Phuket Taxis
& Tuk-tuks:
Phuket's "taxi mafia"
and more
Metered taxis are new
in the last few years. These taxis provide fair non-negotiated
fares.
"Tuk-tuks"
on Phuket are not the three-wheeled vehicles you will find in Bangkok,
they are small, usually red, Daihatsu and Suzuki trucks. You must negotiate your
rate for your destination BEFORE you get in - don't break that rule or you
are subject to extortionate rates.
At the Airport: Walk out of
the arrivals hall and look to your right. There is a large metered taxi
kiosk at the south end of the concourse.
Away from the Airport: Get a
business card from your taxi driver - they can often come and get you and
take you where you need to go. Tuk-tuk and "limousine" services will
often not allow them to pick you up in some locations - and then you must
negotiate a rate.
Keep an eye
out for posted tuk-tuk and limousine prices to different locations around
the island. Do your best to be sure you don't pay more than the legal
rate, though at times you will need to pay whatever is asked to get where
you want to go.
If you are
going anywhere remote, it is usually best to negotiate for the taxi or tuk-tuk to return and pick you up at a specified time
or to stay with you during your visit there.
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