13 Feb 2014

Taxi Sir?

There is only one thing I hate about Vietnam and that are the taxi drivers. Last year I was ripped off paying $15 for 20 minute ride which brought me within 200 meters of the place where got in. Of course you learn from this and are prepared for the next one.

At arrival at HO Chi Min airport I was approached by a taxi driver who quoted me $25 for the ride from the airport to District 1 where I was heading for. "Great" , I said and saw his eyes lit up. While he placed his hand on my back pack I placed my hand in my pocket, to get my camera and took a picture of the man, his cab, his number plate and the taxi license sticker on the windscreen. I looked at him and said, Now what was that the cost again? “ehh..$12 he said.

That at still $4 too much. I turned to another driver, showed him a $10 dollar bill and said, ”is this enough for you? “, “Yes” ,he said.

A day later I saw a young couple getting out of a bus right across the street where I was walking. A taxi driver grabbed a bag and put it in his trunk. I saw the couple talking to him, possibly negotiating a price. Meanwhile I crossed the street and walked over to them. As it turned out they were Dutch and had just arrived from Cambodia. I asked them where they were going and how much they were going to pay. We are going to xyz hotel and it cost $9 the guy said. That's a lot for 50 meters I said, look behind you can see the sign from here! When I pointed to the sign; the taxi driver quickly removed the backpack from his car and sped off. Of course not all drivers are like that, it pays to select a certain company recommended in the Lonely Planet , however that is a bit hard getting off a bus in a very busy street.