The Logistics of Settling In 159Taxis
Taxis are everywhere. To get one, keep your eyes peeled for
an empty one and simply wave your arm. In some cases,
even a taxi with a fare will stop and you can share the taxi.
There are two theories on figuring out how much a taxi should
cost. When you are new to the area, negotiate the fare for
your trip before you enter the taxi. Once you enter the taxi,
they have you and the rate will surely be higher. Some taxis
have meters, but they rarely work, so you are on your own
to get a good rate. Plan on being ripped off until you get the
feel for looking like you know what you are doing.
Things You Can Count On
Taxi fares are higher around tourist areas.
As a foreigner, taxi drivers will always try to charge you more
than an Egyptian for the same service, no matter how good a
negotiator you are.
I do not negotiate taxi fares in and around Cairo anymore
because I have pretty much fi gured out how much it should cost.
However, I fi gure I always pay a pound or two more than an
Egyptian would pay.Still, taxi rates are reasonable and one of the most
convenient ways to get around in Egypt. Once you begin to
know your way around your favourite places, you will even
be able to tell the driver the easiest way to get to where you
want to go. You will also know reasonable fares and be able
to state the price you are willing to pay up front, eliminating
the bargaining.
Until then, be prepared for drivers pretending they do not
know how to get to your destination (even major landmarks)
and taking you for long drives through the city. Should you
come across one of the few totally unscrupulous taxi drivers
that refuses to take you where you want to go without
unscheduled stops at an uncle’s or brother’s or sister’s shop,
simply refuse to get out of the taxi when he stops. If he says
he won’t go further unless you get out, get out and walk off
yelling to try to get the attention from a nearby policeman or