How to take a taxi.

tejasmarcos says on Mar 13, 2008, 07:26:

good post. the min fare is now 3500. you must have your own car ;)

the door slamming thing is very important. alot of the drivers actually reach across the seat to shut the door for you when they see you are a gringo.

god is in your head

msaucey says on Mar 13, 2008, 07:34:

Lot of cabs I was in had the passenger seat back rest leaning towards the front... Making it obvious that the driver didn't want anyone in the front seat....

I did notice the door slamming pet peev... But, saw the trend on the new taxi's and not really on the older one's....

The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. - CS Lewis

yummyj says on Mar 13, 2008, 07:35:

I always heard to sit in the back (in Colombia), because a robber can hop in the back seat.

tejasmarcos says on Mar 13, 2008, 07:39:

MT likes the front seat. that dude does business with the cabbies! i hear he is making a mint!

god is in your head

vicshere says on Mar 13, 2008, 07:59:

"The airport is fixed at 48.000" what airport is that....must be new york city
"SIT IN THE FONT SEAT"...no way I would sit in the front always the back
"Most taxi drivers speak well. This can be a great spanish conversation lesson" me ..minimal conversation with driver

listo

markemarc1 says on Mar 13, 2008, 08:06:

excellent post. enjoyed it.

Atrevido says on Mar 13, 2008, 08:16:

If you´re going to worship those one and two mil peso notes don´t let them get too close to a burning votive candle. Good post but a couple of things: if one were refering to taxis in Cali the fare from the airport is fixed to the bridge at the edge of the city after that the meter rolls till you get to your destination. Like yummyi I always sit in the back. It´s more comfortable. The Colombians I know don´t round up the fare and certainly don´t tip. If the fare is quatro mil ochocientos that´s what they pay. Me too. And I think it´s a little smoother to say "igualmente".

msaucey says on Mar 13, 2008, 08:19:

Roci's post is for MEDELLIN..... The price will vary by city, so don't take that part into account....

The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. - CS Lewis

Desideria (Moderator) says on Mar 13, 2008, 08:58:

If you're a woman and traveling alone DO NOT SIT in the front seat. I do that sometimes, but only with taxi drivers I know personally. Never with a stranger.

"None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free." —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

DodgerDogs says on Mar 13, 2008, 09:00:

Medellin has high taxi rates, I like 2,500 for the whole town and 1,000 for moto taxis

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.Martin Luther King:

El Polo says on Mar 13, 2008, 09:00:

Good advice but I disagree with some of it. I usually sit in the back, the only time I would sit in the front of a cab is when there are 4 or more passengers, if there is 4 or more passengers including females, then a male should always sit up front with the driver. Some cab drivers are open for conversation others are not, conversing with your cabbie would be nice but not always the case so dont stress it.

DodgerDogs says on Mar 13, 2008, 09:03:

Medellin Taxi service

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.Martin Luther King:

ColombianoGringo says on Mar 13, 2008, 10:10:

Great, informative post. would add is that very often, the buckle for seat belts in the back seat are either removed or jammed up under the seat. You can usually dig them out if you want to wear it.

Also, the airport info is for Medellin. In Bogota, go to one of the taxi kiosks at the international and national exits. They will ask you for your destination and give you a ticket with the price if the fare. It is usually about $20.000 from the airport to Northern Bogota.

bill230 says on Mar 13, 2008, 10:11:

On the coast (Atlantic) taxis don't have meters. It is best to establish the fare before getting into the taxi.

ColombianoGringo says on Mar 13, 2008, 10:16:

Good point. This is the case in many smaller cities and towns. The best thing in those cases is to ask a few locals what the range of fares should be. However, keep in mind that if you are a foreigner, some taxi drivers may try to overcharge you.

Mononoke28 says on Mar 13, 2008, 10:38:

I'm not down with the "Something to note: the hand motion for "come here" in Colombia is the same as the "shoo, go away" hand motion." comment, what the hell is that? Never heard of it. I just extend my arm out or whistle if the guy keeps going, same when I take the bus. Very lady like.

