The famous pink taxi of Varadero – Photo by Lucie Robert
Private taxis and state taxis in Varadero
Varadero is known for its vintage cars that are used as taxis. This is part of the charm of the city! If you walk along Primera Avenida, don't be surprised if one of these taxis honks at you to invite you to get in. It is also possible to rent these taxis with a driver and/or guide to visit Havana. Then opt for a car with air conditioning!
There are also state taxis that are yellow. But not all yellow taxis are state taxis, a member of our group who lives in Varadero confirmed: “ Pedro Ortiz Rodriguez – There are yellow taxis that are official and others that are not official. It is the sticker system that makes the difference..” It is in fact a sticker in the windshield that allows you to differentiate them. He adds: “It has changed a lot in recent years. Now taxis with permits must pay taxes and that is why the police do a lot of road inspections.”
Photo by David Branchaud
The price of the journeys
"Taxi meters are set to charge 1 CUC initially and then 1 CUC/km. However, taxi drivers regularly offer foreigners a fixed fare, without going through the taximeter, which is roughly the same price as the fare would have cost using the meter. The only difference is that the fare without the taximeter goes directly into the driver's pocket, and the state receives nothing."
I can confirm to you, as can several members of our group, that you have to negotiate the price, right from the start.
According to an unofficial airport website, it says: “Taxis are always available directly in front of the terminal. A taxi ride from the airport to the Varadero area costs about 25-30 CUC one way (equivalent to 25-30 USD). Always agree on the price first, some taxis have meters but they are rarely turned on.”
Taxi prices - poster at the reception of our hotel (December 2019)
One last clarification
Driving is strongly discouraged in Varadero, as it is elsewhere in Cuba, especially outside the cities where accidents are very common. It is important to know that drivers found responsible for a traffic accident resulting in serious injuries or death are liable to prison sentences of up to 10 years... So let's take advantage of taxis, coco taxis, the tourist bus, horse-drawn carriages and... our little paws!
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