Guide to Getting Around Dubai by Taxi

Getting a taxi is an essential part of Dubai life and luckily we are in a country where it is easy and they are plentiful. You can flag a taxi down on a street (in a safe spot), get one from a taxi rank at airports, malls, hotels etc. or call and book in advance or for an immediate pick up.

Taxis work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including public and religious holidays. You can book people carriers for more than 4 people, special needs taxis and ladies only taxis, these have a pink roof.

You can also make a booking for a half day and full day fixed fare if you need a taxi for a long length of time.

Dubai Transport Cars Taxis National Taxis Metro Taxis Arabia Taxis

Phone 2080808 Phone 2642825 Phone 3366611 Phone 2673222 Phone  2855111

Cream coloured cars   (EW recommended) Cream with a Blue roof Cream with a Blue roof Cream with a Red Roof Cream with a Green Roof

All taxis have a meter and this should always be operational. Starting meter fares: 
          

    • Minimum taxi fare is 10 AED
    • Taxis are exempted from Salik fees.
    • The journey is free if the meter is not operated.
    • Sharjah Emirate and Northern Emirates fare will be charged an extra 20 AED.

EW Insider Tips:

• There always seem to be a lot of new taxi drivers on the road so they may not necessarily know where it is you want go- make sure you know in advance or ask the driver to stop at a garage to ask for directions- carry a little map yourself to help....watch for them going round the houses too to increase the fare!

• Make sure you know names of major landmarks near where you are going as most drivers don’t know the smaller street names although they do know the main ones- they know things like hotels, malls, shops, tourist landmarks, area names etc.

• Most drivers speak a mixture of English, Hindi and Arabic- here are some handy phrases whilst in a taxi:
Go -  yalla/ yellah Stop - bas / bus
Straight ahead - seer / seedah sida / seeda
Left - yasaar  
Right - yameen  
Yes - aiwa  
No - la  
One minute - ek minnit
Behind - try saying backside - we know but it works!!! Lovely example of Dinglish- Dubai English!

• Some taxi drivers do like to speed- if you are uncomfortable with the way they are driving tell them to slow down/ drive carefully or you will get out or report them.

• The Salik toll is now free for taxi drivers so you don’t have to pay for going through any of the toll gates.

• All taxis have a sticker on the passenger side window in the back with the complaints number and rules of carriage if you need help.

• All taxis have a number near to the back passenger door- make a note of this as you get in or out if you need to remember what taxi you were in- especially helpful if you leave anything in the taxi.

• Carry some change if possible-they sometimes do not have change for even a 100 Dhs note- if you don’t have change ask to stop at a garage on your journey to break a large note.

• As a lady travelling alone in a taxi, always get in the rear of the vehicle- it can be misconstrued if you  sit in  the front seat!

• You can use hotel taxis if you are desperate but they have much more expensive rates.

• Always fasten your seat belt whether in the front or back.

• A taxi for hire will have the light on its roof lit up so you can flag this down in a safe stopping area.

• If you are walking along the road, you'll often hear beeping taxis as they approach you. This is not a "get out of my way" warning blast, but a "would you like a taxi?" question honk. Just wave them on if you actually having a wander!

• Some drivers are looking for long trips and larger fares but sometimes you may need them for a short journey due to having shopping or it being very hot outside- the drivers are not allowed to refuse a fare for a short journey- offer them a nice tip if they start grumbling- or just ignore them!

• Do not get into any remotely dodgy looking taxi with no signage, branding or light on the top- they will rip you off, have bad driving standards and are illegal!

• Sharjah taxis have green number plates and are not allowed to make pick ups in Dubai- although some try- do not use these.

• Remember there is zero tolerance to drink driving so always, always get a taxi if you have been drinking- to save your life, other’s lives and prevent a lengthy jail term and hefty fine- just don’t do it! There are over 10,000 taxis on Dubai roads so use them. You can always rescue your car the next day.

• Be aware that taxi drivers work long and hard hours- be nice to them, ask about their family back home, leave a generous tip- see if you can brighten their day up.