Book a Cab in Bucharest

Whenever you find yourself in a foreign country, it is important to remember that getting a taxi off the street may come with a rip-off. The same thing applies when you’re in Bucharest, especially since the taxi system here is a little notorious for overcharging patrons. However, if you get it right, taxis are one of the cheapest and easiest ways to travel around Bucharest. Fighting shady taxi drivers is Bucharest’s top tourist-related problem, since it leaves a really bad impression of the city. Hence, here are some advices to follow to safely use the taxi services in the city and travel around the top Bucharest museums with ease.
 

Recognize a reliable taxi company

This one is pretty easy actually and all you need to do is to follow a simple rule - avoid the independent vehicles and head for a trusted and established taxi company. However, this can be tricky, since many taxi vehicles can operate under disguise. Here’s how to spot the difference:

 

• Look for a name and a phone number on display of the company they are with. Some independents will try to do the same but with a good eye, you’ll catch the difference.
• Avoid anything displaying Taxi Bucharesti or Taxi Arsenal, since these are more expensive. Look for around 1.39 or 1.40 lei per kilometer.
• Always ask if they give receipts first. If they don’t, go on to the next one.

 

Airport hustlers

When arriving at the airport, ignore the taxi drivers who’ll approach you at the arrivals zone, offering their services at lower rates. This is usually how you’d get yourself ripped-off. You can book a cab by using the multi-language touch screens in the arrivals hall and choose from a wide range of reliable Bucharest taxi companies, with displayed tariffs. When you order the cab, the screen will inform you on the taxi ID number and length of waiting. Another trick you can do is to walk through to departures and pick up a standard cab as it drops somebody off, while following our previous advice.
 

Book a comfortable ride in advance

If you feel that you want to treat yourself with a more luxurious holiday, book a private airport transfer in advance, so your car can wait for you once you arrive. These services will cost you nearly the same as getting a taxi, however the driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals zone and take you to your car, instead of you wandering around and looking for a cab.
 

Use technology and plan ahead

Today you can easily book a cab online, since many of the Bucharest’s taxi companies have iPhone and Android apps which use your phone’s GPS to locate you and send a taxi straight to your location. There are several taxi companies in Bucharest that offer such apps, so make sure to have a few in mind when booking a cab online.
 

Tariffs

A single tariff should be displayed on the driver and passenger door of all reliable taxis. However, many of the hustler taxis will try to disguise how much they charge per kilometer. They might do this by blocking the door, or simply not displaying transparently how much they charge by adding other numbers such as Tariff 1. Just make sure not to pay more than 1.69 lei per kilometer.
 

Steer clear from these areas

Be extra careful in areas such as Gara de Nord, Baneasa Airport, Bucuresti Mall, Piata Universitatii, Piata Unirii and the Old Town/Lipscani area, all being touristy areas. Avoid unpleasant and pushy taxi drivers, especially at night. There are a lot of scary stories to be told and heard, all involving a taxi driver from Bucharest who attempted to rip-off or even rob some unfortunate tourists. All of this can be avoided only if you refrain from getting a taxi on the street at these areas.
 

Be informed beforehand

Gathering as many information as possible before you take your trip is the smartest thing you can do. It can keep you safe in a number of unpleasant situations. Hence, here’s a list of tips you should know before getting into a cab:

 

• You are the customer, so don’t be afraid to ask whatever you want first. Taxi drivers are the ones who should be catering to your needs, not the other way around. Aim for finding an English speaking driver, and make sure he knows where the place is, along with the approximate price for the distance. If not, move on to the next one.
• Make sure the meter is on and watch it while on the ride.
• Always carry change, since many of the taxi drivers may say they don’t have any.
• Do your research in advance and always find the place you’re heading to via Google Maps. This way, you’ll get an idea on the distance and directions, making it easier to explain to the driver where he should take you.
• Speak up if you think that the driver is taking you through a way longer road. Do not sit quietly since at the end of the ride, you’d be expected to pay the whole fee.
• Most of all, if you have to get a cab on the street, don’t make yourself look as an obvious and oblivious tourist. Pay attention and communicate clearly.

Getting a proper cab while in Bucharest can save you time and money. It can also take you comfortably to some of the most recommended local Bucharest restaurants, where you can feast on the local delicacies. Hence, downloading a taxi booking app can make or break your traveling experience, so be smart and get one in advance.