Should You get in This Taxi and Jakarta Taxi Rates ?
Should You get in This Taxi
There are several things you can do at the beginning of a taxi trip to make yourself safer.
- Assess the condition of the car, and the driver.
- Before you get in, make sure the handle to open the door from the inside has not been removed.
- Note any strange smells as you get in.
- As you get in, check for the taxi’s number, and the phone number of the taxi company. It is usually on the door window. If you have a problem, you will be able to call the company, and they can speak to the driver.
- Ask the driver to lock the doors (silahkan mengunci pintu).
- Write down where you want to go and let the driver read the address – incorrect pronunciation causes many problems and misunderstandings.
- Sit in the back seat on the side opposite the driver so you can watch him or her.
- Insist the driver use the meter (argo).
- Write down the taxi’s number, or snap a picture of the number with your phone. You never know when you’ll leave something valuable in the taxi.
- Make sure the meter from the last passenger has been reset. If the light on the roof is on, then the meter is not running, but during the day you can’t see whether the light on the roof is on, or off. I have gotten into a taxi, and a few minutes later noticed the fare on the meter was way too high for the distance I had traveled. At that point there’s not much one can do.
Jakarta Taxi Rates
- The standard Jakarta meter rate is Rp 6000 initially, and Rp 3,000/km after the first two km.
- The discount Jakarta meter rate is Rp. 5000 initially, and Rp. 2,500/km after the first two km. Taxi companies that operate at this rate have TARIF BAWAH (low tariff) written in the top left corner of the windshield.
- The passenger is expected to pay any tolls, or parking fees.
Note: Be sure to carry lots of small bills – all taxi drivers have difficulty making change.
