The big problem with tourists overpaying for rides is the locals may have to pay a little extra and that's not fair so ask first and deny extra above the accepted rate but tip well you can probably afford it.

Excerpt from post by mosesk

...."on the part of certain taxi drivers...
NOT HAVING ENOUGH CHANGE FOR A 200, AND SOMETIMES 100 PESO NOTE!!

That's precisely why I walk everywhere, every day, every time".....

Hola mosesk

1. Good point about the change.
Besides taxis, in some smaller shops, change is often a problem.
If you try to pay make a small purchase with a $500 peso note, (which is around USD26.00), most likely the response will be that they can't make change.
I susupect that may be because they start their day with a small amount in the "register", so making change is problematic.

As a general tip, it's a good idea to even go to a bank, and stock up on "monedas", and "billetes" in 20 & 50 peso denominations.

2. YES☺ When possible, Walk and save money and get some exercise at the same time, and enjoy the "Zcenery" as well.
It may take an extra ½ hour, but is well worth it.
In the years I have been here, I never owned a car.
I walk 90% of the time, and only if in a rush or to avoid the sun, I will use the Urvan.
If I spend the equivalent to US $3.00 per month on public transportation, that's high for me. Most places here in Z zone aren't more than a 40 minute walk, max.

3. About the price gouging by SOME taxi drivers:

My interpretation of the thread is that us as Passengers paying for a service believe that the best policy is honesty, meaning to charge the "official" rates, and let the Passenger add on a tip, should they desire.
Even though a driver charged an extra 5, 10, or 15 pesos, as someone mentioned it is very little money. Nevertheless, tips shouldn't be "built-in" to the cost of a taxi ride.
If, for example, the official rate is $35, and the taxi driver charges that, you may give the driver $40.

Life is too short to be mad all the time over a little money. If it bothers you, just correct him and go on. No need to start a war. Us gringos come over here and steal their best land, go to the best restaurants and basically just piss money away that they could never dream of having. Maybe we are the ones that need to show a little respect.

I have been using the same taxi driver for the last 3 years. Some nights we even take him, his wife and son to dinner with us. When we dropped some stuff off to Lupita, Rob thought I was completely wacko for taking them to dinner with us. But if a wacko thinks you're wacko does that make you sane?

Careful or you could get your literary license revoked.

Saludo.

For the most part I've had very positive experiences with the taxi drivers here since I arrived a month ago. I always inquire as to the price before I get into a cab.

I have actually had two kind drivers who were not going to charge me at all because they didn't have change for a 200 peso note. I managed to scape up 16 pesos for the first driver which he was thankful to receive and the second driver just said no problem, no charge.

That more than makes up for the odd taxi who charges 5 or 10 pesos too much.

AND THERE IT IS...
You have hit upon the most dastardly, corrupt, disingenuous, blasphemous, disrespectful, and unambiguously malicious and insane action on the part of certain taxi drivers...
NOT HAVING ENOUGH CHANGE FOR A 200, AND SOMETIMES 100 PESO NOTE!!

That's precisely why I walk everywhere, every day, every time...

I have actually had two kind drivers who were not going to charge me at all because they didn't have change for a 200 peso note. I managed to scape up 16 pesos for the first driver which he was thankful to receive and the second driver just said no problem, no charge.

That more than makes up for the odd taxi who charges 5 or 10 pesos too much.

In my experience there are two kinds of people who ride in taxis - those who can afford it and those who can't. The ones who can't have all manner of problems that require getting someplace quickly. "Take me to Juvenile Hall" "Take me to General Hospital" the list goes on and on.

Our problems pale away compared to the average driver.

I have been using the same taxi driver for the last 3 years. Some nights we even take him, his wife and son to dinner with us. When we dropped some stuff off to Lupita, Rob thought I was completely wacko for taking them to dinner with us. But if a wacko thinks you're wacko does that make you sane?

The last time I checked five pesos equaled $.26. My exchange app just has rate $1.00MX =$0.0525US. I wouldn't call that gouging.

Can you tell me how much they were trying to gouge me when my fare was to 75p but they wanted 125p.

D

55 to Delfines and 65 to Gaviota.

Rates are on Rob's website under, Getting Here

So is Kioto considered "Centro"?
And then is Tratoria Gianni considered Delfines or Gaviota?

I'm not as savvy (yet) with all the locations in Z.

