Lehoi wrote:
I would never use a pirate taxi or private-car taxi in San Jose. To me they are not safe. Only red taxis with the yellow (I guess it's yellow, but I'm a tad color blind.) marker on top are what I use. To hail a taxi the Tico way, just put out your street-side arm down and stick out your index finger. It's subtle. No waving a taxi down. Of course, you can, but that's not the Tico way. Ha. Ha. If a taxi is going to pick you up, the driver will usually flick their headlights once as he's coming toward you.
Look for the meter or maria the first thing. Usually it's to the right of the steering wheel on the dash. Sometimes it's above the steering wheel above the windshield or under the steering wheel or to the left of the steering wheel. Sometimes it is sort of hidden behind something. Ask where it is if you don't see it. Look for the number 640 in red on the meter. That is the starting rate in colones on all red taxis. It's a little over a dollar.
If the driver indicates he won't or cannot turn the meter on, simply get out of the taxi without paying anything. The driver was going to rip you off anyway. They won't try to stop you from getting out! The only other option I know of would be to ask how many colones to get to your destination, and if it is reasonable and you have a good feeling about the guy, agree, and don't give him any more once you get there.
These are my experiences with taxis in San Jose. Am sure others of you have wildly different takes on Costa Rican taxis in San José!!
even red taxis out side the delrey expect 2mil to got to Amistad, and they play the no speak english thing or cant understand my spanish act... sometimes the girl yells at them...
most times i just play dumb american and throw them 1 red or the equivalent in coins.... do a few shrugs and "no habla espanol amigos" then walk in the hotel....
Even Sportman drivers want 2mil for a 1 mil max ride.... are they considered SL staff? or pirate?
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