How easy and convenient to call a cab in Turkey
If you are planning a trip to Turkey, for a vacation or to buy a property, you need to know about how to get to your destination quickly and safely. One of the popular options for public transportation is cab. If you know some national peculiarities of this service market, it will not be difficult for you to call a cab in Turkey.
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Types of cabs in Turkey
There are several types of cabs in Turkey, which can be distinguished by color and comfort level. The main categories include: standard economy class cabs (Sari Taxi), comfort class cabs (Turkuaz) and VIP cabs (Siyah).
Standard (Sari Taxi)
Economy class cars are usually yellow in color and have a checkerboard with the word "Taksi" on the roof. The car usually has a company logo and a contact phone number, and if the cab has a license, a taximeter must be installed.
It is worth noting that economy class cabs often do not have air conditioning. The fare consists of a fixed boarding fee and the cost for each kilometer on the meter, with waiting time paid separately. In most tourist areas, the difference between day and night fares has been eliminated and the price remains fixed at all times of the day.
Comfort Class (Turkuaz)
Comfort class cars are usually painted blue and offer a higher level of comfort. These cabs cost 15% more than standard cabs.
The maximum number of passengers that can be in the car is four, but often drivers prefer to have no more than three people in the car. It is also worth bearing in mind that according to Muslim tradition, it is recommended that women sit in the back seat rather than the front.
VIP (Siyah)
The VIP category uses mostly premium black cars such as Mercedes. These cars provide extra space, making them ideal for large groups of passengers, ensuring a comfortable and convenient ride.
The interior of such cars is often highly luxurious, including leather upholstery, advanced climate control and a state-of-the-art multimedia system.
The cost of a trip in such cars is usually 40-50% higher than standard cars due to the higher level of service and comfort they offer. The services of drivers in this category may also include meeting at the airport, assistance with luggage and other additional amenities.
Ways of hailing a cab in Turkey
There are several ways to order a cab in Turkey, let's take a closer look at each of them.
Calling app
There are several cab hailing apps available in Turkey. One of them is iTaksi, an official app created by Istanbul City Hall that is convenient for getting around the city. Another option is BiTaksi, a service similar to Uber with a user-friendly interface and the ability to pay with both card and cash. Uber also works in some cities in Turkey, such as Antalya and Istanbul, but with certain restrictions.
All these services offer a comfortable and clear process of ordering a cab. It is enough to install the app on your smartphone, register and specify your destination. The app will provide you with information about the approximate cost of the trip and waiting time.
Call by phone
You can order a cab by phone by calling a local taxi company. This method is especially convenient for those who speak Turkish. After all, when communicating with the dispatcher you can clearly state your wishes, for example, the place of car delivery and the final destination.
If you do not speak Turkish, do not worry - in such cases you can always ask for help from the locals. Your hotel staff, receptionists or restaurant waiters are usually friendly and willing to help foreigners. They can help make a call or even book a cab for you themselves.
It's worth noting that most hotels offer a shuttle service. This can be a convenient option if you want to avoid any language barriers, however the cost of the trip can be significantly higher.
Outdoors
If you prefer the traditional method of hailing a cab, one of the easiest ways would be to simply raise your hand on the street. This is a familiar method, and usually the nearest available car will quickly respond to your signal and stop to board. However, don't forget to pay attention to the presence of a taximeter, as the amount of the trip can be unpredictable if you don't have one.
Alternatively, you can visit one of the taxi stands that are often located near major shopping centers, airports or attractions. There are usually several cars waiting at these parking lots, and you won't have to wait long. Just walk up to one of them and tell the driver where you want to go.
In some cities, there are also special cab call buttons installed on poles in public places. This is convenient, as you will not have to look for it yourself. When you press such a button, the system automatically sends a free car to your location. This service is especially useful during rush hours or in remote areas where it can be difficult to catch a cab on the street.
Cab fares in Turkey
The price of a ride can vary, depending on the city, distance and time of day.
Approximate prices:
- Boarding - from 15-20 Turkish Liras;
- Price per kilometer - from 7-12 liras;
- Night surcharge - usually does not apply, but may vary by region;
- Travel from the airport is often at a fixed fare. For example, from Istanbul airport to the city center, the trip will cost about 400-500 liras.
How to avoid trouble when calling a cab in Turkey?
Before starting the trip, it is important to make sure that the driver has turned on the meter. Some drivers may offer fixed prices. However, using a meter provides you with the assurance that the cost will be fair and commensurate with the distance traveled.
You should also be aware that in popular tourist areas, fares can be significantly higher compared to less traveled areas. This is often due to increased demand for services, especially during peak hours when the number of passengers increases. It is advisable to plan your trips in advance and keep these specifics in mind to avoid hassles and unexpected costs.
It is important to note that Turkey has certain rules and regulations that protect passengers. These measures are aimed at ensuring safety and fair treatment of customers, allowing you to feel confident during your trip.
Rules to protect passengers in cabs
- First of all, all taxi carriers in Turkey are required to be licensed, which confirms their legality and adherence to strict quality standards.
Licensing ensures that vehicles undergo regular technical inspections and drivers have the necessary skills and knowledge. It includes not only Turkish language skills, which are important for communicating with customers, but also knowledge of local routes. This enables drivers to get passengers to their destinations efficiently and quickly.
In addition, licensing helps prevent fraud, as licensed companies have obligations to passengers. This includes providing them with a safe and comfortable environment during the ride.
