Goa is becoming our go to place! Last year we went once. This year, I’ve already been twice! We generally stay in South Goa, but on my second trip this year, my sister and I stayed at IBIS Styles Goa Vagator, which isn’t right by the beach.
When we stayed by the beach earlier, we needed taxis only twice, to and from the airport, and that used to be fine.
High and Random Taxi Prices
This time, however, we needed taxis more often. There was a taxi stand right by the hotel gate. We had already read about the high prices, and sadly, it’s true. There is no rhyme or reason to the fares they quote.
For example, anything and anywhere seems to start at ₹500. We went to a café about 7 km away, and it cost ₹1,000 each way! That’s actually more expensive than Tokyo and in Tokyo, everything is systematic and upfront.
I even downloaded the Goa Miles app, hoping to get a taxi that way. But I could never actually get one in Vagator. It could be because I was trying to book from my hotel and near almost every major hotel, there’s an unofficial taxi stand, which seems to discourage app-based rides.
Nice Taxi Drivers
While I didn’t like the prices, all the drivers I met were nice and courteous. One even asked if we wanted to go to a nightclub. I laughed and said, “Do we look like the age?” He promptly replied, “Everyone goes to a nightclub!” Now I’ve made a note, maybe next time!
We even chatted about a bit of politics. One young driver said he liked the late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, as he cared deeply about the state.
The Taxi Policy Puzzle
I truly wonder what kind of policy has led to such lopsided taxi pricing. It would be nice if it got corrected someday. In this day and age, random pricing dumped on tourists just doesn’t feel right especially in a place as beautiful and welcoming as Goa.
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