And why do we have to pay more when we are 100% going to get stuck in a traffic jam? I think the govt wants people to take the subway or something...
Ding ding, we have a winner!
Somewhat more seriously, the surcharges (which keep getting more and more baroque in their complexity every year) are pretty much universally seen as a failure. But in Singapore, taxis are still considered a form of public transport, not a luxury, so the obvious solution -- yanking up base fares by 50% or so and doing away with the surcharges -- is probably not going to fly. (Plus all the highly-paid ministers who came up with the surcharges would lose face...)
Programs: UA 1K, ANA Mileage Club, Hyatt Gold Passport, SPG
Posts: 562
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ichinensei
the taxi surcharge thing is so stupid. I had to wait at a taxi stand in the middle of the city - because you are not allowed to flag down cabs anymore. (in the city) and of course there werent any cabs.. Why? Because it was 4.54pm or something. Once it hit 5pm, and the surcharge comes into effect, taxis from everywhere rolled into the stand.. ridiculous...obviously the govt didnt think properly before they came up with something like this. And why do we have to pay more when we are 100% going to get stuck in a traffic jam? I think the govt wants people to take the subway or something...
I agree 1000%. I would understand that gov't policy if the MRT was as comprehensive and fast as the Hong Kong MTR. But it's not. And for a lot of areas in Singapore (East Coast, Marine Parade, Dempsey Hill, Holland V, etc etc) there's no MRT access and the bus service is at best, cryptic if you're not an everyday user. Not tourist friendly at all and not that friendly for locals either. I tried getting into town from Marine Parade during my last stay at the Roxy Mercure using the bus and it was an ordeal. I can imagine the frustration of someone who was visiting and had to use the bus to get into town. I wound up hailing a taxi after 20 minutes trying to decode the bus schedules/route descriptions.
Till then, the best thing that can be done is to eliminate the surcharges while keeping fares where they are. It's in the best interest of the people. Maybe the idiot who suggested this would lose face, but the one who removes it will probably be feted as a hero, provided that no new sneaky charges show up as a result...
Location: Singapore, travelling all over SE Asia and ANZ
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Without wanting to step onto anybody's toes, I think a bit of a reality check is in order:
Singapore is a first world city, with (usually) much less traffic than 99% of cities worldwide of her size, metered taxis run by reliable companies with drivers who do not try to rip you off as soon as you get in the taxi by "offering you a special flat fare just because you look so handsome and are so nice" and clean, airconditioned vehicles.
As somebody who travels an awful to throughout the whole of Asia and who is originally from Europe, I can only say that I am ALWAYS grateful when I get into a Singaporean taxi, as:
(Western) European taxis are usually 2x to 4x as expensive as Singaporean ones, even when you apply all of the SIN surcharges.
(Eastern) European or Asian (taken Japan and Hong Kong aside) taxis may be equally priced or even cheaper, but often the drivers are a lot less trustworthy and their vehicles more often less roadworthy than a tricycle laden with coconuts.
There are exceptions such as the Bluebird company in Indonesia, or the Airport Metered Taxi in Manila, but when it comes to consistency and bang for the buck, I think we are still pretty spoilt in Singapore.
PS: Not to mention that I'd be much less worried having my girlfriend take a taxi home at 2am in Singapore, than almost anywhere else in the world...
__________________
Conscience is a mother-in-law whose visit never ends...
I agree 1000%. I would understand that gov't policy if the MRT was as comprehensive and fast as the Hong Kong MTR. But it's not. And for a lot of areas in Singapore (East Coast, Marine Parade, Dempsey Hill, Holland V, etc etc) there's no MRT access and the bus service is at best, cryptic if you're not an everyday user. Not tourist friendly at all and not that friendly for locals either. I tried getting into town from Marine Parade during my last stay at the Roxy Mercure using the bus and it was an ordeal. I can imagine the frustration of someone who was visiting and had to use the bus to get into town. I wound up hailing a taxi after 20 minutes trying to decode the bus schedules/route descriptions.
Till then, the best thing that can be done is to eliminate the surcharges while keeping fares where they are. It's in the best interest of the people. Maybe the idiot who suggested this would lose face, but the one who removes it will probably be feted as a hero, provided that no new sneaky charges show up as a result...
