Beware of San Juan taxi drivers from Port to SJU

[Morgsmom]

Thank goodness for these boards! Yesterday upon leaving the Pan American pier I found another couple to split a taxi to the airport with AFTER being told by the female "dispatcher" that sharing cabs was not allowed (a big fat lie.)

 

We found a cab to take the four of us. Couple A was going to US Air (terminal D) and we were going to Spirit (terminal C). Sure enough when the first couple got out the driver demanded $22 from them AND $22 from us. Terminal C was 20 yards away. The man from the first couple went to reach for his wallet at which point I told the driver to pound salt and that all he was getting was the $24 I had in my hand for both of us. The driver got very mad.

 

Just hold your ground.

[orquidia]

good for you.

 

In San Juan : Fixed rates - Per Trip not per person. do not accept anything else, write down cab number license and report to Puerto Rico Tourism ministry if the taxi driver does not follow established regulations, they can lose their license.

 

Edited March 28, 2011 by orquidia

[GeneD]

Thanks for the graphic.

See if I got this :

If I go from 5 (airport) to zone 3 (the Radisson on Ashford) the fare for the two of us would be $15.00 + $1.00 for each suitcase.

from the Radisson (3) to Old San Juan ( 4)$10.00 or the Pan Am pier(5) $10.00? Is that correct?

Gene

[rainforestgirl]

Thank goodness for these boards! Yesterday upon leaving the Pan American pier I found another couple to split a taxi to the airport with AFTER being told by the female "dispatcher" that sharing cabs was not allowed (a big fat lie.)

 

We found a cab to take the four of us. Couple A was going to US Air (terminal D) and we were going to Spirit (terminal C). Sure enough when the first couple got out the driver demanded $22 from them AND $22 from us. Terminal C was 20 yards away. The man from the first couple went to reach for his wallet at which point I told the driver to pound salt and that all he was getting was the $24 I had in my hand for both of us. The driver got very mad.

 

Just hold your ground.

 

In actuality, sharing cabs with other parties is not allowed. One party per cab.

However, if you join up with other people prior to calling/requesting a cab and become a new party, who would know?

Once you are one party, you should only have to pay one price at the end of the ride.

[Goldeneye]

We have just returned from SJU and were travelling with our good friends who live in a diff city to us, consequently we travelled to SJU on diff airlines. Post cruise we shared a cab to the airport, however they were travelling AA and we were United.. The Cabbie ignored our request to drop us first at United saying only one drop zone allowed and instead insisted that we all get out at the AA terminal. We had to walk back with our bags..

 

We have been to SJU on a number of occasions for stays of 5 days up to a week.. We use the Taxis a lot....

For the most part I have found the Cabbies in SJU, rude, obnoxious, dishonest and will use any and every opportunity to rip you off..

We always try to remember to ask the price before getting in, if we forget and he tries to load the fare we give him the correct amount minus any tip we were going to give.. We make sure tell him what we were going to give him by way of tip if he hadn't tried to rip us off..

 

I would say that we have used SJU Taxis on well over 30 occasions and we have only come across 4 that stand out as being polite, friendly and honest!! Strange how 3 were immigrants to Puerto Rico!!

Edited March 28, 2011 by Goldeneye

[cajun123]

Can anyone out there tell me what zone the Hotel Miramar is considered to be in, in reference to the taxi zone rates? Thanks a bunch!:p

[orquidia]

Can anyone out there tell me what zone the Hotel Miramar is considered to be in, in reference to the taxi zone rates? Thanks a bunch!:p

 

zone 3

[orquidia]

Thanks for the graphic.

See if I got this :

If I go from 5 (airport) to zone 3 (the Radisson on Ashford) the fare for the two of us would be $15.00 + $1.00 for each suitcase.

from the Radisson (3) to Old San Juan ( 4)$10.00 or the Pan Am pier(5) $10.00? Is that correct?

Gene

 

Pan. Pier is zone 4, (Zone 5 is convention center and regional airport)

so from 3 to 4 is $12.00

[2cool2cruise]

how about Da House? and Pier 4 (Carnival dock)?

 

Thanks.

[ShyMiss]

Does anyone know what zone El Yunque is in?

Thanks in advance.

:)

[rainforestgirl]

how about Da House? and Pier 4 (Carnival dock)?

 

Thanks.

 

You might want to do a google search for "Puerto Rico taxi zone". You will get lots of info.

 

 

Both pier 4 and Da House are in OSJ, so they are zone 4

Da House is about 4 blocks from Pier 4. (downhill)

[rainforestgirl]

Does anyone know what zone El Yunque is in?

Thanks in advance.

:)

 

The "zones" are only within the San Juan area. El Yunque is about 1 hr east of San Juan. It is outside the zone area. Once outside the zone area, the taxi rates are fixed price to get to towns. However, taxis are not allowed into El Yunque, so you need to find a different type of transportation (car or tour).

[sealeggs]

Can anyone out there tell me what zone the Hotel Miramar is considered to be in, in reference to the taxi zone rates? Thanks a bunch!:p

 

We will be staying at this hotel on April 30 of this year pre cruise for 1 night. We have always stayed at the Embassy Suites in Isla Verde. But since we arrive at 10pm and this hotel is less expensive we decided to try this one out. Have you ever stayed at this hotel before?

[small talk]

I find this an interesting topic.

