Malaysia

Nicke · #1 07-05-2007, 07:58

I have mentioned it before, the biggest problem for tourists in KL is the taxi rip offs.

I thougt I had learned my lesson and always ask for the price prior to getting into the cab.

Most of the time I get a fair fixed price.

The cheapest fare is however on taxi meter, its not so common they use it thought. So one ride lately I asked for the price and the driver just said it was on the meter, as it it usually the cheapest way to get around I jumped in.

From Concorde hotel to Thai embassy, a 5 minutes ride, the meter showed 98 rm. I was ripped off again. It should be 5-6 rm on a normal meter. I have paid both 10 and 15 rm for the same route as fixed price in advance.

I did however refuse to pay that price, I gave him half. He insisted it was a green taxi and asked why I didnt know that?

Half price is still a rip off but I let it slide this time, but makes me hate taxis in KL even more as it happens often they want rip you off.

I have stopped already to use taxis from airport. KLIA Express to KL Sentral cost just 35 rm and is fast and efficient. If you stay at Concorde hotel, a monorail train from KL Sentral to Bukit Nanas is just 2-3 rm.

I started to use public transports when the traffic jam caused me to stay in a taxi for 1.5 hour last year.

People hates the tuk tuks here, but taxis in KL can be far worse. That said, lot of taxis is still fair and honest. You just have to be careful and ask in advance.

Nicke · #2 07-05-2007, 08:02

1 rm = 10 baht.

98 rm is equivalent to 980 baht.

Nautilus · #3 07-05-2007, 08:17

Yeah, i ****ing hate the taxis here.

RM98 is ****ing too much!! You dont even have to pay that much to get to KLIA from Concorde!!!

Some meter taxis modify their meters also. So it's your luck.

Nicke, mayb next time you can flag a taxi else where, instead of outside the hotel?

Dodger · #4 07-05-2007, 11:59

Yeah but its nice once in awhile that our great leader gets ripped off in his beloved KL, thought those bhts were glued into that over fat wallet??

Simbo · #5 07-05-2007, 17:37

Had that with a meter taxi in Bukit Bintang while heading to the embassy. e said 'meter not work' I said 'OK we ask that policeman over there how you can have a taxi with a meter that not work- its against the law' next thing- 'meter OK!' Have got the public transport system sorted now anyway- 00m walk from underground to embassy. Then straight to Central and bus to airport- still time to catch air asia flight back.

Maverick351 · #6 07-05-2007, 20:32

When I was there last, I kept asking the driver for meter only, as the fare would be around 3 rm (Short trips). I then give the 5 rm and say thanks for using meter.

Hate the ones that quote 5-10, and never get into the taxi until I found one who would use the meter. If they were honest, they were going to get extra at the end, this is my way to say thanks for being honest and doing the correct thing.

But to demand a price up front, forget it.

Nautilus · #7 08-05-2007, 07:47

In the papers many months ago, a group of tourist was conned big time by a taxi driver.

The driver had a meter, but it was modified and the driver could control the meter through a button near his seat. The meter will climb very fast.

Really sick people !!!

Premier · #8 10-05-2007, 20:27

At the KL LCC terminal I use the "unofficial" taxi drivers that float around where you queue for the taxi vouchers, you can generally agree on a fair price and they will give you their mobile number so you can arrange the return trip to the airport. It's a little bit risky as you have to place your trust in them but I've had no problems so far.