Taking a cab in Singapore is not quite like taking a cab back home. The driver will generally ask you which way you want to go.
The best answer an expat can give is " whatever route is fastest" - and say you don't mind paying the extra dollar or two for the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP), otherwise known as a road toll.
Taxi drivers tend to avoid having to pass through a ERP gantry; they either see it as a cost to them or possibly thinking they are saving you a few dollars - ultimately you end up paying more if the driver decides to weave his way around streets and highways to avoid such road tolls.
It is out of the question to hail a taxi along a main road such as Orchard Road or Bras Basah, it's better to locate a taxi stand, or make a phone booking with one of the many taxi companies in Singapore.
Taxi drivers are not allowed to pick up or drop off passengers along main roads within the Central Business District (CBD) area in Singapore from 7 am to 10 pm except on Sundays and Public Holidays.
If you know the postal code of your destination this is the best information you can provide your driver. Every single building is designated a postal code in Singapore - smart planning and high five to Singapore urban planners. And each taxi stand/stop and pick-up or drop-off point at building driveways in the CBD is assigned a unique location code for easy identification. Commuters can inform the taxi call-booking centres of their pick-up points by indicating the location code displayed at the pick up point.
Shift change is between 4-6 pm daily, so if you are time poor you will be better off booking ahead or going for an Uber or private care service. In Singapore, taxi cab fares must be charged by the taxi meter and are based on a flag down rate and the distance travelled.
The flag down rate ranges from S$3.00 to S$5.00 (depending on the type of taxi). A location surcharge may also apply. Please check with the driver or taxi company on the surcharge and ask for a receipt at the end of the trip -if you forget something, it will be quite easy to contact the driver.
You cannot use VISA card to pay your fare in Singapore, although MasterCard is accepted widely. Tips are not required in Singapore and always request a receipt! If you forget something you can contact the driver immediately.
Limousine taxi service charges a flat rate (usually around $50) and can be booked from the respective taxi companies and approved limousine counters at Airport Terminals, Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, Singapore Expo and certain hotels.
Simply check with the taxi companies or limousine counters on the rates when you book a limousine taxi service.
Taxi Cab Hotline
Dial-A-Cab 6342 5222
Comfort Taxi 6552 1111
CityCab 6552 1111
SMRT Taxis 6555 8888
TransCab 6555 3333
Premier Taxis 6363 6888
Prime Taxi 6778 0808
Yellow-Top Taxi 6293 5545
Taxi Singapore 6600 2800
Limo Taxi Hotline Limo Taxi Cab 6600 9920
Prime Limousine 6778 0808
Maxi Cab 8368 9737
SMRT Taxis 6555 8888
Limousine Cab 6535 3534
Comfort Limo 6552 2828
Premier Taxis 6410 0572
Limo Maxi 6589 8551
Limo Transport 6535 3534
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