Taxi Driver Scams, Kuala Lumpur

I'm aware of how taxi drivers in KL would take advantage of tourists. But experiencing it at a time when I'm in a hurry or too tired to walk and find another cab makes the experience much much worse! I hate their cab drivers! I hate hate hate them! Of course there are exceptions. (Usually if you ask the hotel get a taxi for you, you get the right rate - using a taxi meter.) One scam of taxi cabs in KL is offering you a rate that they say is reasonable. Example: From Petronas to Puduraya Bus Station. We hailed a cab in front of the Petronas. The cab driver said it's RM10 to Puduraya. I'm aware it's lower than that but not sure by how much. We said it's too expensive. He said that rates are normally RM8.00 but since we didn't hail him at a taxi stand, he said it's RM10. Duh. We've been walking around KLCC for almost an hour and were too tired to argue. There's 3 of us so that's RM3+ each.

Another incident was when a cab driver who's supposed to take us to Merdeka Square from the Train Station (rate should be RM5 or less- i asked at a Cafe) took us to Times Square instead. Not only that but he gave us a complete tour around KL (took the longest routes and round and round and round) until our fare reached RM10!!! My friends and I were too scared to argue with them drivers because they look so hostile. Not hostile really, but scary-looking.

Actually, it's pretty easy to do a walking tour around the city if you have the stamina. Take the MRT/LRT or Monorail instead of taxi cabs. We learned the hard way. I thought that since we also look Asian, they wouldn't be such a nuisance. What a mistake!

Unique Suggestions: If you're coming from your hotel. Ask the doorman or whoever is in charge to get a taxi for you. Also, take note already of how long the trip will take to your destination and the usual fare also from the hotel information office. If you really have to hail a taxi and they quote an exhorbitant rate, subtly argue and don't shout. If you're not in a hurry, best to take a cab from a taxi stand and ask to use the meter. Some will readily use the meter while others will give you their own rates. Look for another taxi instead.

Fun Alternatives: Walking around is a good alternative! Get a map at the visitors center at the airport - it's free! And find out if the places you want to go to are near each other. You can ask the officer at the visitors lounge how far apart each destination is. What's good with walking is that you can appreciate the other sights of the city outside those normally visited by tourists.

Take the bus. From visitors centers' representatives around the city, ask for bus routes to and from specific destinations.

Take the monorail/MRT. The map of KL which can be obtained from KLIA for free also shows the MRT/monorail routes. By checking what station your destination is nearest to, you can take these alternative modes of transportation and get to your destination at the least possible time.

Remember: Most tourist sights in KL are very near each other. A lot are walking distance from one another. The drawback: since it's really really warm, you'll get all sweaty when you get to your next destination.

Taxi rarely run by the meter and the drivers usually try to charge you up to 5 times the correct rate.

Unique Suggestions: Check with the hotel staff on the rate for the place you are visiting and bargain with the driver before you even get in. Fix the price and then get into the cab. If the driver asks for too high a price, just go to the next taxi.

There is no such thing as the 'oh, its between 5 and 6 pm and its peak hour so it is double the cost for this taxi ride'. I don't think of myself as really stupid but it was my first time overseas and i was by myself so i actually did pay double! Very very dumb! I know it is not true because i have friends in Australia who are from Malaysia and they just laughed when i told them and said that there is no such thing!

Unique Suggestions: Taxi drivers are generally ok but just to make sure that you are paying the right price make sure that the driver switches on the meter (and starts it at 0) before they start driving.

Every cabbie is pretty much trying to rip you off, so be aware of your prices. If one charges too much just let them pass you on by. There will be another one. It's like a living down there. You will probably get ripped off once and then you quickly learn.

Unique Suggestions: Hold your ground and haggle let them know you know that they're ripping you off. Some will come down, others will just drive off. Let them keep on driving. Negotiate!

Fun Alternatives: Walk and sweat it out or take the subway.

The taxi drivers will do anything to rip you off in KL. They will press buttons to increase the fare, take the "scenic" route, try and overcharge, argue, fight and fuss

Unique Suggestions: Insist on using the meter. Always keep your eyes on it (sit in the front passenger seat) and have an idea of the route to take.

If they give you trouble then write down the taxi number and complain to the taxi authority - you have to help stop this - dont just ignore it.

