Even though the taxi prices in Buenos Aires are rather inexpensive compared to other world capitals, they still go up every once in a while.  Well, every year to be exact.  Every year since I’ve been here, I’ve seen taxi fares inch up just before Christmas.  And fair is fair, gas prices are on the rise here as well as the costs of maintaining autos and insurance premiums.  A lot of these drivers are entrepreneurs themselves and are associated through a larger company but own their car and have the responsibility to take it for maintenance and pay their insurance themselves.

This year, you’ll see that prices have risen 21% from last year.  When you get into a taxi now you will be paying (in Argentine Pesos) 4.60 to start and 0.46 centavos for each 200 meters that follow (that’s approximately 2 blocks).

If you’re coming in from the airport, taxi fees can run from $90 – $110 pesos depending on where you’re going and what time you’re traveling.

If you’re looking for some numbers for reliable taxi services, here are a few.  Put them in your cell phone and if you’re out anywhere you can always have the number of a good service at hand.

Radio Taxi Premium: 5238-0000 or 4374-6666
Taxi Porteno: 4566-7777 (I think they’re based out of Palermo, if you’re living in Palermo, they come relatively fast).

For those of you unfamiliar with calling for a taxi, here’s what happens.  First when they answer the phone, you tell them that you want a car.

“Quiero pedir un auto, por favor.”  (or if you’re going to the airport Ezeiza, for example, “Quiero pedir un auto a Ezeiza, por favor”).

They’ll ask you your telephone number and read you the address they have on file for that number. If they have never come to that address, they may ask for you to confirm your direction. Make sure it’s correct!  Then they’ll ask for the name of the person traveling, and tell you in approximately how many minutes you’ll have someone coming for you.

Just remember that if you ask for a taxi by phone at night, there is a minimum fee (usually somewhere around 10 pesos).  This does not apply for taxis that you pick up directly on the street.

Popularity: 26% [?]