- Every cab in Turkey must be equipped with an identification sign on the roof, it serves to identify the vehicles. Also, this sign confirms that the vehicle is licensed to carry passengers. In addition, the brightly colored sign helps passengers to easily find available vehicles, especially in crowded places such as airports, train stations and places of interest.
It is important to know that the use of a meter is a mandatory requirement for all taxi companies. The meter records the distance and time, which allows you to accurately calculate the cost of the trip. This helps to avoid misunderstandings with prices and guarantees the transparency of fares.
Passengers have the right to demand that the meter be turned on at the beginning of the trip. If the driver refuses, this may be a reason to contact the relevant authorities.
- There is also a rule that drivers must adhere to strict standards of cleanliness and maintenance. This means that the inside of the car should be free of debris and dirt, and upholstery and surfaces should be clean and neat.
In addition, maintaining the car includes regular maintenance checks. Brakes, tires, lights, and other important items are required to be checked. Drivers are required to ensure timely oil changes and inspections of the vehicle's major systems.
- Among other things, there is the possibility of filing complaints, which is an important tool to hold drivers and companies accountable.
Special hotlines and online services allow passengers to easily and quickly report any incidents. For example, sloppy driving, fare discrepancies, poor vehicle condition or any other undesirable behavior on the part of drivers.
- It is important to note that some cities have implemented special programs that aim to provide additional safety for women, especially at night.
Such programs include the possibility of ordering a cab with an escort guarantee. In this case, the driver will be informed in advance that the passenger is a woman and will provide support throughout the trip.
- In case of conflicts or unpleasant situations during the trip, passengers have the opportunity to contact local authorities or special services.
Such authorities play an important role in ensuring comfortable and safe travel within the country, as well as in protecting the rights of passengers. For example, it is possible to report various situations, such as inappropriate behavior of drivers, problems with payment or failure of service conditions to meet the stated standards.
All these measures contribute to making traveling in Turkey not only safer but also more enjoyable. Passengers can enjoy the beauty of the country with peace of mind knowing that their rights are protected.
By following our simple tips, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and have a comfortable trip. Don't forget that local drivers can often tell you about the sights and cultural peculiarities of the region and advise you on places to visit. This can make the trip most interesting and informative.
Regardless of your choice, a cab in Turkey provides a wonderful opportunity to discover the amazing places of the country. You can easily reach historical landmarks, picturesque beaches or cozy restaurants while immersing yourself in the atmosphere of Turkish culture and hospitality. Your trips will be not only convenient but also memorable, leaving you with a vivid impression of traveling to this amazing country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I haggle with a cab driver?
In most cases in Turkey, haggling with the driver is not necessary as most cars have meters. They automatically calculate the cost of the trip depending on the distance traveled and the travel time.
Having a meter makes the process more transparent and convenient for both passengers and drivers. However, there are situations in which discussing the price may be appropriate. For example, if you're planning a long-distance or out-of-town trip, it's worth agreeing the cost with the driver in advance to avoid misunderstandings.
How do I know if there are any additional fees?
Often the cost of the trip is fixed, which makes budget planning much easier. However, some situations may entail additional costs.
If you place an order at night or on holidays, the cost of the trip may be increased. It is recommended to check with the driver in advance about any possible additional fees before you start your trip. In this case, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and clearly understand how much you will pay.
What should I do if I don't know the language?
If you don't speak Turkish, it won't be a serious obstacle for traveling around the country. You can use various translation apps to help you communicate with your driver. These apps allow you to enter text or use the voice input feature, which makes the process much easier.
You can also prepare the address of your destination in advance and write it down on paper or on your phone to show the driver. Many cab drivers in Turkey, especially in major cities and tourist areas, understand basic phrases in English.
How do I know how much a cab ride will cost?
Most cab and carsharing apps provide a trip costing function that takes into account distance, travel time and fare. To do this, you need to enter the start and end points of your route and the app will automatically show you an estimated price.
In addition, some cities have fixed fares for certain routes, for example, from the airport to the city center. You can find out these fares in advance by visiting the cab service's website or asking at a tourist information center.
What should I do if the cab does not arrive?
If the cab did not arrive on time, first of all you should check the status of the order in the application. This will let you know if it has been assigned and where it is located. Sometimes the app may show that the driver is on his way, but he may have encountered traffic or other delays.
In case the status of the order is not updated or the cab still hasn't arrived after the expected time, call customer service. If the problem persists and the car is still not there, it may be worth considering alternative means of transportation. You can use public transportation or other cab hailing apps.
It's important not to panic, but to act calmly to find the best way out of the situation.
Can I pay for my trip in cash?
Paying for rides in cash is quite common in Turkey, and many drivers are happy to accept cash. This can be a convenient option, especially if you are unsure of your international bank card skills.
However, it is worth bearing in mind that some drivers may not have enough cash for change. It is therefore advisable to check if they have the required amount before starting your trip.
What should I do if I forgot my things in the cab?
If you forgot your belongings in the car, you should first try to contact the driver through the app. In case you called a cab using it. Many apps have a feature that allows you to send a message to the driver or call him directly.
Make sure you have all the necessary details such as the trip number and details of your route to make it easier to find them.
If, on the other hand, you caught a cab on the street and you don't have access to the app, try to remember the car's license plate number, make and color. This data will help you in communicating with a customer service operator.
Contact the support service of the company providing the cab and inform them about your situation. Don't forget to specify what you forgot - it could be your phone, bag or other important items.
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