I always sit in the back, never in the front.

Also, PLEASE make sure to keep your eye on the meter because a lot of drivers will turn it off right before they stop and charge you more than what the meter showed. All you have to do is say "Me puede dejar en la esquina por favor y veo que son $4.500 pesos" Otherwise, some guys will turn it off and say "son $6.000" and there is no way for you to fight it.

Diana

rocinante says on Mar 13, 2008, 10:40:

No one says igual or igualmente in Medellin con frecuencia.

Sit in the back seat as a lady, sorry about that. Sitting in back as a guy is rude. It's considered rude.

Did I mention it is rude? Do what you want, I don't care as it´s ok as a foreigner. I´m just trying to give a local spin on things including the language. I do take taxis but never hit the minimum.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

mranderson says on Mar 13, 2008, 10:43:

I didn't know sitting in the back was rude. I tend to sit in the back for longer trips.

rocinante says on Mar 13, 2008, 13:00:

"Something to note: the hand motion for "come here" in Colombia is the same as the "shoo, go away" hand motion." mononoke

Go to Colombia and and say "papi venga venga!" - Look at your hand motion signaling this request.

Go to the US and say "scat skeedadale shoo go away" - Look at your hand motion signaling the request.

They are similar. Arm extended, your hand is curled down, backside up, fingers pointing towards the floor and at the wrist your hand is flapping/fanning to and fro.

In the US this is the go away motion. In Colombia this is the come here motion.

I mention this because in Medellín many people do this "Come here" hand motion while summoning a cab. It's not the only way to summon a cab and I only see it about 20% of the time. I don't do it. Just thought I'd bring this "quirky" motion up.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

rocinante says on Mar 13, 2008, 13:06:

"good post. the min fare is now 3500. you must have your own car ;)" - tejas marcos

You must take short trips from one side of hood to the other ;)

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

El Polo says on Mar 13, 2008, 13:07:

a cop in my pueblo pulled me over at a reten using the same signaling motion.

Desideria (Moderator) says on Mar 13, 2008, 13:09:

Roci, that's funny; I had to start flapping my hand just to see what you mean. For me, it's two different motions. I flap "come here" with my fingers moving downwards and towards my body/towards me, I flap "shoo" bending my wrist and fapping with my fingers upwards or away from me.

But, for hailing a taxi, I just raise my arm straight out.

"None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free." —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

El Polo says on Mar 13, 2008, 13:13:

so the hand signaling motion "theory" does exist

rocinante says on Mar 13, 2008, 13:37:

Desi are you Italian? Your "come here" is exactly what I'm talking about. In the US that come here motion you mention is the get away motion. The come here motion in the US is a bent at the elbow, fingers pointing up, scopping towards you in a circular motion using most of the whole arm.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

Desideria (Moderator) says on Mar 13, 2008, 13:46:

That's "follow-me" motion you are describing, roci. The shooing motion is made by extending the arm, a little bent in the elbow, palm downwards, fingers curled and then opening up the fist moving the fingers vigorously upwards and outwards, like shaking something sticky off your fingers....

I must confess, however, that these hand signal may have been adopted in my youth in Colombia (no, I'm not Italian) because still to this day, when signaling with hand the height of a child I keep my palm vertical (horizontal palm is for dogs)

"None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free." —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

NataliaV says on Mar 13, 2008, 14:02:

Actually in the major US cities (low income areas) the "shooing" motion your talking about is the way to get a hack (an illegal taxi) on the corner. When my cousin starting hailing a taxi in Cali I thought I was back in Baltimore with the hand motion that she used!

tejasmarcos says on Mar 13, 2008, 14:06:

"Your "come here" is exactly what I'm talking about. In the US that come here motion you mention is the get away motion."

- hmmmm. reverse logic, just like the interpretation of the up and down buttons on an elevator. anybody else notice that? some colombians hit the down button when they want to go up and vice versa. how the hell was that learned?

god is in your head

Atrevido says on Mar 13, 2008, 15:02:

What is the "come here" motion in Haiti? For shooing I keep a broom handy.

