How to catch a taxi in Singapore (complete guide)

Taxis are a quick and convenient way for visitors to get around Singapore. You don’t have to be familiar with a map, they’re air conditioned offering a quick escape from the heat, and they’re cheaper than in many western countries (though still not as cheap as the neighbours). I also find Singapore taxis to be very trustworthy.

Taxi rides in Singapore typically cost between S$12 and S$35 depending on the distance travelled, time spent in traffic, and a host of fees and surcharges depending on where you start your journey and what time of day it is.

I like to recommend visitors take taxis in Singapore when travelling in a group (2-4 people), when you have a lot of luggage, or for some longer distances where public transport is inconvenient. I do not recommend taking taxis over short distances though; if your taxi ride would only be 5-10 minutes, consider walking, taking the MRT or catching the bus instead - you’ll save quite a bit of money this way!

I put this guide together to help visitors to Singapore figure out how to take a taxi. I’ve included:

• How to find a taxi using an app or hailing from the street
• Things to look out for as you ride in the taxi
• How to pay for a taxi at the end of your journey

Step 1: Find a taxi by hailing or by booking through an app

The easiest way to get a taxi in Singapore is by booking one through an app. Popular apps that visitors reliably have access to include:

• Gojek
• CDG Zig
• Grab

After entering your pick-up point and destination, the app will calculate for you the entire fare to be paid. This typically includes all surcharges and fees (there can be a lot of these in Singapore…). After confirming, the app will find you a taxi and send it your way.

I typically find I wait 5-10 minutes for a taxi when I’m starting my journey in a downtown area, though this can be as quick as 2 minutes of the taxi is nearby. I’ve found some taxi drivers struggle with picking you up from the street when you book through an app - it’s better to specify a particular building or taxi stand where the taxi can pick you up from.

Peak hours - where it is more difficult to find a taxi - tend to be around 8am-9am and 5pm-7pm. I’ve also had trouble finding taxis late at night, particularly in less popular areas.

Street hailing a taxi is still possible in Singapore, though it’s less common than it used to be. Taxi drivers will be very reluctant to pick you up on busy roads and/or no-stopping zones. If taxis aren’t stopping for you, try to make sure you’re in a space that allows them to legally stop (or at least to get out of other drivers way).

Using a taxi stand works well for street hailing, and for booking a taxi using an app. Taxi stands can be selected in each app as the starting point, and drivers are very familiar with finding taxi stands throughout the city. Look for the letter-number code on the taxi stand and type that into the app to use it.

Taxi stands are also designed to support street hailing - these days you need to wave down an empty taxi (indicated by the green light) even when standing at a stand (otherwise drivers assume you are waiting for a booking).

Changi Airport has a taxi stand with queue and assistance for getting a taxi. Each terminal has its own short queue close to the baggage collection area. Clear signs hang from the roof pointing in the direction of the taxi stand.

My advice to visitors when using the Changi Airport taxi queue is to watch out for black or white taxis. If the attendant directs you to a black taxi or a white taxi, you may politely refuse and say you prefer a regular taxi. These are premium taxis that charge a higher fare; for most visitors to Singapore I find these are not worth it (unless you are travelling with a lot of luggage, or you can business expense the trip).

Ride-hailing apps can be used to book a taxi from Changi Airport, but the collection point is in a different location.

Step 2: Travel to your destination

After finding a taxi, the next step is to get into it and travel to your destination.

As I get into a taxi, I like to confirm the destination with the driver - particularly if I entered it on an app. I’ve had a few occasions where I’ve entered the wrong address by mistake, or the driver has misunderstood where I wanted to go. It’s good to clear this up.

I also like to confirm that my preferred payment method is accepted - not all taxis accept credit card, and not all drivers are OK if I’m paying with a S$50 or S$100 note. For more detail about how to pay for taxi fares in Singapore, I wrote a full guide here: reachingsingapore.com/taxi-payment-singapore

Sometimes drivers will ask which way you want to go - usually I give one of the follow as an answer: Cheapest or fastest.

Step 3: Pay for your ride at the end

After arriving at your destination, the next step is to pay for the taxi ride.

Payment methods typically available to visitors include:

• Cash
• Credit or debit card
• Prepaid EZ Link or SimplyGo card

Cash is the easiest way to pay for a taxi in Singapore. I recommend rounding up to the nearest dollar (or the amount that you can give notes for) - while taxi drivers usually give change to the nearest 5 or 10 cents, I find collecting small coins not worthwhile for most visitors.

Tipping is not required in a Singapore taxi. Even as a foreigner, drivers expect to give you change for your ride and do not expect a tip.

Credit and debit cards are accepted by most taxis. This includes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners, and JCB. Discover is not accepted. A 10% surcharge is added to your fare if paying by card. If you booked the taxi via an app, the amount quoted on the app includes the surcharge. Find out more about taxi surcharges and additional fees with my guide here.

All taxis in Singapore are required to provide a receipt. Often this is printed on a machine, or available in an app. Occasionally the the driver may handwrite a receipt for you.

Remember to check your seat as you leave to make sure you didn’t leave anything behind.

Singapore taxi drivers are usually fairly honest and will not try to overcharge you for the ride. If you do have a complaint about a taxi ride you took, the Land Transport Authority (government regulator) has instructions you can follow on their website here.

Further Reading

My guide on how much taxis cost in Singapore (fares and surcharges): reachingsingapore.com/taxi-cost-singapore

Buses and trains are easy ways to get around Singapore as well, check out my guides for buses here and trains here.