Gathered from a number of sources, including the Malaysian Tourist Police, here are a few tips to avoid getting ripped off in a taxi. Taxi scams occur pretty much anywhere, but I’m using Kuala Lumpur as an example
Taxi Sign - Haggling is Prohibited
- When you arrive at the airport take an official taxi from a taxi counter. Don’t bother with the touts as they get the worst reports. Also check the express train – it may be cheaper if there’s only one or two of you, but doesn’t run 24 hours a day.
- Drivers waiting at unofficial taxi ranks may offer a fixed price of 3-6 times the metered rate. The official taxi ranks are unattended and won’t have a person sitting behind a cheaply made box, with a sign reading ‘Taxi Coupons’ or similar, touting for customers.
- It’s far better to take a short walk to a spot with regular traffic and wave down a passing cab
- Always ask the driver to use the meter. It is illegal to charge a passenger without using the meter. If they refuse, you should leave the taxi and find another.
- If they agree to use the meter it’s preferable to follow your route on a map to ensure you’re not paying to be driven round in circles. At the same time keep an eye on the meter – it’s not uncommon for drivers to have a hidden button that adds a small charge to the meter. They may even press it a few times during the journey.
- If you’re in a rush, you can get a more acceptable deal by haggling down to RM10. You’ll probably take a much more direct route, but you will inevitably pay more than just using the meter. Generally nowhere in KL should cost more than RM20.
- An official taxi driver is required to wear a clean white shirt, tucked into dark trousers. They should also display a photo card showing their name and taxi number. Sometimes it’s the case that multiple people have joint ownership of a taxi, but they should still have their own photo card otherwise you’re not insured in the event of an accident.
- If you need to contact the Tourist Police and there’s no photo card at least make a note of the vehicle registration number and the taxi company.
Of course, I don’t believe that all taxi drivers in Kuala Lumpur are awful; it’s just that we didn’t meet either of the good ones.
If you do find a reliable driver take their business card and arrange to use them for the rest of your visit. They’ll undoubtedly be grateful for the regular work and you’ll be able to relax into your stay.
Hi
I was taking a taxi from KLCC to the Prince hotel. The taxi told me its Ringits 20. I told him that by meter its about 10 and he is overcharging. I requested again to please use the meter as this is not allowed.
He told me “go fuck yourself and your mother” and ” walk the the hotel”. I was really surprised and this was my worse taxi experience ever. This is a really bad image to KL and Malaysia. The taxi number is HBA3086
Of course I took another taxi who used his meter.
Regards, Saeed
Well done for getting the taxi number. If you want to report it, the number will be on the side or roof of the taxis. Let us know how you get on.
This was our story of our worst ever taxi ride, also in Kuala Lumpur
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