Identifying an official taxi
In Costa Rica operate approximately 12,500 taxis, all have red body with some nuances. The official taxis are recognizable by yellow triangular markings usually on the front side doors, registration (plate) red with a T as the first letter of a taxi sign on the roof of the car, charges digital counter (Maria) inside the cab and a radio system with antenna. Rates depend on various factors such as taxi companies, vehicle type, wait times and traffic jams.
There are different types of taxis (Sedan Taxi, Taxi Cottage 4x4, minibus, special vehicles for transportation of persons with disabilities). In general, vehicles are in good optical and mechanical condition (with some exceptions).
In Costa Rica there are also private companies that offer private taxi service and shuttle service. You should be aware that is not always easy to identify if they offer a legal service or not. For this reason we recommend for your security to ask in some places if you plan to take a non-official service.
Practical Advices when you take a taxi
1. Be sure the taxi driver starts the taximeter.
2. When you start the trip the taximeter should not exceed 750 colones(Approxx $1.3 ) for the first kilometer .
3. Do not pay more than what is displayed in the taximeter at least you want to reward the driver giving them a special tip.
Taxi rates Red Fleet
Rates for the shuttle mode paid taxi (regular) -RATES in colones-
Rate: 680 Colones
You can see this information in ARESEP official website here
What to do if the taxi drivers charges more than the allowed or if they deny a service?
Send a complaint to ARESEP, this is the Costa Rica body responsible for this situations , the complaint can be made in person at the offices located in Escazu Guachipelin , by telephone 8000 ARESEP ( 8000-27-3737 ) , via email to the address usuario@aresep.go.cr , at any post office in Costa Rica, by institutional social networks , and using the My Route application. Which are the requirements? Any complaint must include the personal data of the complainant (name , ID number , telephone, mail and any data reporting ) .
Taxilir, more than a taxi service