Mononoke28 says on Mar 13, 2008, 15:25:

Dude, that's two different motions. Unless you're hailing a cab like a gay guy in San Francisco. XD

Diana

rocinante says on Mar 13, 2008, 17:31:

Mononoke - There is actually three motions being talked about. I'm not explaining any more. I'm just suprised US citizens coming to Colombia have never encountered the shoo - come here reversal. This has little to do with hailing cabs. Next time in Colombia look me up - I'll show you the motions y averguaremos quien es marica pues.

In all fairness I should have mentioned that this post was more for Medellín

Tejas writes : "good post. the min fare is now 3500. you must have your own car ;)"

That is probably Bogotá. I live in Medellín and although I rarely hit the minimum fare I sit up front where the fares are posted - Minimum fare in Medellín is 3.2000. I shouldn't have second guessed myself - your 3.500 is most likely Bogotá - Tejas, where do you live?

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

tejasmarcos says on Mar 13, 2008, 17:33:

vivo en mde. when it rains, i take the cab to the mall and eat. they charge me 3500 for the minimum. that has been since the first of the year. before it was 3200.

god is in your head

mranderson says on Mar 13, 2008, 17:40:

yep...the minimum fare in medellin has gone up to 3500 pesos. And I know exaclty what your talking about with the reverse hand motions.

Taxi's are getting expensive here..not only did the minimum fare go up but also the price for every kilometer went up too. used to be 60 I think and now it's 80?

mranderson says on Mar 13, 2008, 17:41:

maybe the taxi you were in didn't change over the sticker yet but I find that unlikely.

durito says on Mar 13, 2008, 17:42:

minimum fair is 3,500 in medellin as of the 1st of the year. the 2008 stickers in taxis reflect this.

pedro says on Mar 13, 2008, 18:15:

Yep, Medellin fares are up noticeably.

It's only fair though. I bet taxi drivers were being squeezed hard on the price of gasoline. So they are probably only just breaking even with the new increase.

It now counts in increments of 70, when it used to be 60. Hence, a 16% increase.

It's not necessary, but during January and February, if I noticed the guy was still running his meter on the old 2007 tariffs, I would often chuck in an extra thousand on top of what the meter said. Eg, pay 7000 when the meter said 6000.

¡save pow wow!

rocinante says on Mar 13, 2008, 18:59:

I took a ride tonight and saw the sticker as 3.200 - I guess a lot of cabs still have the old sticker. Sorry 'bout that. 3.500 minimum? Whew! I thought you were talking Bogotá - someone told me the cabs are expensive there.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

msaucey says on Mar 13, 2008, 21:37:

I want to say the minimum in Bog is 3,900... I'm sure someone will post accordingly...

The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. - CS Lewis

Ctg Bound says on Mar 14, 2008, 05:45:

In Medellin, I see most passengers in the rear of the taxi, I have never heard of it being rude to sit in the back.

I sit in the front, most of the time.

rocinante says on Mar 14, 2008, 07:08:

Ctg you edidted your post.....

I only see women in the back of taxis. Stand outside of tourists areas and watch the taxis on the street going by. I'll give you 2 dollars for every single man sitting in the back by himself and you give me 1 dollar for every single guy sitting up front by himself. The guys in back do exist but most likely have a briefcase and are on their cell phones conducting business and need the space in the back. 1 in 50.

Another thing why Bogotá is more expensive is that it's so big!

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

vicshere says on Mar 14, 2008, 07:12:

no way man

listo

morphus says on Mar 14, 2008, 07:13:

I usually sit in the back, never tip and when I get out, I leave the door open.

vicshere says on Mar 14, 2008, 07:15:

what a prick you are morp :)

listo

Ctg Bound says on Mar 14, 2008, 07:15:

rocinante,

Edited post, not really, I post and see a spelling mistake or two and I correct it, that is straight away, I just noticed an error now, why?

