Originally Posted by
nacho
I used a taxi from SIN to Havelock Rd and the taxi trip cost me 24 SGD, and it was more than 10 yrs ago!
Most people including the hotel told me that the totally cost shouldn't be more than 20 SGD.
I saw the driver put some extra $$$ in on the meter and explained it was so sort of late surcharge (we arrived SIN around 11pm). On the way back, same thing happened (it was 6am in the morning), and the other taxi driver said that because we got on the taxi from a hotel then he put in some surcharge.
How do I know what they are allowed to charge?
Actually this sounds about right. I live close to the Holiday Inn Atrium (maybe 500m away) and would say that with the airport surcharge the pricing is about right.
I know that the cab driver punching buttons on the meter looks fishy but he's genuinely entitled. At the hour you left the taxi stand in SIN, the only surchage should have been the airport one. As for the hotel people, it's worth keeping in mind that most would either drive their own car or take public transport, thus they wouldn't be aware how much the price has gone up. Many local people who are not regular cab riders are disagreeably surprised by the fare when they see what it is.
To check a fare for accuracy, always ask for a receipt. It documents every cent you paid and what you paid for.