Even when there is MRT, the waiting time is so long comparing to HK. Also, the MRT is crowd beyond belief (on the main East-West line.) HK is infinitely better in this regard.
However, I often take MRT from NTU to airport because I cant afford the taxi.
Location: Chapel Hill, NC - United 1K, HHonors Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,874
Taxi Cost to Conrad
I'm arriving on United 0803 at 11:55 PM on a Friday night.
I have some Singapore dollars left over from previous trips and it would be nice to skip the ATM and save even a few minutes. What will a taxi cost me to the Conrad? Last trip was two years ago and I have no recollection of what I paid.
I'm arriving on United 0803 at 11:55 PM on a Friday night.
I have some Singapore dollars left over from previous trips and it would be nice to skip the ATM and save even a few minutes. What will a taxi cost me to the Conrad? Last trip was two years ago and I have no recollection of what I paid.
Thanks!
I would think about max $30. probably about 25 including all the surcharges.
first km S$2.80
10.0 km. x S$0.52 per km S$5.19
6.77 km. x S$0.61 per km S$4.11
waiting in traffic (~4 min.) S$1.29
midnight surcharge S$6.70
Changi Airport & Changi Air Freight Centre S$3.00
Total S$23.09
on a Sunday or Public Holiday it would be S$16.39"
This was Changi Airport, Terminal 2 to 2 Temasek Road (The Conrad). It is easy to calculate fares anywhere in the city at any time once you know the website exists.
The calculator is so good that it returns $S23.46 since it apparently knows that you have to go around the building to get to the entrance with the bellman when one enters "Conrad Hotel" instead of "2 Temasek Rd" as the destination.
first km S$2.80
10.0 km. x S$0.52 per km S$5.19
6.77 km. x S$0.61 per km S$4.11
waiting in traffic (~4 min.) S$1.29
midnight surcharge S$6.70
Changi Airport & Changi Air Freight Centre S$3.00
Total S$23.09
on a Sunday or Public Holiday it would be S$16.39"
This was Changi Airport, Terminal 2 to 2 Temasek Road (The Conrad). It is easy to calculate fares anywhere in the city at any time once you know the website exists.
The calculator is so good that it returns $S23.46 since it apparently knows that you have to go around the building to get to the entrance with the bellman when one enters "Conrad Hotel" instead of "2 Temasek Rd" as the destination.
Thanks. Was aware of the site and checked it, but figured FT was probably more reliable.
This would not have been presented to you if I had not personally used it and validated it a number of times. It is quite accurate and I sincerely believe can be relied upon.
It was not just a random google search result but a verified thru use site. And thru use, I mean actually sitting in a taxi between the two points and verifying the actual meter charges. The only variation is in waiting time at traffic lights and in traffic.
This would not have been presented to you if I had not personally used it and validated it a number of times. It is quite accurate and I sincerely believe can be relied upon.
It was not just a random google search result but a verified thru use site. And thru use, I mean actually sitting in a taxi between the two points and verifying the actual meter charges. The only variation is in waiting time at traffic lights and in traffic.
Opushomes: If I may ask, what does one tip? Am arriving just before midnight on Friday, Oct the 30th with spouse and 4 pieces of luggage in tow. What might one expect to pay including tip? Might you also have any idea of the cost to go from Conrad to the cruise terminal around noon on Sunday, Nov 1? Thanking you in advance.
Opushomes: If I may ask, what does one tip? Am arriving just before midnight on Friday, Oct the 30th with spouse and 4 pieces of luggage in tow. What might one expect to pay including tip? Might you also have any idea of the cost to go from Conrad to the cruise terminal around noon on Sunday, Nov 1? Thanking you in advance.
Hopefully this thread will not seque into whether to tip in Singapore or not. Tipping is not customary in Singapore with the exception of certain large hotels. You are charged a 10% service charge on all hotel and some restaurant bills (not on "street food"--this includes the very nice stalls in the basement of upscale stores such as Takashimaya). This is instead of tipping.