There are slightly more women than men in Colombia, if women sit in the back and use taxis the same amount as men do here, that means more people sit in the back straight away, let alone the guys who sit in the back.

If I remember when I go out for a coffee in a hour I will count the taxis that drive past on the main road and see, I expect that I will so most people in the back.

rocinante says on Mar 14, 2008, 07:24:

Ctg I'm not talking most people. I'm talking guys in taxis by themselves. If you think the majority of men travel alone in the back then why do you as a foreigner travel in front?

Vic's comments:

"The airport is fixed at 48.000" what airport is that....must be new york city
"SIT IN THE FONT SEAT"...no way I would sit in the front always the back
"Most taxi drivers speak well. This can be a great spanish conversation lesson" me ..minimal conversation with driver

This isn't only about you, thanks for sharing, but about general practices and customs of taxis in Medellín. I know this isn't about ME either but I tend to follow the customs and embrace the culture of the city I am in - but we are obviously two different types of people, not a big deal.

The taxi drivers here are very friendly - this is not NYC. Most like to talk and are interesting and a tremendous source of information.

Continue to sit in the back seat and keep quiet with that attitude - but realize that not everyone is that way.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

rocinante says on Mar 14, 2008, 07:25:

CTG - Now you just edited your recent post! Dude you keep adding content - not correcting a spelling mistake.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

rocinante says on Mar 14, 2008, 07:26:

"rocinante says on Thursday March 13th, 2008 10:40:

Sit in the back seat as a lady, sorry about that. Sitting in back as a guy is rude. It's considered rude.

Did I mention it is rude? Do what you want, I don't care as it´s ok as a foreigner. I´m just trying to give a local spin on things including the language. I do take taxis but never hit the minimum."

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

rocinante says on Mar 14, 2008, 07:27:

morph you're a cretin. Pretty soon your photo is going to be in all the cabs. You'll be taking the bus from now on.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

morphus says on Mar 14, 2008, 07:28:

Rude? Maybe thats why 1 in 30 taxi drivers in Medellin talk to me :)

rocinante says on Mar 14, 2008, 07:31:

Morph - They are probably glad that you leave the door open for the taxists to close himself - I'd guess when you slam it shut is probably falls off the hinges.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

robi666 says on Mar 14, 2008, 07:34:

Probably they scream: "Oye Gringo, tienes rabo o que?"

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

beisbollover says on Mar 14, 2008, 07:54:

I think if you are an American man, in Bogota, who does not speak spanish and you are not traveling with a Colombian and you just get into any cab you see you are asking for trouble. This kind of traveler should only use cabs from hotels, malls or the airport kiosks. I know Bogota is not as bad as people think but its not Manhattan either. You need to use your sixth sense there.

morphus says on Mar 14, 2008, 07:59:

What good is Spanish if they pull a gun on you?

miamimike says on Mar 14, 2008, 08:09:

Years back, A Bogota cabby wouldn't let me out at my stop and I truly belive he was getting ready to take me for the "Ride of my Life" but at a red light and traffic Jam when he had to stop, I opened the door and jumped out, opening the door so hard I pulled the inside door handle off and away from the door. He was a radio dispatched Cab btw so they are not always the safest. Oh and I didn't leave a Tip. And I slammed the door so hard it had to rattle the fillings in his teeth ! LOL

Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." GW Bush

rocinante says on Mar 14, 2008, 08:28:

You guys are hysterical. Someone posted that if you sit up front robbers can jump in the back. Ya know what? They can jump in anywhere they want, afterall they are armed.

Please don't tip taxi drivers that are about be a part of robbery, taking you to some backwoods shed or to the ATM. Mike did the right thing by not leaving a tip. Tipping these criminals sends a bad message. Kudos MiamiMike!

