Hi, Everyone --
When I call a taxi to come and pick me up in El Santuario and take me into town, do I pay the driver extra since they came to get me?
Thanks --
T
UPDATE: Well, THAT was a bust! Our taxi driver said he would be here in 30 minutes .. and that time passed an hour ago! SO is this pretty typical? Any advice for visitors without a car that need a taxi into town on occasion?
Thanks to everyone for any advice you can give us here --
Linda and T
Our email: Time4Us2Retire@gmail.com
Our blog: Time4Us2Retire.wordpress.com (Check out our latest post about Adjusting to the Altitude)
Replies
Thank you again everyone! We were able to get a taxi, but ultimately decided that the best way to really get to know Boquete and the expat community was to have our own car. So today, our taxi driver took us to Cowboy Dave — and we are now the proud renters of a very nice Toyota something or another.
Cars in Panama certainly aren't cheap — and Cowboy Dave is a great deal all things considered — but we've realized that freedom to come and go as we please is well worth it.
We hope to meet many of you in the 3 weeks we have remaining here --
T and Linda
good move!
Nah.... no anyone...... only some....
I choose to pay well, and know that I'm helping my driver's family, and that I can depend on the driver to come get me when possible. Having a driver as a friend is also great in terms of lots of other needs that come along. He has recommended workers for various projects, answered lots of "cultural" questions, and such. I have some bad arthritis in one knee, so I have limited time on it. Having a driver who comes to my house in both directions and picks me up at the end of my errands, and can even stop for an extra errand on the way home is priceless.
What goes around, comes around. Don't let yourself be too influenced by stingy expats. We typically pay $3 each way to town and back to Alto Boquete, for one or both of us.
Leo and Daniel are both great. And another one to add to the list is Fernando. He speaks English perfectly, is charming, and I know he often works evenings as well. I checked with him to be sure he was fine with my adding his name here. His number is 6792 2247,
Just read Keith's message above. Too bad. I've never had Fernando no-show.
It's not about being a "stingy expat." See the post above by Anvil - he is absolutely right - the prices are fixed. Tips are not required for cab drivers.
Probably something serious happened to him that could not show at the time requested.
If you CALL a taxi, you will have to pay a couple dollars extra (at least, it's a set price but I don't remember exactly how much) . You will have a hard time flagging a taxi up in El Santuario. My favorite English-speaking taxi driver is Fernando, 6484-7339. He works mornings and evenings until late, but not afternoons. He's reliable and personable. Mention my name.
When I've had need to call a driver they never required any couple of dollars extra -- it was the price normally paid.
Thanks,
Luana
I live way up in Alto Dorado and the price for a taxi or colectivo is one dollar. The colectivo charged me two dollars yesterday and I told them they're being greedy. Tipping taxi drivers is not necessary. Prices are set. Don't pay too much. Let them know that they are overcharging you.
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