Taxis and Cabs in Singapore
Taxis
Taxis seem to be abundant everywhere in Singapore (over 15,000!) and can be flagged down easily unless it is raining, late Friday afternoon or before midnight, when everybody wants to get home from a restaurant, pub or movie. Another bad time to catch a taxi will be at 5:00 pm. when offices close and the taxi drivers have their shift change. You will see a sign in their front window stating their hometown. If they stop they will ask you where you have to go and may take you along if this is on their way home.
Most taxis are clean and the drivers very friendly. Many speak decent English (especially the younger generation) and know their way in town. If they don't you should ask for the road directory and find a well-known landmark next to your destination (MRT station, police, building etc.).
Photo:enterAsiaArt
The most reliable way is to write down the address on a piece of paper as your way of pronouncing (accent!) the destination may not be understood.Taxis are metered and connected to a radio dispatch. All taxis are regulated and registered. is not necessary to tip the taxi drivers in Singapore.The below cost apply:
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Buckle up or pay SGD 300!
It is compulsory to use the seat belt as a driver and passenger in any car regardless of sitting in the front or back
Photo:enterAsiaArt
Visit the website links for online bookings!
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If you want to be sure that a taxi is available you need to book it either in advanced booking and can state the time and location to be picked up. Booking for immediate use is called regular booking. The waiting time for regular booked taxis depends on the operator, the time of the day, the traffic and the weather. The best operator ( CityCab) has an average of 5 minutes waiting time, the worst about 25 minutes. Once your booking is confirmed you receive the cab's number plate to recognize your booking. The driver will stop and ask for your destination and name before accepting you. For fees see table above.
You get registered with your first booking and the system saves your data. The next time you call, the operator can see the pick-up location and other details on the screen. The following booking services are offered and you should compare prices before registration:
| Booking modes for taxis | |
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Current/Regular Booking (immediate use) |
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Advanced booking (mostly at least 30 minutes in advance) |
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Emergency Taxi Booking |
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Automated Taxi Booking |
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CabLink Fax: 6 -A-Cab (Comfort Fax: 6 553 1006) |
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Limousine Service |
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Wheelchair Service (Comfort 254 3006, TIBS London Taxi 481 1222) |
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Auto call (without operator) |
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Internet booking, register |
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Advance Airport Transfer Booking, register |
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Share a Cab Scheme
In some places you can share a taxi ride and save money. You may reduce your taxi fare by 70% (2 alighting points) to 50% (4 alighting points).
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Upper Cross Street (O.G. Building) |
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Lucky Plaza |
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Ngee Ann City |
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World Trade Center |
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Parkway Parade |
Report cabby who is for hire but refuses to pick you up:
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