Taxis are arguably the easiest way to get around Singapore. They're clean, comfortable, air-conditioned and incredibly affordable.
But they can also be a little confusing, as the city has three different grades of cabs – each with different flagfall rates and per-kilometre fees.
Here’s what you need to know before your next business trip to Singapore.
Standard taxis
These are by far the most common taxis you’ll see on the streets of Singapore and are easily distinguished by the mid-range Toyota, Hyundai or Kia models used and the colour of each cab company.
These operators are Comfort (blue), Citycab (yellow), SMRT (maroon), Transcab (red), Silvercab (silver), Prime (pink) and Yellowtop (black with yellow roof). The typical flagfall is S$3 to S$3.50 and includes the first kilometre of your journey; after that, the meter ticks over at 22c per 400 metres. These are larger ‘people-mover’ minivans and imported London cabs (which in Singapore are white instead of black) with seating for as many as seven passengers. The initial flagfall and first kilometre is S$3.90, with 22c per 400m after that. You’ll also be charged an additional $2 per head if there are more than four adult passengers. Singapore’s limousine taxi fleets – which comprise mainly of white or ‘champagne gold’ Mercedes-Benz and black Chrysler 300C sedans – range from S$3.90 to S$5 in flagfall (which also covers the first kilometre) and 22c to 33c per 400m thereafter. These cars can also be booked for chauffeur-driven rides and airport/hotel transfers. Within the CBD, use a taxi stand: unlike Australia (and many other countries), drivers aren’t allowed to stop anywhere along the road for a passenger who hails them down – in fact, they face severe fines for doing so. By law, passengers can only get into or out of a cab within the greater city centre area at signposted taxi stands. Can’t see a taxi stand? Make a beeline for the nearest hotel or shopping mall. Where possible, pay cash: Singapore taxis don’t accept Visa cards (Visa withdrew the service due to a long-running dispute over payment of card transaction fees). Other cards are accepted but attract a 10% surcharge, and most drivers prefer cash due to delays of several weeks in reimbursement for card receipts. Drivers will happily print out an invoice even if you pay cash. Be aware of surcharges: and there are plenty of them! This includes an extra S$3 charge for catching a taxi after 5pm in the CBD; S$3 for pickups from Gardens by the Bay and Resort World Sentosa; S$3 for Marina Bay Sands pickups on Sundays and public holidays from 6am to 4.59pm; and S$3-5 for pickups at Changi Airport. You also need to be prepared for the flat 25% ‘peak hour surcharge’ between 6am and 9.30am weekdays and 6pm to midnight every evening, and a whopping 50% loading on hires between midnight and 6am.Premium taxis, maxicabs and MPVs
Limousine taxis
Three top tips for catching a taxi in Singapore
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards Plantium
19 Jun 2013
Total posts 119
Great article. I travel to Singapore every few weeks and love their taxi system. Also to note regarding extra chargers is the ERP (Electronic Road Pricing) which is for certain roads at certain times of the day. If looking for a taxi booking app, I use 'Grab' which is a great app and also allows you to pay via credit card
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
09 Dec 2013
Total posts 12
Hell Go every 6 Mths! MRT Man! Can u imagine their MRT system in OZ!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 May 2013
Total posts 33
Yep. MRT all the way.
05 Mar 2012
Total posts 26
Of course the ride sharing services are here too - Uber and Grab. Uber's flat rate pricing works well here as it is all inclusive (including ERP tolls). Whereas taxis, while cheap, have a wide range of surcharges which are difficult to understand.
United Airlines - Mileage Plus
17 Feb 2016
Total posts 44
If travelling for business avoid the Red coloured taxies as they do not accept credit cards of any type.
29 Apr 2016
Total posts 2
comfort cabs (the blue one) accepts visa
31 Dec 2014
Total posts 47
The current list of surcharges from SIN airport site:
$3 Airport surcharge: All other times
Midnight surcharge of 50% of final metered fare: midnight - 6.00am
Peak hours surcharge of 25% of final metered fare: 6.00am - 9.30am (Mon - Fri) and 6.00pm - midnight (Mon - Sun)
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