Cost of taking a cab

[sunworshipperII]

I know there are fixed rates to and from airport. I don't remember some prices such as to downtown, or to Madame Jeannettes or other restaurants anybody know????

[Andrea J.]

this list may be dated and another might be in effect...........nonetheless it is a fare list and if there are any changes, i am sure they are increases not decreases.
andrea http://taxiaruba.com/new/farelist.html

Originally Posted by sunworshipperII

I know there are fixed rates to and from airport. I don't remember some prices such as to downtown, or to Madame Jeannettes or other restaurants anybody know????

[sunworshipperII]

Wow Andrea, thanks alot trying to figure if its worth renting a car even just for 3 days or a whole week.

[DeeB]

Hi All,
Just wondering if anyone has updated cab prices. I found a site that has them all listed but has not been updated since 2007. It states that a trip from the airport to the Tamarijn is $17. The last few times we were there (mid-week) the quoted price was $20. Are we getting ripped off? We always tip but I would like to make sure that the cabs are not adding the tip in by saying it is the listed price. One cabbie told us that we were charged because of our luggage.(two medium suitcases) opinions please and help. Leaving in 5 days. Thank you all.

[Arubalisa]

I will attempt tol explain the situation as I last was aware. If any of the below is incorrect, I am sure I will be put in my place.

Fares have not increased since 2004. These fares listed which you stated had not been updated since 2007 are indeed the rates currently in effect as approved by the government.

A new fare schedule has been published but has NOT been approved by the government. The last I was told by a taxi driver familiar with the situation it was anticipated that the new fares would not be approved until the new government was voted in in September.

With all of this said, some taxi drivers charge what they are legally permitted. Some taxi drivers are charging according to the new fare sheet and some are just making up the price.

My best advice is to agree upon a fare BEFORE you set foot in the taxi. We had two taxi drivers try to cheat our party of 7 in June. When we demanded (because they were not willing to show us) to see the fare sheet they fumbled, bumbled and grumbled and changed their tune and quoted us the correct fare which matched the fare sheet which you are referring to.

Also beaware of the different surcharges for extra baggage, Sunday travel etc.

From my June trip report:

"We usually use the same taxi driver, Bully, throughout our entire trip. During our stay in Aruba he was off island on vacation with his family. He is honest, dependable and knowledgeable about the island. We have been using him for over two years now.

This trip without Bully, our experiences with the 8 random taxi drivers we used, were, with the exception of 2 drivers, disgraceful to the Aruban people and very disheartening for us.

In every instance but two, the drivers tried to overcharge us. With no increase in fares since 2002, paying a 12% tax and not being able to pass it on, and the high price of gas, we were faced with a large percentage of drivers with the attitude "let's screw the tourists". Not to say that there are not other honest taxi drivers, but we met 6 out of 8 who were NOT.

Loving Aruba and her people as much as we do, we were very saddened by their behavior to say the least. Having traveled to Aruba before, at least we know some of their unjustified, in my opinion, reasoning in this situation. I cannot imagine a first time visitor to the island who knows what the fares are "supposed" to be, being charged whatever fare the driver makes up.

The Aruban government sets the taxi fares; they need to give these drivers a raise. Hopefully the raise in fares will once again make the drivers honest. Again, to their credit, we did have two very nice and honest drivers, one a woman on Father's Day night and another nice gentleman the night we went to the Promenade who for the first time had a compliment on the music on his radio (show tunes- I am a sucker for them).

Our worst "taxi" incident incident came outside the Holiday Inn returning back to the Tamarijn from Palm Beach following our day aboard the Jolly Pirates. We walked outside of the lobby at the Holiday Inn and there were 4 taxi drivers seated on benches hanging out. Since our friends were with us we were 7 people total and needed 2 taxis anyway, so this was perfect. Dh asked them what the fare was to the Tamarijn and they eyed up one another and one of the drivers said "$10". Knowing what we were up against, before we even left the Tamarijn in the morning, dh confirmed with our favorite concierge Iris that the fair should be $8.

Dh politely but forcefully asked to see their fare sheet where it showed the fare was $10. Well don't you know all of a sudden they acted like they could even barely understand English. Dh did not back down and again asked to see it in writing. Finally one of the drivers got up and went to his taxi to get the fare sheet. He came back with it, but then walked away from us hiding by the corner of the building to eye up the chart. He then came over to us saying insisting it was $10, still not showing us the chart. Dh told all 4 drivers point blank that sure we would pay the $10, since obviously we had no choice, but we were also going to take the taxi's numbers and report the drivers to the Aruba Tourism Authority.

Well gosh, don't you know , all of a sudden the taxi driver who had the sheet in his hand, stumbles over to me and points to Oranjestad ($10). Yeah, right, we told them all right from the start that we were all going to the Tamarijn! They do not even come close to sounding alike and I have only been to Oranjestad twice in the past 5 years. SO, clarifying that we were going to the Tamarijn, I showed the driver it was $8. Normally we would have paid him the $8 for the fare and a $2 tip for a total of $10 anyway. Needless to say, we did not tip him and he only got his $8 so he lost out for his foolish behavior. Our friends also did not tip their driver and would have under better circumstances."

Originally Posted by DeeB

Hi All,
Just wondering if anyone has updated cab prices. I found a site that has them all listed but has not been updated since 2007. It states that a trip from the airport to the Tamarijn is $17. The last few times we were there (mid-week) the quoted price was $20. Are we getting ripped off? We always tip but I would like to make sure that the cabs are not adding the tip in by saying it is the listed price. One cabbie told us that we were charged because of our luggage.(two medium suitcases) opinions please and help. Leaving in 5 days. Thank you all.

[DeeB]

Thanks for your help. I appreciate that! You are always there for anyone on this board! Will give you a trip report when we return.

[Arubalisa]

You are very welcome. We look forward to hearing all about your trip upon your return.

[pondladykim]

Hi!
My husband & I just returned from Aruba a few days ago. On this trip, we rented a Corrolla from Budget. I think we will never take a taxi again. Renting gives you freedom to go when and how far you choose. Half way to a destination, you may see a shop or a small restaurant. You pull over, no hassle. You finish shopping or eating, no waiting for a cab. No tipping either. 2 or 3 round trips in a cab and you have paid for a compact rental for a day.
Here's the down side to renting. Make SURE your husband understands Dutch European road signs BEFORE you are traveling 80 kph down A-1!!! One trip down a one way street the wrong way and you will get to meet the locals pronto. (why is that man's fist in the air and why is he slapping his tattoo?) Haha.
Also check with your hotel about parking there. We found out the hard way that the Holiday Inn Sunspree has only 18 parking places for a 600 room hotel, while the Hyatt's lot was a block square and half full.
Anyway, here's a good rule. If you are going to Aruba to suntan and light shopping nearby, take a taxi or bus. If your restaurant is on the other end of the island or you want to explore ALL the shopping & sights, rent the car and have an adventure!