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

Man Tequila says on Mar 14, 2008, 08:41:

I almost always chat with the cabbie. I sit in the front seat since it makes ME feel more secure (although I try to be polite). In contrast to experiences here (on PBH, not this post), I find cabbies did not usually try to rip me off. Most were good guys trying to make ends meet. Most were full of useful advice and information. The Medellin airport run cost me 36K one year ago, not including tip.

Twice in Medellin the driver went a slightly longer route, to the tune of an extra 2-3K pesos or so on a long ride. Since I have no knowledge of local traffic conditions, I can't draw any conclusions -- seems pretty innocent. Once in Cartagena the driver "hizo el sordo" which barrio I wanted to go to and drove me well out of the way, but was not exactly fully paid for this. One driver in Cali was a jerk who did not know or pretended not to know where the Star Club was and drove around in circles until we just told him to let us out. I argued with my date on whether I should pay him anything at all (she did not want me to get shot).

Once in Medellin the driver started asking me about my job (told him engineer) and what type of car I drive back home (told him used 1996 Toyota Corolla). He was a pleasant guy but I trust my instinct, which told me not to tell him what I do/drive currently.

Once in Medellin the driver passed our destination and THEN started to speed up crazily, a strange expression on his face. This is the only time I have really felt in physical danger in a cab. I took this cab from the street in front of my nice hotel and was nicely dressed. I told him he had passed my stop and asked him, smiling, "Adónde vamos, señor?". He quickly turned around, slowed down, went very quiet and sheepish and dropped me at my stop without further problems. I was glad I was sitting in the front that night. I am far from paranoid, and am sure this man meant me harm.

pues se me antoja que sus cantares son de una tierra desconocida, y yo le dije si a usted le inspira, saber la tierra de donde soy... con mucho gusto y a mucho honor...

azunoman says on Mar 14, 2008, 08:59:

If you like me don't understand Spanish that well and as you approach a fork in the road and the driver asks you rapido and another alternative, which I think is scenic, yell rapido unless you are in no hurry. When coming into Medellin from the airport they love to show off their city. :)

One of the taxi's we rented on our trip (seats 12) but if you have just one extended family member, you will need it..jajajajajaja..Our driver's name was Fernando and what a truly nice person.



For just a couple people with lots of luggage or in my case an electric scooter we rented the following cab type there by the hour for 20k. That was negotiated by extended family and my wife is Colombian, not sure what they would have charged me the gringo.

Ready, Fire, Aim

Mononoke28 says on Mar 14, 2008, 09:26:

Have you ever had a cab driver tell you a horror story where he needs X amount of money to pay for something? I had a guy tell me a pretty graphic story of why his little girl was in the hospital and that he needed a whole bunch of money to pay for it. He was sobbing and crying and saying he was broke. Once he dropped me off I said "Tranquilo hombre que Dios es muy grande" I paid him and that was it.

My mom has had two guys like that and she pretty much blew them off.

I don't know what it is, maybe I'm not using the "shoo/go away motion" Mr. Rocinante is talking about and end up riding with these fools! XD!!!!

Diana

rocinante says on Mar 14, 2008, 09:40:

Diana, maybe the cabbies are using the "poor kid in the hospital" stories on the bleeding heart looking tourists unfamiliar with the "venga venga motion"?

I can't believe you have lived in both countries and don't know about this - has nothing to do with hailing cabs.

Auzoman - you didn't directly imply that the taxists always want to take the scenic route but.... the taxistas want to get from the airport to your destination as fast as possible as their rate is fixed. If you are going to Robledo from the airport and want to go through Santa Elena the drivers will say the road is closed. The best ride from Rio Negro Airport is through Santa Elena. Especially just before dusk.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

vicshere says on Mar 14, 2008, 09:55:

rocinate
you made a pretty strong statement about people (single men) sitting in the front of taxis in Colombia or they are rude
do you have stats on this...I think its a stupid thing to say or generalize and completely untrue
they dont give a shit where you sit as long as you pay them the fare

listo

Mononoke28 says on Mar 14, 2008, 10:39:

Hmm... Roci, I don't thin you pick up well comments with sarcasm.

