Taxi prices in Singapore are going to be a pleasant surprise to almost all of you, they are comparatively low (see below). There are a number of companies operating taxis and the total number is well over 20,000. There are numerous taxi stands at offices, shopping centers etc. and you can ‘hail’ them anywhere on the street or call for one.
All taxis have clear taxi signs on the roof and all taxis are metered! Their low price makes the taxi very popular and therefore you may have to Q-up a little while during peak hours or heavy rain despite the large number, it does however remain convenient.
Going around by taxi and MRT is in fact maybe more economical than buying a car for many of you though a car of course has its own conveniences.
Different companies and different types of taxis have slightly differing fees but they are very close together and will make very little difference at the end of your ride. Try to have smaller change then a S$50.00 note, not all drivers can always change a 50, particularly early in the morning. All taxis display their rates inside, below for your guidance a short non-exhaustive overview.
(as of December 2007)
Starting fee - S$2.80 for a normal cab.
S$ 0.20 for every 385 m or less thereafter below 10 km and
after 10 km - S$ 0.20 / 330m
S$0.20 for every 45 s waiting
Surcharges:
Booking/Calling - S$ 3.50 between 7:00-9:30 am and 5:00-11:00pm on weekdays and S$ 2.50 the rest
From the Airport - S$ 3.00
City Area - S$ 3.00
Peak hours (7-9:30am Mon-Fri and 5-8 pm Mon-Sat)- +35% extra
Midnight to 6 AM - +50%
for more details you can view a picture of 'published rates' (2004) here
The taxi landscape used to be very uniform but quite a variety is driving around now. If you really want to feel prepared you can expect to see the following taxis: SMRT (white), Trans Cab (red with a white top), Smart (mint green), Silver Cab (guess what color), Comfort Cab (blue), City Cab (yellow), Yellow-Top Cab (black with ... exactly) and independent yellow topped taxis that are not part of the Yellow-top company. 90+% of the foregoing are still Toyotas but the same operators also have Hyunday, Mercedes 'limousines', Silver Arrows, Volkswagen Minivans, 'London Taxis' etc. All these will charge the same when hailed or taken from a Q but can charge extra when specifically booked, limousines e.g. have a S$35,- to S$45,- flat rate for a ride when booked.
On busy (public) holidays we recently have noted some 'independents' trying to pick-up small groups at places like the bird park etc. not sure whether this is legal and it's no cheaper anyway.
For Taxi Bookings call:
Comfort Taxi - 6552 1111
SMRT Taxis - 6555 8888
CityCab - 6552 2222
Maxi Cab / Limo - 6452 0220
SilverCab - 6363 6888
Smart Taxi - 6485 7777
TransCab - 6555 3333
Prime Taxi - 6778 0808
Do you need more info? Leave a message on our expat message board!
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