Daisy Legan
Taxis in KL are available 24/7; the most convenient mode of transportation across the city. However given the ill repute KL's taxi service has garnered it's handy to arm yourself with these tips.
In Kuala Lumpur there are 2 types of taxis available. The red and white are the budget taxis that have a standard start-up fee of about RMS 3 for the 1st kilometre while the other yellow and blue Executive taxis are more pricey charging around RMS 6 for the 1st kilometre.
A common feature when riding the taxi in KL is that the driver does not turn on his meter; instead he will ask you for a flat rate depending on your destination. These fees are quite often overpriced. You can buy taxi coupons at the counters situated in the Kuala Lumpur Airport the KL Sentral Station and many bus terminals.
Crab and Easy Taxi are two of the country's most trusted taxi booking apps; it is highly recommended to hail a taxi via this app instead of flagging one down on the street. When you hire a taxi via the app all details pertaining to the driver such as name, photograph, vehicle plate numbers, contact number and even the estimated fare are given. If you are considering accommodation within a service residence in KL have this app installed on your phone for safe and secure taxi transfers. The KL CBD as well as KL Sentral known as the second CBD and home to Ascott Sentral Kuala Lumpur apartment hotel is an ideal base from which to enjoy sightseeing tours at low cost.
In KL it is not advisable to travel in the front seat, most importantly if you are a female travelling alone. Never agree to share the taxi with another passenger as this person could be an accomplice to a potential robbery. If the cab driver does stop to pick up another rider make sure to leave the vehicle immediately.
Make sure to take along small amounts in loose change as some taxi drivers claim they have no change money. Also although tipping is not required you are free to give the driver any amount as a tip or simply round up the fare.
There are passengers who open the door as soon as the taxi stops; this can cause quite an accident in the event of a motorcycle or pedestrian passing by on either side. Check to make sure the path is clear before getting down.
Although quite rarely unlicensed taxis have been known to operate in KL; the best way to avoid this is to make sure the vehicle is an officially registered taxi. You can look for the vehicles registration number and Malaysian Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) badge displayed at the front of the taxi.