And no, I don't look, talk nor act like a tourist when I'm in Colombia. I'm way too paisa for that.

Diana

Ctg Bound says on Mar 14, 2008, 11:14:

vicshere,

The actual post read:

"Unless you have lots of bags or are travelling with someone SIT IN THE FONT SEAT."

There is no mention of females, over my coffee, I marked down the taxis with passengers in the front and passengers in the rear, of 22 taxis, there were 6 in the front and 16 in the rear.

From my personnel observations I thought the ratio would be 3 or 4 to one.

That is in the daytime, I expect more sit in the rear at night, I tend to sit in the rear half the time at night, but nearly always in the front in the daytime.

rocinante says on Mar 14, 2008, 11:30:

"rocinate
you made a pretty strong statement about people (single men) sitting in the front of taxis in Colombia or they are rude do you have stats on this...I think its a stupid thing to say or generalize and completely untrue they dont give a shit where you sit as long as you pay them the fare" Vic

You admit you don't talk to cab drivers. Who DO you talk to? Where are YOUR stats? I don't think I need stats. Some posters here railed me when I said most Colombians don't have hot water. You know the first thing they said here on PBH? "Where are your stats roci!". Then some locals all chimed in and everybody shut up.

I don't think cabbies are going home and crying in their tintos because some tourists sat in the back seat. Please continue as you were as I am not asking you to take my advice. As opposed to the usual crap I post this post was informative, but as always, take it or leave it.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

rocinante says on Mar 14, 2008, 11:32:

Diana - it's tough, the sarcasm. I thought you were breaking my balls.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

droble77 says on Mar 14, 2008, 11:35:

If you think taxi doors in Colombia are a sensitive issue, wait till you get to Havana!

One guy ordered me out of his taxi when I closed the door to his 50's jalopy a little too hard.

I learned the hard way to the point that now when I travel in Lat-Am, I close taxi doors so weakly now, I usually have to do it a second time in order to really close them. :-)

morphus says on Mar 14, 2008, 11:46:

In Cuba, its better to ride in a government owned taxi.

rocinante says on Mar 14, 2008, 11:46:

"The actual post read:"Unless you have lots of bags or are travelling with someone SIT IN THE FONT SEAT."There is no mention of females, over my coffee, I marked down the taxis with passengers in the front and passengers in the rear, of 22 taxis, there were 6 in the front and 16 in the rear. " CTG



I also did NOT mention Medellín in the original post - why not conduct your experiment in Pasto? I mention men only in four posts - 2 directed at you.

Thursday March 13th, 2008 10:40
Friday March 14th, 2008 7:08
Friday March 14th, 2008 7:24
Friday March 14th, 2008 7:26

I guess you missed these four posts. What a shame. Or maybe you dismiss them in an effort to "win" some sort of challenge by only acknowledging the original post and including the ladies.

Who's not to say that the few guys who do ride in back aren't rude? Or as I mentioned business men that need the space? I didn't say EVERY MALE rides in front. Just that it was rude.

Little do you know you won more than one contest today.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

morphus says on Mar 14, 2008, 11:51:

If it were a free ride then I would say its rude. I'm being charge so hell with him :)

robi666 says on Mar 14, 2008, 11:54:

Morphus, I did not expect that you would be a taxi expert. I always thought and you stated, that you were used to free rides in one of your girlfriends' car.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

RAAAY says on Mar 14, 2008, 11:56:

Roc...........I don't understand.........Why do you say that every male rides in the front..???

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

robi666 says on Mar 14, 2008, 11:58:

Yes... and why are you talking about Medellin only?

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

Ctg Bound says on Mar 14, 2008, 12:14:

rocinante,

Don't you live in Medellin, aren't you quoting from Medellin in the original post, as I know the names you are quoting and another post you say that

"In all fairness I should have mentioned that this post was more for Medellín?"

As I stated I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF IT BEING RUDE TO SIT IN THE BACK, I will put it in bold the same as you.