Yepper, Plaza Kioto counts as Centro, and anything past the Fuente de los Delfines is considered Gaviota for purposes of the taxis.

ok, then help me understand.
taxi driver asked for 70 pesos when the true fare is 65?

Did he have the A/C on?

You should always ask how much before accepting the ride just to get the rates straight.

Local Taxi Rates

Well I think part of the point is if you would walk 100 yards over the bridge toward La Ropa you would be be in a new price point zone. I have done this myself. I expect nothing will change this year. If you ask a taxi how much expect the price to be incorrect about 50% of the time.
THIS is why I advocate CARRYING the CORRECT rate sheet with you and just KNOW how much to pay. GET in a cab tell them where you want to go, HAVE THE CORRECT FARE RERADY and pay them on exit. MANY IF NOT all of your headache's will disappear.

I will add that only the most corrupt of taxis will challenge a correct fare. Once this happens I am not very kind. The rate sheet comes out, choice words, including asking for his name taxi number and Proffeco.

D

Please remember that many taxis de sitios have been authorized to charge higher fares than if you hail a taxi off the street. Be sure to check their door to see if it says something on it like "Sitio Casa Que Canta" or "Sitio Las Brisas" etcetera. I don't know why this confusing situation is allowed to exist, but that is the reason many taxi drivers don't know the "right" fares. Their rate sheet has different fares than the "non-sitio" taxis.

And please remember that when you are discourteous to a local for whatever reason it reflects upon all foreigners that resemble you, i.e. Gringos and Canadienses. We are all ambassadors for foreigners whether we like it or not.

Are you trying to tell me a "Sito" taxi that is driving around and you hail it has a higher rate?

Yepper. That's what I said all right.

Don't lecture me on truth and disrespect. Truth wins ALL the time. There is no courtesy if I am disrespected. I can assure your readers and you in 30 years, especially the last twenty I have been disrespected by taxi drivers more that one should be.

Amigo, could it be a karma thing?

Greed isn't disrespect. It's greed. A behavior promoted and glorified by the very culture we are from.

55 to Delfines and 65 to Gaviota.

Rates are on Rob's website under, Getting Here

So is Kioto considered "Centro"?
And then is Tratoria Gianni considered Delfines or Gaviota?

I'm not as savvy (yet) with all the locations in Z.

Yepper, Plaza Kioto counts as Centro, and anything past the Fuente de los Delfines is considered Gaviota for purposes of the taxis.

ok, then help me understand.
taxi driver asked for 70 pesos when the true fare is 65?

Did he have the A/C on?

You should always ask how much before accepting the ride just to get the rates straight.

Local Taxi Rates

Well I think part of the point is if you would walk 100 yards over the bridge toward La Ropa you would be be in a new price point zone. I have done this myself. I expect nothing will change this year. If you ask a taxi how much expect the price to be incorrect about 50% of the time.
THIS is why I advocate CARRYING the CORRECT rate sheet with you and just KNOW how much to pay. GET in a cab tell them where you want to go, HAVE THE CORRECT FARE RERADY and pay them on exit. MANY IF NOT all of your headache's will disappear.

I will add that only the most corrupt of taxis will challenge a correct fare. Once this happens I am not very kind. The rate sheet comes out, choice words, including asking for his name taxi number and Proffeco.

D

Please remember that many taxis de sitios have been authorized to charge higher fares than if you hail a taxi off the street. Be sure to check their door to see if it says something on it like "Sitio Casa Que Canta" or "Sitio Las Brisas" etcetera. I don't know why this confusing situation is allowed to exist, but that is the reason many taxi drivers don't know the "right" fares. Their rate sheet has different fares than the "non-sitio" taxis.

And please remember that when you are discourteous to a local for whatever reason it reflects upon all foreigners that resemble you, i.e. Gringos and Canadienses. We are all ambassadors for foreigners whether we like it or not.

Are you trying to tell me a "Sito" taxi that is driving around and you hail it has a higher rate?

Don't lecture me on truth and disrespect. Truth wins ALL the time. There is no courtesy if I am disrespected. I can assure your readers and you in 30 years, especially the last twenty I have been disrespected by taxi drivers more that one should be.

D

55 to Delfines and 65 to Gaviota.

Rates are on Rob's website under, Getting Here

So is Kioto considered "Centro"?
And then is Tratoria Gianni considered Delfines or Gaviota?

