A Guide to Booking Taxis and Private Hire Cars in Singapore

Whether you’re a tourist visiting Singapore or a local resident, getting around the bustling city-state can be challenging without the right transportation options. In this guide, I’ll break down the different types of taxis and private hire cars available and how you can book them with ease.

Choosing Between Taxis and Private Hire Services

Singapore offers two main modes of chauffeured transportation – metered taxis and private hire cars. Taxis can be hailed from the street or picked up from designated taxi stands around the city. Private hire cars must be booked in advance through smartphone apps.

Maxi Cab Singapore is a private taxi service regulated by the Land Transport Authority (LTA). Private hire vehicles come in various makes and models.

Booking Taxis Via Apps or Telephone

Some taxi companies like Maxicab Singapore allow bookings via their mobile apps. This ensures you get a cab without hassle. You can enter your pickup point, enter the destination and payment details, then track your taxi’s arrival time.

Alternatively, you can book a taxi over the phone 24 hours in advance. Major taxi operators have hotlines you can call. Provide your pickup location, travel time and payment mode. They will arrange a taxi for you. This is useful for group bookings or early morning/late night pickups.

Hailing Taxis On The Street

If you don’t want to pre-book, try flagging down taxis on busy roads in the city. Look out for the illuminated “For Hire” sign on the taxi roof. You can also head to designated taxi stands at train stations, shopping malls and HDB estates. Check that the taxi is vacant before boarding. Clearly state your destination to the driver.

Paying Your Fare

Taxis in Singapore strictly use meters to calculate fares based on distance travelled and time spent in traffic. The initial flagdown fee and subsequent rates are set by LTA. You can pay in cash or by credit/debit card – just inform the driver beforehand. Private hire fares are pre-determined by the booking apps based on location data and demand. Cashless payment is required.

Planning Your Singapore Journey

That covers the essentials of booking and taking taxis or private hire cars in Singapore. Proper planning of your transportation is important, especially if you have a tight itinerary. Don’t hesitate to book rides in advance using apps for hassle-free mobility. Services like Maxi Cab Singapore provide timely, affordable options to navigate the city with ease. Have a great trip!