How to order taxi in Singapore

Singapore is a small but bustling city-state that offers many options for getting around. One of them is taking a taxi, which can be fast, convenient, and direct. However, there are some things you need to know before you hop on a cab in Singapore. Here are some tips on how to order taxi in Singapore and what to expect.

First of all, you need to decide how you want to book your taxi. You can either flag one down on the street, go to a designated taxi stand, or use a phone app or hotline. The easiest way is to use an app, such as Grab, Gojek, or ComfortDelGro, which allows you to see the availability of taxis nearby, compare fares, and pay online. You can also call the taxi company's hotline or use their website to make a booking. However, be aware that there may be a booking fee ranging from $2.30 to $3.90 depending on the time and type of booking.

Secondly, you need to know how much your taxi ride will cost. Taxi fares in Singapore are determined by the taxi companies and vary across operators. All taxis are metered and the fare consists of four components: flag-down fare, distance and time-based unit fares, surcharges, and booking fees. The flag-down fare is the minimum fare you pay when you board the taxi and it ranges from $3.20 to $3.90 depending on the taxi model. The distance and time-based unit fares are calculated based on how far and how long you travel. The surcharges are extra fees that apply depending on the time and location of your trip. For example, there is a peak period surcharge of 25% of the metered fare if you travel during weekdays from 6am to 9.30am or from 6pm to midnight, or a late night surcharge of 50% of the metered fare if you travel from midnight to 6am. There are also location surcharges for places like Changi Airport, Marina Bay Sands, or Resorts World Sentosa. You can check the information cards in the taxis or visit the Land Transport Authority website for more details on the surcharges.

Thirdly, you need to choose your payment method. You can either pay with cash or use a cashless payment option such as credit card, debit card, NETS card, or mobile wallet. However, not all taxis accept all payment modes and some may charge an additional fee for cashless payments. You can check with the driver before boarding or look for stickers on the taxi windows indicating the accepted payment modes.

Taking a taxi in Singapore can be a convenient and comfortable way to get around the city. However, you need to be aware of how to order taxi in Singapore and what factors affect the fare. By following these tips, you can enjoy your taxi ride without any hassle.