 

We've been on a cruise from San Juan before but as we're British, our holiday was booked as a package and our transfers included so we're a bit new to the whole taxi thing.

 

We're staying at The Sheraton Hotel and Casino on Conventional Boulevard. Is that in zone 5? Do you get charged extra for suitcases?

 

And what would be the charge from the hotel to Pan Am Pier - as it seems to be within the same zone?

 

Help much appreciated.

[MartinsCruise]

If we are staying at the Sheraton in OSJ and need a cab to the Pan Am pier, how do I figure out the fare?

[Grammy3sc]

You might want to do a google search for "Puerto Rico taxi zone". You will get lots of info.

 

 

Both pier 4 and Da House are in OSJ, so they are zone 4

Da House is about 4 blocks from Pier 4. (downhill)

 

we will be coming in to the airport on the 7th and staying at fort buchanan until our cruise leaves on the 9th. There will be 6 of us with luggage. would it be better to arrange with a cab company? would there be a large taxi or take a cab each? I did a fare search and it said roughly $27 with tip to Ft Buchanan.

Any advice will be appreicated.

 

Wanda:)

[rainforestgirl]

I find this an interesting topic.

 

We've been on a cruise from San Juan before but as we're British, our holiday was booked as a package and our transfers included so we're a bit new to the whole taxi thing.

 

We're staying at The Sheraton Hotel and Casino on Conventional Boulevard. Is that in zone 5? Do you get charged extra for suitcases?

 

And what would be the charge from the hotel to Pan Am Pier - as it seems to be within the same zone?

 

Help much appreciated.

 

The hotel is zone 5 and the pier is zone 4. I think it should be $9 to get from one to the other. They charge $1 extra per suit case.

[rainforestgirl]

If we are staying at the Sheraton in OSJ and need a cab to the Pan Am pier, how do I figure out the fare?

 

Your hotel is in pier 4, and the pier is also zone 4. The fare is $10.

[rainforestgirl]

we will be coming in to the airport on the 7th and staying at fort buchanan until our cruise leaves on the 9th. There will be 6 of us with luggage. would it be better to arrange with a cab company? would there be a large taxi or take a cab each? I did a fare search and it said roughly $27 with tip to Ft Buchanan.

Any advice will be appreicated.

 

Wanda:)

 

You will be able to get a larger taxi van at the airport without a problem.

However.....what are you going to do for your time in PR prior to the cruise to get around? You may want to think about renting a car to explore a bit.

 

You will probably need to call for a taxi to get to the cruise dock (there aren't taxis around there). Then you will need to make sure it will be big enough for your group/stuff.

Cost- Should be $31, There is a $2 charge for the 6th person. I think they will also have you pay the tolls along the way- possibly $3 bridge toll. Plus the $1 per luggage . Plus tip. On the way to the pier, it will be a few bucks more because there is a "Call charge".

[Grammy3sc]

You will be able to get a larger taxi van at the airport without a problem.

However.....what are you going to do for your time in PR prior to the cruise to get around? You may want to think about renting a car to explore a bit.

 

You will probably need to call for a taxi to get to the cruise dock (there aren't taxis around there). Then you will need to make sure it will be big enough for your group/stuff.

Cost- Should be $31, There is a $2 charge for the 6th person. I think they will also have you pay the tolls along the way- possibly $3 bridge toll. Plus the $1 per luggage . Plus tip. On the way to the pier, it will be a few bucks more because there is a "Call charge".

 

thanks Rainforest girl,

When we get to Fort Buchanan we have reserved a mini van and plan to see the rainforest and Luquillo beach the on Friday. Taking a tour with the park ranger as well. We have reservations at Barrachinas Friday night. We hope to explore old san juan either Thursday when we get in or Saturday before the cruise. Sounds doable? Thanks for all your help!

Wanda:)

[2cool2cruise]

rainforestgirl~ i see we are working you up big time! thank you so much for the taxi/zone info.

[dyfed]

Would you have any idea how much a taxi from the cruise port would be to Mall of America ?

 

 

 

 

 

ote=rainforestgirl;28573842]The "zones" are only within the San Juan area. El Yunque is about 1 hr east of San Juan. It is outside the zone area. Once outside the zone area, the taxi rates are fixed price to get to towns. However, taxis are not allowed into El Yunque, so you need to find a different type of transportation (car or tour).

[rainforestgirl]

rainforestgirl~ i see we are working you up big time! thank you so much for the taxi/zone info.

 

No Problem.

I have not been able to contact the Taxi people to find out if the $0.50 gas surcharge is still in effect. I assume so, so everyone should add that into your fares.

[rainforestgirl]

Would you have any idea how much a taxi from the cruise port would be to Mall of America ?

 

 

 

The taxi fare from the piers to the Plaza Las Americas mall is $14.00.

However, I assume so but do not know for sure, it there is a taxi stand there for after your mall visit. It would be best to ask your taxi driver when he drops you off. If not, get his card and call him when you are done.

[rainforestgirl]

thanks Rainforest girl,

When we get to Fort Buchanan we have reserved a mini van and plan to see the rainforest and Luquillo beach the on Friday. Taking a tour with the park ranger as well. We have reservations at Barrachinas Friday night. We hope to explore old san juan either Thursday when we get in or Saturday before the cruise. Sounds doable? Thanks for all your help!

Wanda:)

 

Sure, it sounds great. Have fun!