Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive in Kuala Lumpur. But, you should be prepared to unleash your bargain power.

Whenever possible, try to get the driver to use the meter, although this may be difficult especially during peak hours as most cabbies consider the official rates too low.

KL Survival Tips

The following KL survival tips should be able to help you get around Kuala Lumpur by taxis.

• If you have to bargain, aim for RM5 for short trips, RM10 – RM15 if going across the inner city.
• Standard red & white colored taxis charge RM2 for the first 2 km and RM0.10sen for every 200 metres, and RM2.00 for the first two minutes and RM0.10sen for every 45 seconds. If there are extra passengers (more than 2), then there will be an extra charge of RM0.20sen.
• Luggage stored in the trunk will be charged an additional RM1.00, and RM1.00 will be charged for phone booking.
• Between midnight and 6am you’ll be charged an extra 50% of the total fare.
• The bright yellow premium taxis have a RM4 flagfall and also charge a bit more by kilometer.
• Giving tips are not encouraged but 10% can be given at your discretion.
• Taxis can be hard to find during Friday’s prayer from 1.00pm – 2.30pm, rainy days and also during rush hours between 6 and 9am, and again between 4 and 7pm.
• KLIA, KL Sentral and Menara KL enforce prepaid coupon systems, which is a bit expensive than using the meter, but a lot cheaper than bargaining.
• If the taxi driver refuse to turn on the meter (even after being requested), just get out of the cab and hail another one.
• If you’re not satisfied with the fare, or you suspect the cabbies tampering with their meters, or you’re verbally abused, take down the drivers name and vehicle number attached to the dashboard and report the case to the Kuala Lumpur Taxi Drivers Association (03-9221 4241) and the Tourist Police (03-2149 6590, 24-hours).

If you’re really desperate for a taxi while you’re walking around KL, just walk calmly into the nearest major hotel and join the queue placed for its guests. Most major hotels have an automatic taxi-calling service.

If you need to call a taxi, give Comfort Radio Taxi Service a ring at 03-6253 1313 or Sunlight Taxi at 03-9057 5757.

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