Taxis and Remisses in Buenos Aires

In Argentina you will always find 2 types of taxis: a normal taxi and a remise (In Cordoba they call it Remisse). How can you tell the difference between the two? In Buenos Aires the taxis are black and yellow. In Cordoba for example,green or yellow and black. You will quickly recognize a taxi. They are everywhere! Remises are not painted in a specific colour. So how do you get hold of a Remise? You call to a remise office and they will come to your address. Or you can go to a remise office (marked offices) and they will arrange for a driver to take you to your destination.

Taxis you find everywhere in Buenos Aires. They are always close to bus stops, train or bus terminals and tourist spots.You flag a taxi down by hand and they will stop to pick you up, if it is not already occupied.

Taxis are safe in Buenos Aires but there are always scams doing the round. For example the taxi will pick up a group of people and then try to charge you double the price because of the weight or under the pretense that it was in fact 2 trips. Always make sure that the meter is switched on before you leave. Sometimes they "forget" to switch it on and charge you any price.

I like the Remise service because the price is fixed and it is safe. You quote your destination and they fix the price. The only thing I don't like is that the condition of the car is not always guaranteed.

There is a special Government arrangement with Taxis before 10am. If you live outside the Capital Federal (city centre) for example Quilmes, there is a very cheap rate when you use the taxi service. In this case the taxi will pickup other people and you won't have the taxi to yourself. They also drop you off close to the Metro but obviously they will not take you on a joyride through the city. This arrangement is mostly for people working in the Capital.

A word of advice. Please make sure you have change with you. It happened to me on a prior occassion that I didn't have the correct change on me. The taxi driver kept the meter running until I found change. I had to beg at a restaurant for change. I was very upset. They refuse to accept a 100 peso note!