Taxis in Kuala Lumpur

I am very curious, what has been your funniest or strangest experience with a taxi in Malaysia?

I have 3 funny ones to date that I have listed below:

1. Taxi driver had decorated his taxi like a night club! There was a black feather boa on the dashboard, a music system with a deep base playing house/techno music and for some reason his girlfriend was in the taxi with us.

2. A blue taxi (most expensive priced taxi in KL) with the sole passenger in the back of the car being a black cat. The black cat was merrily, propped up with paws on the back door looking out of the window. There was no-one else in the car apart from the driver. We had such a laugh: we always go for budget taxis to avoid the expensive ones and there was the cat of a rich owner being chauffered in style.

3. Today, topped it all. I was already late for an appointment when the taxi driver suddenly got a bout of stomach cramps! He desparately needed the toilet so he drove me to the next taxi rank and asked me to take another cab!!

So what about you guys? What have been your experiences? Can't wait to hear them!

By the way there is also a new service called: My Teksi. There is an app and you can book online. Anyone use them yet? What is your verdict?

Link to My Teksi

Taxis/Cabs in Kuala Lumpur

Don't be offended if a Taxi driver refuses to take you to your destination. This is just one of those things you need to get used to in Kuala Lumpur. Below are some tips and things to be aware of:

1. Taxi drivers do not always know all the destinations. Well known hotels and landmarks are not a problem but a condominium in a suburb like Mont Kiara may be a bit trickier. The rapid growth of Kuala Lumpur has been difficult to keep up with (satellite navigation fails here as well)

2. All taxis/cabs have a meter but some taxis refuse to switch it on, preferring to haggle a fixed price with you. Always take a metered taxi.

3. There are however, official fixed price booths for taxis such as the one in KL Sentral. Use these ones if you know there will be heavy traffic as this would be very expensive on a per meter basis.

4. Some taxi drivers are very jovial and welcoming. Others are grumpy and tut a lot. Don't take the latter too seriously. Most taxis have the drivers name printed on the driver's door.

5. Friday afternoons (during prayers) and when it rains: taxis become very scarce. Plan for this if you have an important appointment.

6. Traffic is horrendous during rush hour so plan extra time.

7. The large blue taxis/cabs are the most expensive.

8. After midnight there is a 50% surcharge to your usual fare. ( 2011 price)

9. Be prepared to pay for toll fees on top of the meter fee, unless it is stated otherwise.

10. All taxis run on gas so they have a huge gas tank taking up space in the boot. If you travel with more than 1 large suitcase you will need to hire a larger taxi.

11. When traffic is flowing you can get in and around the main city centre for about 15 -20 ringgit (2011 prices: about $5 to $6.5) Price is significantly higher from the airport into town on average around 90 -140 ringgit from KLIA.