PHONE AND TAXI APP'S IN SINGAPORE
- Mark Stevens
- Jun 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 23
YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED YOUR PHONE
PHONE SERVICE and DATA PLANS
It is 100% imperative that you have a working phone when you travel, otherwise you'll be walking around lost. It's much easier to find your way around using Google Maps.
Personally, I use an Airalo eSIM for my travel data plan. This has worked well for my wife and me as we travel all over the world. Plus, it's very affordable... (5 GB for 10 days works well, plus it's easy to top up).
I recommend you set up an eSIM data plan before you start your trip, along with downloading and installing a couple of taxi apps on your phone.
SINGAPORE TAXI’S
In Singapore, you can easily get around using taxis. You can hail them on the street, find them at designated taxi stands, or book them through phone or mobile apps. Popular apps include ComfortDelGro, Grab, and Gojek.
Ways to get a taxi:
Hailing: You can hail a taxi on the street, especially in busy areas like the city center or near taxi stands.
Taxi Stands: Designated taxi stands are available at various locations, such as shopping malls, hotels, and transportation hubs.
Phone Booking: You can call taxi companies directly to book a ride. For example, ComfortDelGro (6552 1111), Premier Taxi (6363 6888), and Prime Taxi (6778 0808).
Mobile Apps: Several apps allow you to book taxis, including ComfortDelGro, Grab, and Gojek.
Fares:
Taxi fares in Singapore are generally metered, based on distance and time traveled.
Additional charges may apply during peak hours, late at night, or for trips to certain locations (like the airport).
Booking fees may also apply when booking through apps or phone.
You can find detailed fare information on the Land Transport Authority (LTA) website.
Payment:
You can pay with cash, credit/debit cards, or contactless payment methods like EZ-Link cards.
Some taxi drivers may prefer cash, so it's a good idea to carry some small bills.
When using ride-hailing apps, you can often pay with credit/debit cards or through the app's payment system.
Other tips:
Be aware of potential surcharges during peak hours or late at night.
If you need a ride for a specific time, booking in advance is recommended.
Familiarize yourself with the different taxi companies and their apps for convenient booking.
SHIFT CHANGE AVILIBILTY:
In Singapore, taxi drivers often change shifts during the afternoon, particularly between 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM. This can lead to a temporary reduction in available taxis, especially during peak hours or when approaching the Central Business District. Drivers may display signs indicating they are "Changing Shift" or "Busy" when not available to pick up passengers, and it is against regulations to refuse a fare without a valid reason.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Timing: A common shift change period is between 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM.
Impact: This can make it harder to find a taxi, especially during peak hours or near the CBD.
Driver's Responsibility: Taxi drivers are expected to display appropriate signs (e.g., "Changing Shift" or "Busy") if they are not available to pick up passengers.
Passenger Rights: Passengers have the right to be conveyed to their destination without being refused service without valid reason.
Regulations: It's against the law for taxi drivers to refuse a fare without a valid reason when the "Taxi" sign is displayed.
Booking Options: While taxis can be flagged down, booking through apps like Grab is an option for more reliable service, according to Grab Singapore.
TAXI PRICING:
Taxi fares in Singapore are metered and based on distance traveled and time spent waiting, with various surcharges applicable. Standard taxis, the most common type, have flag-down rates between $3.20 and $3.90, depending on the cab. Distance rates are $0.22 per 400 meters for the first 10km and $0.22 per 350 meters thereafter. Waiting time is charged at $0.22 per 45 seconds. Surcharges can include peak hour, late night, and location-based fees.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Metered Fares:
Flag-down rate: Varies by taxi company, but typically between $3.20 and $3.90 for standard taxis.
Distance rate: $0.22 for every 400 meters up to 10km, and $0.22 for every 350 meters after that.
Waiting time: $0.22 for every 45 seconds.
Surcharges:
Peak hour: 25% of the metered fare.
Late night: 50% of the metered fare.
City area: $3.00.
Airport: A surcharge is added for trips starting from the airport, which can vary depending on the time of day.
Other locations: Some locations may have specific surcharges, such as Resorts World Sentosa.
Payment Methods:
Cash, credit cards, debit cards, and GrabPay are accepted.
Other Taxi Services:
Grab: A ride-hailing service with base fares and per-kilometer/minute charges. Surge pricing can apply during peak hours.
Limousine taxis: These can only be hired from authorised counters or through call-booking and may have flat rates.
Download and establish a couple of TAXI APPS on your phone before you start your trip. In most cases, you'll need to verify the app using your phone via a text message. Once you have activated your E-SIM, your home number will be disabled, and you cannot verify a taxi app. So do this before you leave home...
TIP - Always take a couple of hotel cards from the front desk, especially when in non-English speaking countries. You can show them to the taxi drivers and have no trouble getting back to your hotel.
Flag Down and Booking Taxis - ComfortDelGro, Strides Premier, TransCab, or Prime
Booking Taxis only - Grab, Ryde, TADA, Gojek
Using Singapore's MRT & BUS System to save time and money
Closing Remarks
In Conclusion,
I hope this Blog has been helpful and informative, and inspires you to make the most of your visit to Singapore and Asia. Be sure and enjoy one of our Singapore Street Shots Photo walks while you're in town.
Singapore is well known for it's incredible verity of delicious foods from every corner of Asia, so do stop at the Hawker centers for lunch and discover the local cuisine...
Also for night life, try hitting some of the Roof-top Bars and restaurants in Chinatown and the downtown area for drinks & dinner.
Please do not forget to post some of your best Singapore photos along with a short story about your experience on our Singapore Street Shots Facebook Page.
Cheers,
Mark Stevens & Ilonka Guenther
Business Owners, Photographers & Travelers
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