sometimes if you are out of eyesight of the stand a taxicab may stop, but they're not likely to. A lot of the better Paris par Arrondissement maps contain the taxi stands stated. There's probably an iApp too. Obtain it.For first-timers, the complete the surface of the taxi sign must be lit up for the taxi cab to be accessible. The three little light bulbs in the bottom indicate which rate has been applied: day, evening, suburbs. When the cab is bare, it is because it's coming to get a person who called. There is an adorable little illustration of the on the Taxicab Paris site (higher left nook).
2011 Upgrade: This season all taxis are certain to get new equipment and lighting that are inexperienced for "available" or red for "taken". Reading more about any of it in the January publication under "New Taxicab Lights".
Don't make an effort to steal a taxi cab that someone needed. They'll require your name. And it's really bad taxi cab karma. Like stealing somebody's delivery pizza. Pas cool.
Paris Taxi Fare
You will discover three Paris Taxi rates: A (Mon-Sat 10am-5pm), B (Mon-Sat 5pm-10am, Sunlight 7am-midnight, holidays all full day, and C (Sunlight from midnight-7am). If you go outside Paris rate B can be applied 7am-7pm and rate C is applicable 7pm-7am. To view what the existing rates are start to see the Official Service Consumer site or the Taxi Fare Finder that may prove helpful.The speed notice sometimes appears on the counter-top at the front end of the taxi cab always. If you are in an exclusive car, there is certainly usually no counter (private limo services, some Paris airport car service, and shuttle service, etc.). As the rate is also seen on the bulb on the top, the drivers can't change it out without everyone witnessing it, so don't fret about getting cheated.
The beginning rate is from EUR2.50, but it will be more if you called a taxi cab to come get you, around EUR5 usually. A couple of extra costs for a fourth passenger (EUR3) and further baggage in the trunk (the first one is free, each one after is EUR1).
The least fare is EUR6.60, if the meter shows less even. Drivers hate doing short rides, so enter and close the entranceway before telling them where you're going.
Paris Taxi Fare Chart from Taxi Fare Finder |
Tip if you'd like, it isn't required for legal reasons (see below). I gather to make it easier for the drivers to provide me change or put in a tip if she or he was particularly proficient at getting me through traffic. When you have no idea where you're heading and do not speak French, the driver will probably drive the tip into the payment anyway, so don't go crazy and tip 20%. However, the article on Paris airport taxi rates may prove helpful to you to get idea about getting the accurate taxi fares in Paris.
Rights and Rules for Paris Taxi Cab Services
Most residents know the knowledge above already. But below are a few other tips from the Prefecture de Police force:- The bulletin de course (receipt) is necessary if your client demands it or of the fare has ended EUR15. It must mention the taxi cab driver's number onto it. Practical if you lose something or want to complain.
- You're permitted to grab or fall off your friends through the ride without the additional "supplement".
- Seats belts are necessary for all passengers.
- The drivers is prohibited to obtain anyone besides clients in the taxi cab.
- You can smoke cigars in taxis that don't possess a non-smoking signal. The driver can only just smoking if you give your authorization.
- The driver is meant to have the most immediate route, nevertheless, you can keep these things have a specific path of your decision (be ready for argument, lol!)
- Legal taxi drivers don't require your business. Never enter cars with the people who go out at the international airports or train channels requesting if you desire a lift. Enter the brand for the state taxis with everybody else.
- The drivers will help you put your baggage in the trunk out of courtesy, but is not needed to take action.
- Tips aren't required in France, and I'd never hint a drivers who actually asked for just one.
- Taxi drivers can only just refuse to opt for you up if they're already taken, if you wish to go beyond your Petit Couronne suburbs (at night international airports), if your luggage are overweight that you can lift up, if you have a dog or cat (they often i want to with my pet dogs in a carrier, but aren't required aside from seeing-eye pups), if you are so filthy that you'll damage the inside of the automobile, or if you are obviously drunk.
- The drivers can won't await you or stay in a location where there is absolutely no legal location to pull over.
- When you have a scary drivers or are in the center of a dispute, ask to be studied to the nearest police force station to stay the problem immediately.
Important Contact Information for Complaints:
PRÉFECTURE DE POLICE
Direction des Transports et de la Protection du Public
Bureau des Taxis et des Transports Publics
36, rue des Morillons - 75732 Paris CEDEX 15
tél. 01 55 76 20 05 - fax 01 55 76 27 01
prefpol.dtpp-sdct-bttp-taxis@interieur.gouv.fr
If you lost something, contact:
PRÉFECTURE DE POLICE
Direction des Transports et de la Protection du Public
Bureau des Objets Trouvés et Fourrières
36, rue des Morillons - 75015 PARIS
tél. 08 21 00 25 25 - fax 01 55 76 17 11
prefpol.dtpp-sdct-botfobjetstrouvesfourrieres@ interieur.gouv.fr
Few Exclusive Paris Taxi Service Provider Companies
- Taxi in Paris - +33977217272;
- Paris Taxi - +33661977841;
- Charles de Gaulle Airport Taxi Paris - + 33184172424;
- Airport Taxi: 0825560320;
- Taxis Bleus: 0891701010;
- Taxi G7: 0147394739