Taxis in Cape Town

A new visitor to South Africa will quite probably become confused by the loose variability of the term taxi.

Uber

My very first piece of advice is to register with Uber. However you should remember that the availability of Uber is determined whether the local authority is prepared to licence these taxis. In Cape Town you shouldnt have a problem ordering an Uber. In Johannesburg you wont be able to get an Uber from the airport, but you will for travelling within the city. These are probably the most strictly regulated taxis.

Black taxis (Minivans)

The first confusion sets in when the locals talk about black taxis and then proceed to get into a white minivan. These are taxis similar to the Sherutim in Israel. The taxi stops along its route as long as it has spaces available (This is not determined by the availabilty of seats by the way, but moreso by how many more people can be crammed in) to pick up passengers and drops others off.

The black (white) taxi experience is not recommended for foreigners, however if you absolutely have to try everything at least once then I recommend jumping in one on Strand street for a hair raising jaunt to Sea Point. DO NOT leave the city in one of these taxis. Read about this on the safety page.

Private Taxis

There are other more refined ways of getting around and its best to ask your hosts or the concierge at your hotel to direct you to a safe taxi or shuttle service. There are plenty. It is also not a bad idea to hire a car if the budget permits.

South Africa has an appalling and unreliable public transport infrastructure that has been dogged by corruption. It really is a good idea particularly if travelling as a group to hire a car and split the costs.

that said within the city of Cape Town there are a number of bus routes run by the Cape Town municipal authorities that are reliable however, the buses stop running relatively early in the evening by western standards.

A good place to find a cheap taxi is at the bus ranks and taxi stops behind the Golden Acre building between Adderley and Lower Plein streets.

When taking a taxi from the airport. ensure that they understand your destination. Also negotiate the price before you even get into the vehicle. And definitely dont pay until youre sure youre at your destination. Dont forget that flashing cash and credit cards around where they can be seen may attract unwanted attention.

An average fare will be between R300 and R400 - to get a good idea try this fare calculator, but remember its only a rough estimate to help prevent you from being fleeced.

Shuttle services

Shuttle services are generally not available on the street and cannot be hailed. These services can be called by the concierge at your hotel and are easy enough to find through tourist information. However the best way to locate a safe and reliable shuttle service is through small accomodation services such as guesthouses and bed and breakfast establishments. If you use a shuttle service frequently enough youll establish a good repal with them and theyll often come out all hours for you. Thses folk grow their business by word of mouth, so asking is the best way to find the right shuttle for you.