How to Call taxi in Singapore

How to Call a Taxi in Singapore: My Personal Guide to Hassle-Free Rides

I still remember the first time I needed to call a taxi in Singapore. I was running late for a wedding at Marina Bay Sands and couldn’t flag down a cab no matter how hard I waved. That’s when I realised there’s more than one way to get a taxi and since then, I’ve tried them all.

If you’ve ever wondered how to book a taxi in Singapore easily and efficiently, I’ve got you covered with everything I’ve learned.

🚕 Taxi Services in Singapore: What You Should Know

Taxis are a reliable and well-regulated mode of transport here. Unlike private hire cars (PHCs) like Grab or Gojek, taxis in Singapore can be:

• Hailed from the street

• Booked via phone or app

• Picked up at designated taxi stands

The key difference? Taxis are metered, while PHCs charge fixed fares. Both have their perks, but if you’re in a rush or prefer flexibility, taxis are still a go-to option for me.

📞 How I Usually Call a Taxi in Singapore

Here are the most common (and convenient) methods:

1. Hail One from the Street

You can simply raise your hand when you see a green “TAXI” sign that means the cab is available.

✅ Best spots: Orchard Road, CBD, Clarke Quay
❌ Avoid: Bus lanes (you might get fined), areas with no stopping zones

2. Call the Hotline

When I don’t have access to an app or internet, I use the old-school way.

📲 Taxi Booking Numbers:

• ComfortDelGro: 6552 1111

• Trans-Cab: 6287 6666

• SMRT Taxis: 6555 8888

• Prime Taxi: 6778 0808

Tip: Be ready with your location landmarks and pickup address it speeds up the booking.

3. Use a Taxi Booking App

This is my personal favourite super convenient, no talking required.

📍 Where to Find Taxi Stands in Singapore

If you’re at:

• Shopping malls (e.g., ION Orchard, VivoCity)

• Hotels (e.g., Marina Bay Sands, Raffles Hotel)

• Airports (Changi T1–T4)

…look for designated taxi stands. These are marked clearly and usually have queue lines.

⛔ Some malls and condos restrict street pickups. In those cases, the app will direct your taxi to the nearest legal pick-up point.

📱 Taxi Booking Apps I’ve Tried (and Loved)

There are a few major apps I’ve used regularly. Here’s how they compare:

App	Strengths	Watch Out For
CDG Zig	Direct ComfortDelGro taxi bookings, fixed or metered fare	Limited promotions
Grab	Offers taxis and PHCs, many promo codes	Surge pricing during peak hours
Gojek	Often cheaper, has taxi options	Smaller fleet size
Ryde	Transparent fare estimates, taxi options	Less reliable during odd hours

🔄 I usually have two apps ready in case one has long wait times.

💰 Understanding Taxi Fares & Surcharges

Taxi fares in Singapore can seem a bit complex at first, but once I broke it down, it made total sense.

💸 Basic Metered Fare:

• Starts from $3.90 to $4.10, depending on the taxi company and model

⏰ Common Surcharges:

• Peak Hour (6am–9.30am, 6pm–midnight): +25%

• Midnight (12am–6am): +50%

• CBD or Changi Pickup Fee: ~$3–5

• Booking Fee: ~$3.30 (standard), up to $4.50 (advance booking)

• ERP Charges: Added if you pass through ERP gantries

Always check fare estimates on the app they give you a breakdown before you confirm.

🚐 Choosing the Right Taxi Type

There’s more than just the regular sedan taxis!

🚗 Common Types:

• Standard Taxi – Affordable, seats up to 4

• Premium Taxis (like Mercedes-Benz or Maxicab) – More space, higher fare

• Wheelchair-Accessible Taxis – Can be requested via hotlines or apps

When I travel with a group of friends or family, I always book a MaxiCab it’s more comfortable and cost-effective when shared.

💡 Taxi Etiquette in Singapore

Most taxi drivers here are polite and professional, but a little courtesy goes a long way.

✅ Always greet your driver
✅ Confirm the address if needed
✅ Pay with cash, NETS, PayNow, or card (most taxis accept all)
✅ Don't eat or drink inside

If I ever have issues, I note the Taxi number (plate) for follow-up with the company.

🚆 Taxis vs. Other Transport in Singapore

When I choose a taxi:

• Rainy days ☔

• Travelling with luggage or elderly folks 🧳

• Late nights when MRT has closed 🌃

For daily commutes, I still rely on MRT or buses they’re affordable and efficient.

🧩 What If Things Go Wrong?

1. Taxi Refuses a Ride

Politely ask why. If it's unreasonable (e.g., “too short a trip”), note the plate number and report to LTA.

2. Lost Items

I once left my phone behind. Thankfully, I called ComfortDelGro’s hotline, gave them the cab number, and got it back the same day.

🚖 The Future of Taxis in Singapore

I’m excited about how smart mobility is evolving here:

• EV taxis are becoming more common

• AI-based booking systems predict demand

• Sustainable transport policies are shaping the future

The government’s support for greener taxi fleets means we’ll be seeing more electric ComfortDelGro taxis and smart charging stations soon.

✅ Final Thoughts: What I Learned About Getting a Taxi in Singapore

Figuring out how to call a taxi in Singapore isn’t hard once you know your options. Whether I’m booking through an app, calling a hotline, or flagging one down on Orchard Road, I’ve come to appreciate just how efficient and accessible our taxi system is.

🚀 Quick Tips Before You Ride:

• Download CDG Zig + one more app (e.g., Grab)

• Know your pickup points (especially at malls or condos)

• Understand fare structures to avoid surprises

• Be polite and respectful it goes a long way

Need help choosing the right app or taxi type for your needs? Just ask I’m happy to share what’s worked for me! 👍

Additional Explanation Through YouTube Video Reference

The following video will help you understand the deeper concept:

The video above provide additional perspective to complement the article discussion

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