Ignoring the women then, I mostly see guys sitting in the back, just because you and I don't means nothing, I sit in the front as I prefer the front to the rear, no other reason, you stated that 2 in 1 guys sit in the front.

As to winning anybody over, like who, I was directing the information at you.

jonas says on Mar 14, 2008, 12:27:

btw Bogota minimum is 2900. I guess most rolo taxi drivers like a little privacy and just about everybody here sits in the back. When they "fold" the passenger seat forward it is to allow you more space in the back. You will even see 4 people climb into the back with no one occupying the frontseat.

What I have, I do not want to lose, but Where I am I do not want to stay, but those I love, I do not want to leave, but those I know I no longer want to see, but Where I die, I do not want to go;I want to stay where I have never been

Man Tequila says on Mar 14, 2008, 12:28:

Sitting in the front makes it easy to talk to the driver. Sitting in the back makes it tougher.

If you were driving with a friend, you'd sit in the front. Your friend would want to chat and say "I'm not your chauffeur".

But a taxi driver is your chauffeur. Sitting in the back emphasizes this -- a formal arrangement, not much chitchat. It's less friendly, more formal. But rude? Some drivers may think so. I like to chat with the driver to practice my Spanish. I am polite to people who provide me with good service and do not look down on other people. Elitism exists in Colombia and the fact some would feel superior to a taxi driver need not drive my behaviour. I would say I see a 50-50 mix of people sitting in the front or back. But this says nothing about rudeness.

pues se me antoja que sus cantares son de una tierra desconocida, y yo le dije si a usted le inspira, saber la tierra de donde soy... con mucho gusto y a mucho honor...

RAAAY says on Mar 14, 2008, 12:30:

jonas............so, you are saying that most people in Bogota sit in the front.........interesting....very interesting........

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

jonas says on Mar 14, 2008, 12:36:

All right then, when it stops raining I will go out for a coffee and make a count. I am sure it´s like 20 to 1.

What I have, I do not want to lose, but Where I am I do not want to stay, but those I love, I do not want to leave, but those I know I no longer want to see, but Where I die, I do not want to go;I want to stay where I have never been

robi666 says on Mar 14, 2008, 12:37:

Man_Tequila, I respectfully disagree with you. I don't think it is rude to sit on the back.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

robi666 says on Mar 14, 2008, 12:40:

I prefer to have a ride in the backseats...

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

Man Tequila says on Mar 14, 2008, 12:41:

I agree, I don't think it is rude to sit in the back. It is less friendly and more formal, but the taxi driver is being paid to do a job. Sitting in the back is not actively impolite, "rude" is too strong a word. Whether a driver would or wouldn't prefer me to sit in the front, I have no idea. I sit in the front because I like to chat, and I feel more secure. Whether it is polite is important, but secondary, for me.

pues se me antoja que sus cantares son de una tierra desconocida, y yo le dije si a usted le inspira, saber la tierra de donde soy... con mucho gusto y a mucho honor...

kalder says on Mar 14, 2008, 12:46:

One of my brothers-in-law is a taxi driver in Cali. He prefers having a punter up front, because having someone behind him makes him nervous. He's very wary of being a victim of crime himself. The taxi drivers are in more danger from their clients, than the other way round very often. One reason so many of them are surly and aggressive is that being themselves ripped off, robbed and threatened is an all too frequent occupational hazard.

But I don't think he gives a shit if it's a tourist sitting in the back.

"kalder- have you ever had a woman?"--Sam Salmon

durito says on Mar 14, 2008, 12:50:

I always sit in the front. I like talking to the drivers. I also like having a working seat belt.

rocinante says on Mar 14, 2008, 12:54:

I am only explaining the customs here in Medellín - no more no less.

I think it's rude to say "CHIIIIIIICA" in a big long whiny voice when trying to get the waitresses attention. But this isn't about what I think is rude or "not the custom". I am talking about customs here and what is considered rude here in Medellín by the people who live here in Medellín - not my personal customs or preferences.

