Taking a taxi in Lima and other Peruvian cities is a relatively quick and affordable way to get around. But in a strange city with chaotic traffic and lots of warnings and horror stories in mind the first taxi rides might be frightening and overwhelming. No reason for that, if you are aware of the local situation and follow a few simple rules. And if you really want to be on the safe side, just take a taxi service such as Uber, Cabify or Taxibeat.
Finding a taxi in Lima and other Peruvian cities is usually easy. An estimated 180,000 to 200,000 taxis circulate the streets of the Lima-Callao metropolitan area. This is 5 times more per 1,000 inhabitants than the average in Latin American capitals. Other cities in Peru can’t complain about a taxi shortage as well. So quite often you don’t even have to look for a cab; instead taxi drivers passing by will honk at you and slow down looking for a good fare. If not, just wait at the next bigger intersection and wave when a taxi approaches.
But there are a few things to be aware of before flagging down the first cab you see on the street. Even though lots improved over the past years, today still only an estimated 50% of taxis in the country are official and registered. The rest operates informal, meaning literally everybody can get into any type of car, put a taxi sign on top of it and offer to drive you around the city. Therefore, you should be cautious about which taxi you choose. Below some useful tips and advice on getting safely around by taxi in Peru.
If you’re looking to take a taxi in Lima, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a safe and hassle-free experience. Here are some tips:
- Use official taxi services: It’s always best to use official taxi services, such as those operated by reputable taxi companies or licensed taxi drivers. You can usually find official taxi stands at airports, bus stations, and major tourist areas.
- Negotiate the fare: Unlike in many other countries, taxis in Lima do not typically use meters. Instead, you should negotiate the fare with the driver before getting into the taxi. It’s a good idea to ask locals or your hotel staff for an estimate of what a fair price would be for your journey.
- Know the address: It’s important to have the exact address of your destination in hand, as many taxi drivers in Lima may not be familiar with all areas of the city. If you don’t speak Spanish, it’s also a good idea to have the address written down in Spanish to avoid any confusion.
- Check for safety features: Before getting into a taxi, make sure it has safety features such as working seatbelts and functioning door locks. If you’re traveling at night, make sure the taxi has interior lights so you can see where you’re going.
- Stay alert: As with any city, it’s important to stay alert when taking a taxi in Lima. Keep your belongings close, lock the doors once inside, and be aware of your surroundings.
Overall, taking a taxi in Lima can be a convenient and affordable way to get around the city, as long as you take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety.
Taxi Services – Uber and others in Peru
If you don’t feel comfortable getting a taxi on the street, don’t do it. For quite some time now, there are numerous internationally operating taxi services, such as Uber, Cabify, Taxibeat, and others in Peru. As back home, a ride can be easily and quickly booked via their app (or website). Prices are fixed prices (higher than from taxis on the street), cars are usually new(er), clean(er) and well maintained and drivers checked.
Uber operates in Lima, Arequipa, Chiclayo, Cusco and Piura; Cabify (which merged with EasyTaxi) drives you safely around Lima, Arequipa, Chiclayo, Cusco, Piura and Trujillo; Taxibeat is active in Lima, Arequipa and Cusco.
Additionally, there are many recommended and officially registered taxi companies, some with better vehicles than others, some with first class service, some with bilingual drivers, some following all necessary hygiene measures, some cheaper, some more expensive, some you can just call and others offering (also) an app, so the decision which one is the best for you is up to you. Here just a few recommendations in Lima: Taxi Satelital, Alo Taxi, Taxi Movil, Taxi San Borja, Lady’s Taxi and at the airport (but bookable as well for getting around town) Mitsui Taxi Remisse and Taxi Remisse CMV.
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Some last safety advice
While we never had a single problem anywhere in Peru when hailing a random taxi on the street or using a taxi service, locals and a few tourists have enough stories to tell about thefts and even the one or other violent crime (a few are unfortunately true, others seem exaggerated or can’t be verified).
Anyway, as it’s unfortunately not uncommon, especially on the main road from and to the airport in Lima, that crooks wander around vehicles stuck in traffic jams or waiting at a red light looking out for passengers having any valuables in sight., then smashing the window of the car and grabbing whatever they can out of the car, our last advice:
- Your money, valuables and important documents should be in your pockets or a money belt hidden under your clothes.
- Luggage and other bigger bags or other items should be in the locked trunk.
- Smaller items such as handbags, backpacks, cameras, laptops, iPads, etc. should be placed on the floor, not next to you on the seat.
- To make it difficult smashing the window, slightly open it.