Originally Posted by
kjaggi
I have been scammed before by official looking taxi operators with a clipboard etc. How do we discern between official taxi and impersonators in Mexico City. Appreciate any help.
None of the "authorized" and regulated taxi companies providing service from the airport have staff or salespersons walking around the terminal. Each of the two or three companies have counter space on the arrivals level and it's from there you'll pre-pay for your ride to your hotel.
My favorite taxi company is "Sitio 300" and the counter is located next to the Alamo Rent-A-Car counter to your left as you exit the Customs area. If you don't see it ask one of the baggage porters standing in that area where the counter is. I trust the baggage porters in that airport and have never found them to be touts for anyone nor have they steered me wrongly. Though I usually handle my own luggage without assistance, I do sometimes use the porters.
When you get to the taxi counter you'll be asked your destination. Taxi fares for trips from the airport are regulated and determined by distance traveled. There'll be a large map with circles on it - designating zones. Tell the clerk you want a "sedan" (lest you be sold a ticket for the larger Chevy Suburban type vehicle, at double the cost). You will be given a ticket with the price stamped on it and then pay the clerk. Follow the signs to the taxi staging area or seek the assistance of a porter (and if you have just a couple of bags a MX$10-20 (Peso) tip will suffice).
When you get to the taxi staging area (there are two or three) someone will look at your ticket and you tell the person where you're going. Enough English is spoken that there'll be no miscommunication. After your luggage is placed into the trunk of the sedan (4-door car) you can get into the front or back seat. In Mexico it's commonplace for passengers to ride in the front. The driver will take your ticket, split it in two halves and give you your portion as a receipt.
These drivers are professional and safe to be with.
Do not be tempted by the occassional tout who wanders the terminal offering a ride in a rogue taxi parked along airport property (a block away) just because the fare will be a couple of US$ less. Be smart. Play safe.
Have a great visit!