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Local Transport
Taxis |
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This page last updated
February 02, 2010 |
There are over 50,000 taxis
in Germany and using them is much the same as in most other locales. German
taxis are cream-colored with a black and yellow taxi sign on the roof.
In the birthplace of the luxury sedan, it should be no surprise that the
bulk of the taxi fleet is comprised of sleek and plush Mercedes and
Audis. For larger parties or payloads, you'll find equally
comfortable minivans and station wagons.
As with many aspects of German life, the taxi industry is heavily
regulated, so foreigners need not worry about "being taken for a ride".
Typical German
taxi
Hiring a
taxi
The best way to hire a taxi is to find one at a taxi stand.
You will find these at major activity centers such as train stations, airports,
large hotels, shopping areas, etc. Usually you will find several taxis waiting at these
locations. Generally, you should hire the first taxi in the line, but you can
pick any of them waiting at the stand, especially if you need a larger
vehicle than the first one. If there are no taxis waiting, see if
there is a "taxi phone" (Taxirufsäule) nearby. These
call boxes will
connect you to the central taxi dispatch office, which will then send a
cab to your location. These taxi phones also often have an
emergency call function as well-- make sure you push the correct button
if applicable.
You can also
order a taxi by phone. Every city has a taxi hotline-- look in the
phone book under "Taxi-Zentrale". In larger
hotels, the concierge or front desk staff can also arrange a taxi for
you. Many cities now also offer online ordering of taxis.
Theoretically, you can hail a cab on the street, but most of the time
one of the previously mentioned options will be more reliable.
By law, taxi drivers cannot refuse to
accept a customer for travel within the municipality or official local taxi
tariff zone unless the customer is excessively intoxicated, dirty, or sick,
carrying a weapon, traveling with an aggressive dog, or is obviously unable to
pay.
If you don't
speak German, the best way to tell the driver where to take you is to
write the address on a slip of paper and hand it to the driver when you
get in. You can read the fare on the meter when it's time to pay.
Fares
All taxis in Germany are required to have a visible meter and fares are regulated by
local laws within a designated local tariff zone (Pflichtfahrgebietes).
Rates vary by city, but generally there is a €2-3 "drop charge" or basic
fee (Grundpreis), then a rate of €1-3 per kilometer with slightly
lower rates for longer distances (typically in excess of 2 to 5
kilometers). Time spent waiting (which includes waiting in
traffic) is also charged at a typical rate of anywhere from €0.10-0.50 per minute,
with some cities allowing for a minute or two of idling free of charge
and some with higher fees for longer waiting time. Some cities
have lower fares (or even free) if you're making a round-trip.
Fares may also vary by time of day and/or day of the week.
For
trips over 50 km, you must negotiate the fare in advance.
International trips are permissible. The tax rate of 7% for trips
of
less than 50 km and 19% for longer trips is included in the fare, but
must also be itemized separately on the meter and receipt.
Unless you specify the route, the
driver is required to chose the shortest route.
In addition to the fare, taxi drivers
are also permitted to charge an additional service fee for special services
including nighttime (typically defined as 10pm to 6am) and Sunday or holiday
service; transporting of baggage, animals, or of
wheelchair-bound persons; courier service; and
use of credit cards. Minivan and station wagon taxis also typically add a
surcharge.
Service
Taxi drivers are generally very friendly, helpful, honest, and
knowledgeable about their city. If you ever experience bad
service, note the vehicle's number located near the meter and/or in the rear window and report
the experience to the Taxi-Zentrale.
To tip the driver, round the fare up to the nearest
Euro, more if you receive extra or exceptional service.
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