Guide to Getting Around Dubai by Taxi | ExpatWoman.com
 

Guide to Getting Around Dubai by Taxi

Here is everything that you need to know about getting around Dubai via an RTA taxi

Posted on

4 January 2012

Last updated on 19 January 2020
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.

There are 5 official taxi companies and all rates are the same - rule of thumb is official taxi company cars are all cream coloured with varying different roof colours:
 
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
Dubai - Taxi contact

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

From 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.    
Hired on Road / Street Pickup 3 AED Public and District Taxi
Booking through Dispatch Centre 6 AED Only Public Taxi
Airport 20 AED Only Public Taxi
     
From 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.    
Hired on Road / Street Pickup      3.50 AED Public and District Taxi
Booking through Dispatch Centre 7 AED Only Public Taxi
Airport  20 AED Only Public Taxi

    • 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.

 
 

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