That said, hotel bellmen such as those at the Conrad appreciate and often expect a small token of your appreciation especially if you are non-Asian. Note: this is my view and mine only. That said, I find tipping distasteful especially in Asia so for your circumstances, a couple of Sing dollars might be appropriate. The taxi driver will return your change back to the penny. Taxi drivers are not tipped.
Please be aware that at your arrival time at the hotel you may not see a bellman. Do not be disappointed especially if the driver drops you off at the back door (which appears to be a front door). The front door is around the building and probably will not be staffed at 0100. So, at a minimum you will be on your own in respect to getting the luggage to the front desk. You may use the numbers quoted above as they include the midnight surcharge.
Conrad to the Singapore Cruise Centre at noon. Weekday and Sunday fares are the same. Approximately $S9.00 or US$6.30 for the 8 kilometer trip. The Cruise Centre is at Harbourfront (note the spelling which may often be British English in form despite the predominant English accent in Singapore being North American).
There are no separate charges for baggage (at least not yet).
Whether there will be porter service at Harbourfront, I cannot comment. I have never seen a porter when taking the ferries to Indonesia and I believe that the drop off points are the same. Signage within the terminal is fairly good and should get you to the Cruise line (Star, I presume). It is a fairly long walk from where I have been dropped off to either the ferries or the Cruise check in. Do not be afraid to ask for directions within the terminal and to ask the driver if there is a separate drop off only for Cruise passengers.
A Changi Airport hint. Trolleys for luggage are free not like North American airports and you can take your bags all the way from customs to the taxi rank. Just queue and you will be rapidly loaded into a taxi. Bypass any Big Black Taxis and Limousine taxis (although to be fair, the later are only slightly more expensive). There is no need, I reiterate, No Need to book a hotel transfer. Taxis are honest, comparatively inexpensive, safe and secure. No need to tip even when they load the bags. Enjoy your trip.
Hopefully this thread will not seque into whether to tip in Singapore or not. Tipping is not customary in Singapore with the exception of certain large hotels. You are charged a 10% service charge on all hotel and some restaurant bills (not on "street food"--this includes the very nice stalls in the basement of upscale stores such as Takashimaya). This is instead of tipping.
That said, hotel bellmen such as those at the Conrad appreciate and often expect a small token of your appreciation especially if you are non-Asian. Note: this is my view and mine only. That said, I find tipping distasteful especially in Asia so for your circumstances, a couple of Sing dollars might be appropriate. The taxi driver will return your change back to the penny. Taxi drivers are not tipped.
Please be aware that at your arrival time at the hotel you may not see a bellman. Do not be disappointed especially if the driver drops you off at the back door (which appears to be a front door). The front door is around the building and probably will not be staffed at 0100. So, at a minimum you will be on your own in respect to getting the luggage to the front desk. You may use the numbers quoted above as they include the midnight surcharge.
Conrad to the Singapore Cruise Centre at noon. Weekday and Sunday fares are the same. Approximately $S9.00 or US$6.30 for the 8 kilometer trip. The Cruise Centre is at Harbourfront (note the spelling which may often be British English in form despite the predominant English accent in Singapore being North American).
There are no separate charges for baggage (at least not yet).
Whether there will be porter service at Harbourfront, I cannot comment. I have never seen a porter when taking the ferries to Indonesia and I believe that the drop off points are the same. Signage within the terminal is fairly good and should get you to the Cruise line (Star, I presume). It is a fairly long walk from where I have been dropped off to either the ferries or the Cruise check in. Do not be afraid to ask for directions within the terminal and to ask the driver if there is a separate drop off only for Cruise passengers.
A Changi Airport hint. Trolleys for luggage are free not like North American airports and you can take your bags all the way from customs to the taxi rank. Just queue and you will be rapidly loaded into a taxi. Bypass any Big Black Taxis and Limousine taxis (although to be fair, the later are only slightly more expensive). There is no need, I reiterate, No Need to book a hotel transfer. Taxis are honest, comparatively inexpensive, safe and secure. No need to tip even when they load the bags. Enjoy your trip.
Opushomes: Thanks for your suggestions and input. BTW, we're going to board the Regent Mariner for a 17 day cruise to Sydney. Thanks again.
23.46!!!! It is a little too accurate i think. 
