A very interesting piece on the taxi situation in Goa. My question is what is the charge per Km for a taxi and do you pay for double the distance unlike in the UK where you only pay one way, i.e. if the distance to the destination is 20Km and you do not retain the taxi do you have to pay for 40Km.
Most taxi's have printed in the front a rate of Rs8.50 per Km but on asking we are told that is the rate after the first 80Kms. Is this correct. I personally think that the rate stated at the airport of Rs550 for the trip to Baga from Dabolim which equates to about 7GBP or 7 quid in my lingo is not bad value for money. I get charged Rs100 for the trip from Baga to the Goan Heritage at Candolim which is about 1.20GBP and well worth it on a hot day. I have been told that the real fare is Rs80 for this trip but would not dream of asking for the change from a Rs100 note. I do find that the tourist taxi's do not like to give change and forget how to speak English if you present them with notes such as a Rs500 for a Rs380 trip but that rickshaw drivers and pilots always go into their pockets without any hesitation and present you with your change. I guess the rickshaw and pilots have a different mindset. I tend to let them keep the change. My biggest gripe with tourist taxis is the use of the horn and driving at speeds that terrify me. I always make a point of telling them to slow down and that i do not like the noise pollution. Those who comply with my wishes get a tip those who do not go without a tip. I find the worst drivers are those at the airport and they appear to be trying to commit suicide on every trip. All in all my taxi bill for a month in Goa was not at all bad. Rs4100 including tips (51GBP) To give some examples for comparison my beach shack bill was RS8160 (102GBP) Dinners Rs 10180 (127GBP) Laundry RS1000 (13GBP) Room RS14000 (175GBP) Donations Rs3800 (48GBP) Lions Club Subs Rs3500 (44GBP) So really taxis are not the rip of some people say they are. It has to be considered that the cost of living has risen over the years and as more and more taxis came on the roads and the number of tourists remained static, then taxi drivers would get less per person. Dave -- David Futers [EMAIL PROTECTED] Newbiggin by the Sea http://www.futers.org Northumberland NE64 6NL UNITED KINGDOM ************************************************************** Greet your loved ones in Goa with flowers! http://www.goa-world.com/goa/expressions/ EXPRESSIONS - The Flower Shop. World famous all over Goa! **************************************************************
