Another very controversial topic (along with tipping in Italy) which is guaranteed to elicit opinions, personal incidents and stories (and unfortunately the unpleasant tend to dominate memories) is taking a taxi in Italy.

That said…here are some facts and TipZ that I think you will find very useful!

First of all, I’ve taken taxis for YEARS all over Italy and I have NEVER had an issue…and, second, unfortunately those who do have unpleasant experiences love to share them and they are often from ages ago. Times do change!

I have found that these can be from not understanding or observing the protocol/customs and/or a lack of communication. That’s not to say that aren’t a few “bad apples”, as there are in any profession, who can taint the reputation of many.

So here’s my take and my advice starting with some information that you probably weren’t aware of…

♦ A Taxi is an Investment!
Not just “anyone” can operate a taxi in Italy.

There are strict guidelines and requirements about owning and operating a taxi in Italy, including:

• The driver must have a Certificate of Professional Competence and they need to pass an exam, have a driver’s license, and have no criminal record.

• Then, they need to buy a medallion These are limited according to each city. The cost, between 20,000 and 90,000 euros, depends on the region.

• Then they have to buy their own car and they’re in business!

I would say that that is quite a personal investment, wouldn’t you?!

• It is also required that their license number and name be CLEARLY displayed (as well as a number that you can complain to). There are literally thousands of taxi drivers (pre-COVID, over 6,000 in Rome alone!) so there are bound to be some who are not as congenial as others. But, needless to say, none of them want to lose their license!

Not only have they made a huge investment but, like everyone else who depends on tourism, they were essentially out of work for almost two years of COVID and even after “recovery” was challenging.

Couple all that with the fact that the average income is around 1230 euros per month (the equivalent of about $1400 USD, that’s about $10/hour!), it will take years to recoup the investment. This is also another reason why I feel that a small tip to a kind/thoughtful driver is well earned (more about tipping later).

It’s not an easy way to make a living and, frankly, it I had to deal with tourists all day, I would certainly find it challenging to be charming and pleasant all the time!

♦ Some Basic Guidelines and TipZ:

• Go ONLY to an authorized taxi stand (they are well signed).

• Look for a queue of white clearly identified taxis.

• Go to the first taxi in line. This is protocol, a strict rule and an honor system – please observe and respect it.

• Remember that authorized taxis in Italy are always white.

• I highly recommend that you DO NOT try to flag down a taxi in Italy. (This isn’t New York City!). (And, typically they already have a passenger or are en route to a fare.)

• Don’t expect the driver to speak English. Some do, some a little, some almost none. Remember they get passengers from all over the world so it’s impossible to know every language.

♦ Therefore it is up to YOU to:

• Learn some basic Italian phrases and taxi lingo.

• Know exactly where you’re going!

• I highly recommend writing down each destination WITH the exact address. (In large cities like Rome they often use GPS). I did this on my last visit and it helped enormously! (see my photo below.)

• Be prepared to pay with CASH=EUROS (more about this below!)

♦ Fares:
• Meters now are “automatically” displayed and clearly visible.

• Meters are set with the base fare and any other surcharges are added when you pay. (This could include using an App, pre-scheduled pick ups, luggage, night fees, etc.)
There are definitely surcharges on Sundays, late nights and excess luggage.

• When you get in the taxi, be sure the meter is set.

• Certain fares are set and regulated (for example: to and from airports). Know and confirm them before you get in the taxi.

• Credit cards? In theory, they’re “supposed to” take credit cards but:
They don’t always have a machine (much less one that works)  and credit card companies charge fees so drivers don’t like them and will often ask to be sure you can pay in cash. (Also, know that cash is king in Italy!)

• Plan ahead and have change: I mean small change/denominations in euros: have coin, 5’s, and 10’s. One driver told me that his first fare gave him a 50 euro and it wiped out all of his change.

• Don’t expect a lot of chat chat or commentary/tour. Some are more conversant than others but most just do their job which is getting you from point A to point B.

• Tipping: Tips are not expected. However, as I shared above and in my Tipping in Italy post, rounding up or an extra euro is always appreciated. And, seriously, if your fare is 12.50 euros, does rounding it up to 13 euros kill your budget? I doubt it. Of course, I use my discretion and so should you.

• From your accommodation: Have the concierge/owner arrange a taxi for you. They will give you the “name” and number of the taxi (for example, “Verona 24”) for identification/safety reasons. The driver will have your name and destination as well.

• As you’re walking around, take note of official taxi stands so that, in the event you need one, you’ll know one is nearby. In larger cities, they are very recognizable.

• Taxi apps: Major cities have taxi apps. I’m using one recommended to me and I LOVE IT! (For Florence, appTaxi is free and very user friendly!) Yes, you can call but that can be challenging and with an app you can type in the information, get confirmation, etc. (My Italian simply isn’t good enough to always understand and communicate via telephone.)

• Strikes (Lo Sciopero!): Yes, there are strikes but nowadays the dates/times/locations are published beforehand. Stay in touch with local news/updates. (Also, be aware that when other transportation agencies strike e.g., trains and buses, the taxis will typically honor it as well).

• Safety and convenience: Since I travel solo quite a bit, I definitely prefer a taxi to crowded pubic transportation – a pick pocket’s favorite hunting ground. I can say that I find taxis to be very convenient and reasonable. Yes, some prefer buses and metros but they aren’t always convenient (especially if you’re towing luggage!) and I prefer arriving at my exact address.

♦ And I Would Add:

I repeat… I can say that I’ve never had an unpleasant experience (or that I never will) although I have heard of them. And, of course, some drivers are just more pleasant than others. Can I guarantee you’ll never get a surly driver? Of course not. But it’s also incumbent on you to do your homework and be familiar with customs/protocol.

My biggest pet peeve? When the driver has smoked in his taxi and occasionally the music isn’t my favorite or I have to request that windows be rolled up. But it’s a minor inconvenience, in my opinion, for 10-15 minutes compared to the convenience of getting from Point A to Point B.

I budget taxi fares into my budget. Especially in larger cities (e.g., Rome, Milan) and whenever I’m arriving with luggage, I either have a prearranged transfer or I use taxis.
Sometimes I use them to get to a destination/site as well as when I’ve been on my feet all day and it’s time to head back to my accommodation, a taxi is a very welcome sight!

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♦ More Italy Travel TipZ! ♦

Italy Travel TipZ: Tipping in Italy

Italy Travel TipZ: High Speed Train Travel in Italy

Italy Travel TipZ: Day Tripping

A Dozen Travel Planning Mistakes to Avoid!

Victoria’s Travel TipZ Italian Style: Take ME with YOU to Italy!