Llegas a una nueva ciudad. Estás cansado del viaje y solo quieres ir a tu hotel o a un restaurante. ¿Cómo llegas? Un taxi o un Uber es, muchas veces, la opción más fácil y rápida. Saber las frases básicas en español para hablar con el conductor es muy importante. No es solo para llegar a tu destino, es también por tu seguridad. Te ayuda a confirmar el precio, asegurarte de que el conductor entiende a dónde vas y viajar con más confianza. En América Latina y España, los taxis son una parte fundamental de la vida en la ciudad. Con este guía, no solo vas a aprender frases útiles, sino también consejos culturales que no están en los libros. ¡Vamos a empezar tu viaje!
Can you call a taxi for me, please?
Use this at a hotel, restaurant, or office when asking the staff to call a taxi for you. It's often the safest way to get one.
I need a taxi for two people.
Use this when you specify how many people are traveling, in case a larger vehicle is needed.
Are you available?
Ask a taxi driver on the street this question to see if they are available for a ride. A green light on top usually means they are free.
I'm going to 123 San Martín Street.
A simple and direct way to tell the driver your destination. 'Voy a' means 'I'm going to'.
I'm going to the Central Hotel.
Use this for common landmarks, hotels, or museums. It's often easier for drivers than a specific address.
How much does it cost to go downtown?
Ask this *before* you get in the taxi or at the very beginning of the ride to avoid surprises. You can add 'más o menos' for 'more or less'.
Do you use the meter?
A crucial question in cities where meters ('taxímetros') are required. If they say no, it's best to agree on a price before starting or find another taxi.
To the right on the next street.
Simple, essential instruction if you are helping the driver with directions.
To the left, please.
Another basic directional phrase to guide the driver.
Here is fine, please.
Say this when you are ready to get out, even if it's not the exact address. For example, if you see the spot you want.
How much is it?
The classic question to ask at the end of the ride when you're ready to pay.
Do you accept credit card?
Ask this before the ride begins if you don't have cash. Most taxis in Latin America are cash-only.
Keep the change.
A simple way to tip the driver without having to calculate a percentage. Just hand them a larger bill and say this.
A traveler is at the front desk of their hotel in Medellín, Colombia, ready to go to a museum.
Hola, buenos días. ¿Puede pedirme un taxi, por favor?
Hello, good morning. Can you call a taxi for me, please?
Claro que sí. ¿Para dónde?
Of course. To where?
Para el Museo de Antioquia. ¿Está lejos?
To the Museum of Antioquia. Is it far?
No, está a unos 15 minutos. Ya llamo. Su taxi es el de placa T-L-P 4-5-7. Es un código de seguridad.
No, it's about 15 minutes away. I'm calling now. Your taxi is license plate T-L-P 4-5-7. It's a security code.
Perfecto, gracias.
Perfect, thank you.
Buenos días. ¿Para el Museo de Antioquia?
Good morning. To the Museum of Antioquia?
Sí, por favor. Hola, buenos días. ¿Cuánto cuesta, más o menos?
Yes, please. Hello, good morning. How much does it cost, more or less?
Con el taxímetro. Unos 12.000 pesos, depende del tráfico.
With the meter. About 12,000 pesos, it depends on the traffic.
Ah, muy bien. Gracias.
Ah, very good. Thank you.
Listo. Llegamos. Estamos frente al museo.
Okay. We've arrived. We are in front of the museum.
Genial. ¿Cuánto es?
Great. How much is it?
Son 11.500 pesos.
It's 11,500 pesos.
Tome. Quédese con el cambio.
Here you go. Keep the change.
Muchas gracias. ¡Que disfrute el museo!
Thank you very much. Enjoy the museum!
Always prioritize safety. When possible, have your hotel or a restaurant call a taxi for you. If you hail one on the street, choose a marked, official taxi. Note the license plate or taxi number and send it to a friend. In many Latin American cities, using rideshare apps like Uber, Didi, or Cabify is considered a safer alternative because the trip is tracked and the driver is identified.
Agree on the price *before* you get in. In many places outside of major European or North American cities, taxis do not use a meter ('taxímetro'). You must negotiate the fare to your destination before the trip begins. Ask '¿Cuánto cuesta ir a...?' If the price seems too high, you can politely decline ('No, gracias') and find another taxi. This simple step prevents almost all price disputes.
Cash is essential. Do not assume you can pay with a credit card. The vast majority of taxis in Latin America are cash-only. Always carry small bills, as drivers often don't have change for large ones. If you only have a large bill, ask '¿Tiene cambio para...?' before handing it over.
Tipping is not generally expected for taxi drivers in most of Latin America. However, rounding up the fare to the next convenient number is a very common and appreciated gesture. You can simply pay with a slightly larger bill and say 'Quédese con el cambio' (Keep the change) or 'Así está bien' (That's fine like that).
In cities like Mexico City, it's safer to use 'taxis de sitio' (taxis from a specific stand) or app-based services. Hailing a random taxi on the street ('taxi de la calle') is less recommended. The trunk of the car is called the 'cajuela'.
Taxis are strictly regulated, metered, and generally very safe. It's common to hail them on the street by raising your hand. The verb 'coger un taxi' is common, but be aware that 'coger' has a vulgar meaning in many parts of Latin America. The trunk is a 'maletero'.
The yellow taxis are iconic. For safety, many locals prefer using apps (like Cabify or Didi) or calling a taxi service that provides a password ('clave') or license plate number to confirm you have the correct, registered driver. The trunk is a 'baúl'.
Besides taxis, 'remises' are very popular. A remis is a private car service with fixed prices that you book by phone or at an office ('remisería'). They are often considered more comfortable and safer than street taxis. The trunk is a 'baúl', and a common slang term for a taxi driver is 'tachero'.
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Please, turn on the meter.
A polite but firm request to use the meter. Use this if the driver starts driving without turning it on.
The address is on my phone.
Useful when you have the address on a map app and want to show it to the driver.
It's near the main square.
Give a nearby, well-known landmark to help the driver locate your destination.
I need a receipt, please.
Use this if you need to expense your ride for business or other purposes.