The Caribbean - taxi to/from old san juan--did we overpay?

in a previous thread, someone mentioned it would cost about $12-$15 to get from the airport to the sheraton in old san juan. it actually cost us $21 on the way there (no meter, the taxi person at the airport said it was a $19 zoned fare plus $1 'cause it was late at night and another $1 for two bags.)

on the way back, also no meter...guy wanted $20, we didn't feel like arguing.

did rates go up or did our lack of spanish (and not insisting on the meter) cost us a couple of bucks? could we have insisted on the meter to the airport?

I don't recall ever seeing a meter in any taxi in San Juan. I'd say you overpaid as the $15 figure is the going rate. The taxi drivers I've dealt with usually speak enough English to tell you how much to get to somewhere.

Did you get a cab at SJU without a dispatcher? Meters are not used within San Juan, but the dispatcher will give you a sheet explaining exact fare to your destination (fare + luggage if any + late night premium if any). You give one copy to the driver and keep one for yourself.

As of November (my last visit) the zoned fare to Old San Juan was $17 + extras. This is subject to frequent adjustment, but for the normal short visit whatever it is from the airport it should be the same thing on the way back.

With the dispatcher system there is no need to insist on the meter. When I encounter a driver who is watching TV, however, I do insist that he turn that off while driving. :eek:

If you don't have much luggage and don't mind changing buses, that method is much cheaper.