TRAVEL TIPS

Taxi Travel

Taxis are a convenient way of getting around town, particularly in the evening, when the number of trams and Metro trains starts to thin out. But be on the lookout for dishonest drivers, especially if you hail a taxi on the street or from one of the taxi stands at heavily touristed areas like Wenceslas Square. Typical scams include drivers doctoring the meter or failing to turn the meter on and then demanding an exorbitant sum at the end of the ride. In an honest cab, the meter starts at 40 Kč and increases by 28 Kč per km (½ mile) or 6 Kč per minute at rest. Most rides within town should cost no more than 150–250 Kč. A loophole in the law allows drivers to set their own prices, even though the city has an official price. To counter this, the city has Fair Place stands with taxis that meet a minimum standard and agree to follow the set price list. Average prices are posted on a sign at each stand. The best way to avoid getting ripped off is to ask your hotel or restaurant to call a cab for you. If you have to hail a taxi on the street, agree with the driver on a fare before getting in. (If the driver says he can't tell you what the approximate fare will be, that's almost a sure sign he's giving you a line.) If you have access to a phone, a better bet is to call one of the many radio-operated companies, like AAA Taxi. The drivers are honest, and the dispatchers speak English.

Smartphone-based ride-share services like Uber are also available in Prague, but they are not regulated.

Taxi Companies

AAA Radiotaxi. 222–333–222; www.aaa-taxi.cz.

City Taxi. 257–257–257; www.citytaxi.cz.

Tick Tack. 721–300–300; www.ticktack.cz.

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