I've had countless people tell me to sit in front as it is normal and it would be rude to sit in back when I am by myself. When I am on the street looking to hail a cab almost all single men are in the front seat with the taxi driver.

When I first saw this I was thinking "Oh that taxi is off duty and cruising with his friend." I was so acustomed to everyone sitting in back in the US.

This will end up as another hot water topic. Too bad that main thread got deleted. I don't post here for the sake of making things up as a way to entertain myself.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

Saltador says on Mar 14, 2008, 13:03:

I always sit in the front. If the guys talkative and can handle my poor spanish, we talk.
In Manizales, the minimum fare is 1500 pesos, they all have meters.
In Cartagena the minimum is 4000, 5000 if you're a gringo or they have aire acondicionado.

Ctg Bound says on Mar 14, 2008, 13:27:

rocinante,

I remember the hot water thread, I agreed with you.

RAAAY says on Mar 14, 2008, 13:31:

Roc.............Why are you always making things up.........just to entertain yourself....??

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

poco says on Mar 14, 2008, 13:32:

The hand gesture of "come here" is a raised forearm, PALM DOWN and then extending the the fingers forward, then backward.

Gezzz, had to edit the position of palm,, exciting day,, but the position of he palm wasn't the reason.

Try it, your fingers start in the downward postion automatically so what do you first do,, extend them forward. Sure enough, it does look like "go away". I've NEVER seen another gesture that means "come here" under any circumstances.

The palm in the United States is NORMALLY extend sideways,, so,, the first move is to move your fingers inward as if starting to clench your fist. If the fingers keep moving where the hand looks like a fist,, then that means "shoo, go away".

The United States hand gesuture of "shoo, go away" really doesn't exist. The normal U.S. gesture of "shoo, go away" is more along the line of reaching a hand under your clothing, unzipping the kangaroo pouch or reaching under the seat.

"Violence is the first refuge of the incompetent" - Isaac Asimov

RAAAY says on Mar 14, 2008, 13:33:

And Roc.............a few of us are going out for a few beers tonight with some visiting PBH'ers from the coast.................you up for it..??

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

tejasmarcos says on Mar 14, 2008, 14:20:

"It's only fair though. I bet taxi drivers were being squeezed hard on the price of gasoline. So they are probably only just breaking even with the new increase."

- alot of the taxistas now use a converter and natural gas. not sure what the ratio is....

- i'm a back seat guy, ever since the early days when i realized alot of the taxistas think they are in sports cars. all i could think about was my knees being crushed in a collision...

god is in your head

aztec says on Mar 14, 2008, 14:48:

Perhaps I am paranoid but when my wife and I are in a taxi in Bogotá I do not speak at all. My Spanish is little or non existent so my wife gives the instructions to the driver. My hair and eyes are brown and my skin color is not pasty white. In addition I tend to dress down or conservative when in public. So the only way anyone would know for a fact I am a gringo is when I speak.

Ctg Bound says on Mar 14, 2008, 17:24:

aztec,

I have learnt half my Spanish from taxi drivers, gives me somebody to practise with, you don't need to discuss personnel things with them.

lpdiver says on Mar 19, 2008, 01:24:

Sheesh...I never gave it much thought. I just kind of carfully position myself a "little" into the roadway and raise a hand. I usually get plenty of cabs. Front seat/back seat? They always lean across the cab and open a door. Thats where I sit.

Cabbies never have change/I always do. I round up to the next mil amount. I look at the meter. I have never had a problem.

Travelling with my two year old I was told she had to ride in the back on an occasion or two.

I am amazed at the amount of people the cabbies let my wife and her family cram into one cab.

I am big; over six foot and near 300 lbs, I have waved a few of the micro mini cabs off.

Some of my dismounts from the cabs have been comical. I have developed a technique at last.

I always have a card of where I am going if travelling alone. As a matter of fact that is the first thing I go upon arrival. I write down all phone numbers and addresses and program them into my cell. A quick call and pass of the phone has cleared many an issue.

t

"cook some rice!"