I'm not as savvy (yet) with all the locations in Z.

Yepper, Plaza Kioto counts as Centro, and anything past the Fuente de los Delfines is considered Gaviota for purposes of the taxis.

ok, then help me understand.
taxi driver asked for 70 pesos when the true fare is 65?

Did he have the A/C on?

You should always ask how much before accepting the ride just to get the rates straight.

Local Taxi Rates

Well I think part of the point is if you would walk 100 yards over the bridge toward La Ropa you would be be in a new price point zone. I have done this myself. I expect nothing will change this year. If you ask a taxi how much expect the price to be incorrect about 50% of the time.
THIS is why I advocate CARRYING the CORRECT rate sheet with you and just KNOW how much to pay. GET in a cab tell them where you want to go, HAVE THE CORRECT FARE RERADY and pay them on exit. MANY IF NOT all of your headache's will disappear.

I will add that only the most corrupt of taxis will challenge a correct fare. Once this happens I am not very kind. The rate sheet comes out, choice words, including asking for his name taxi number and Proffeco.

D

Please remember that many taxis de sitios have been authorized to charge higher fares than if you hail a taxi off the street. Be sure to check their door to see if it says something on it like "Sitio Casa Que Canta" or "Sitio Las Brisas" etcetera. I don't know why this confusing situation is allowed to exist, but that is the reason many taxi drivers don't know the "right" fares. Their rate sheet has different fares than the "non-sitio" taxis.

And please remember that when you are discourteous to a local for whatever reason it reflects upon all foreigners that resemble you, i.e. Gringos and Canadienses. We are all ambassadors for foreigners whether we like it or not.

55 to Delfines and 65 to Gaviota.

Rates are on Rob's website under, Getting Here

So is Kioto considered "Centro"?
And then is Tratoria Gianni considered Delfines or Gaviota?

I'm not as savvy (yet) with all the locations in Z.

Yepper, Plaza Kioto counts as Centro, and anything past the Fuente de los Delfines is considered Gaviota for purposes of the taxis.

ok, then help me understand.
taxi driver asked for 70 pesos when the true fare is 65?

Did he have the A/C on?

You should always ask how much before accepting the ride just to get the rates straight.

Local Taxi Rates

Well I think part of the point is if you would walk 100 yards over the bridge toward La Ropa you would be be in a new price point zone. I have done this myself. I expect nothing will change this year. If you ask a taxi how much expect the price to be incorrect about 50% of the time.
THIS is why I advocate CARRYING the CORRECT rate sheet with you and just KNOW how much to pay. GET in a cab tell them where you want to go, HAVE THE CORRECT FARE RERADY and pay them on exit. MANY IF NOT all of your headache's will disappear.

I will add that only the most corrupt of taxis will challenge a correct fare. Once this happens I am not very kind. The rate sheet comes out, choice words, including asking for his name taxi number and Proffeco.

D

55 to Delfines and 65 to Gaviota.

Rates are on Rob's website under, Getting Here

So is Kioto considered "Centro"?
And then is Tratoria Gianni considered Delfines or Gaviota?

I'm not as savvy (yet) with all the locations in Z.

Yepper, Plaza Kioto counts as Centro, and anything past the Fuente de los Delfines is considered Gaviota for purposes of the taxis.

ok, then help me understand.
taxi driver asked for 70 pesos when the true fare is 65?

Did he have the A/C on?

You should always ask how much before accepting the ride just to get the rates straight.

Local Taxi Rates

55 to Delfines and 65 to Gaviota.

Rates are on Rob's website under, Getting Here

So is Kioto considered "Centro"?
And then is Tratoria Gianni considered Delfines or Gaviota?

I'm not as savvy (yet) with all the locations in Z.

Yepper, Plaza Kioto counts as Centro, and anything past the Fuente de los Delfines is considered Gaviota for purposes of the taxis.

ok, then help me understand.
taxi driver asked for 70 pesos when the true fare is 65?

55 to Delfines and 65 to Gaviota.

Rates are on Rob's website under, Getting Here

So is Kioto considered "Centro"?
And then is Tratoria Gianni considered Delfines or Gaviota?

I'm not as savvy (yet) with all the locations in Z.

Yepper, Plaza Kioto counts as Centro, and anything past the Fuente de los Delfines is considered Gaviota for purposes of the taxis.