Fun Alternatives: At the airport you can get a fixed price taxi to KL and back. Taxis have a 50% surcharge from midnight to 6am.

The red/white taxis are quite dodgy. They choose passengers. Well..at least they will take any tourists than me, the local. But be careful, they might take you the longer way to reach your destination.

Unique Suggestions: Familiarize yourself with city map and say up front that it is not the way. If they insist, ask to stop the taxi and pay whatever amount on the meter and jump out. Or else say that take you to the nearest police station. They will chicken out.

Fun Alternatives: Take bus or now there's a few lines of trains that can take you. In fact..much easier and faster. Monorail to take you around the city triangle from Bukit Bintang to Jalan Sultan Ismail. LRT takes you from city centre to the outskirt of the city and Putra Line from KLCC to Kelana Jaya.

I always try not to take any taxi in Malaysia. I thought KL would be better since it is the capital. However, it's the same. I was ripped off by taking a taxi from Puduraya to Kepong. I was quoted by many taxi drivers for RM25. I decided not to use their service. Instead, I got one on the road and I was quoted RM20. I thought I had a deal.
When I got to my relative's house, I was told it should only cost between RM8 - RM10 for that journey!!! I was ripped off. The price difference is just too much. Mind you, I am a Malaysian, just that I do not speak cantonese.

Unique Suggestions: There's a meter for all taxis. Make sure they use their meter. When you board, tell them you want to go by meter, if not, get out of the taxi.
Find out the normal price from someone you know.

Fun Alternatives: Too much trouble with taxis... I will boycott them next time I visit KL again.

Take the LRT.

Take the public buses.

Always, someone is bound to get tricked into getting a taxi by 'touts' as soon as you exit the arrival hall. The authorities have tried to curb this menace, but somehow, these 'touts' are still there. so, below are some tips on how to get your transportation to the city. Mind you the city is around 75km from the airport.

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Unique Suggestions:

At the Satellite Terminal Building, look out for a currency changer counter(Money Changer) or bank to change your currency to Malaysian currency (RM = Ringgit Malaysia; US$1.00 = RM$3.80 or better). You need RM$ to pay for your train or taxi fare later.

Taxis use the coupon system and taxi booths are available upon exit from the Arrival Hall. There is a choice of an airport limousine service as well as a budget taxi service.

The registered taxis can be boarded after buying coupons from Airport Limo counter at Level 3-Arrival Hall (at the exit immediately after clearing customs). Then queue up near Door 3 at Level 3 to board the registered metered taxis. Show your coupon to a person on duty before boarding a taxi. The taxi journey takes 50 to 90 minutes (depending on the general traffic condition on the roads).

Public bus services to the city are available one floor down from the Arrival Hall.

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Fun Alternatives:
ERL - Express Rail Link or KLIA Express

After coming out of the exit immediately after clearing customs, you are at Level 3 (Arrival Hall). Take a lift down to Level 1 to take the KLIA Ekspres (trains) to KL Sentral Station.

Cost: RM35.00 (adult, single trip) or RM70.00 (adult; return trip)

There are also promotional group/family rates. Pls inquire at the counter.

RM15.00(child 3-12 yrs, single trip)

RM25.00 (senior citizen, single trip) Please ASK if you qualify for this rate!

☼First Train: 5.00 am
☼Last Train: 1.00 am
☼Frequency: Every 15 minutes
☼Travelling Time: 28 minutes (non-stop)

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Very well decorated but things are EXPENSIVE!EXPENSIVE!EXPENSIVE! Enjoy the place for its embiance - thats it! Do not Buy! Do not pass go (oh well you can hang out there)..do not PAY RM200 (it might cost RM20 elsewhere)

Unique Suggestions: Hang out at the place for its embiance and since its located in KLCC, enjoy the shopping center.

Fun Alternatives: Karyanika handicraft center, Central Market (you can bargain here), or Kg Bahru.

Beware of the taxi drivers. They often cover their meters or 'forget' to turn the meter on when you get on their cab. And when you arrive at your destination, they will quote you exorbitant price. So when you get in a taxi, make sure you check that he sets the meter. If you don't see any meters visible, ask him why he doesn't have one. Once a taxi driver covered his meter with a towel and when I asked him about the availability of the meter, he then proceeded to remove that towel. Cunning indeed!