Use Uber instead of BiTaksi or pay by card for taxi.

Hi All,

Just wanted to share my experience with fellow travellers visiting Istanbul, Turkey and why I recommend using Uber over BiTaksi for taxis.

My story began at my hotel when I ordered a Taxi via BiTaksi as it was slightly cheaper than Uber. Unfortunately the app didn’t accept my foreign credit/debit card as a form a payment. So I pay either by card or cash to the taxi driver.

This was my 4th ride via BiTaksi and I had the meter option selected.

The trip started off friendly, I got into the front seat and he offered grapes which I declined. I did not see if the meter was on because his rear view mirror/meter was angled towards him which obstructed my view and it quite glary from the sun.

My hotel was next to the motorway/freeway so as soon as he turned on the motorway/freeway he asked if I was paying by cash or card. I said cash and he immediately said there will be an extra charge for the toll of 300TL and the ride will be 1000-1200TL. I asked to turn on the meter and he said started using his phone to translate his point across. He pulled over into the side of the motorway/freeway and used the app to say there will be a 300 TL toll for the underground tunnel. As far as I am aware, we only need to pay ~150 which is one way, not 300.

At this point he was getting quite frustrated and I caved in at 1000TL as we were on the motorway/freeway.

The rest of the ride as in silence and he dropped me 10~15 minute walk away from my destination. I decided to pay by card instead as I wanted to dispute this with the BiTaksi and if I had paid by cash, it would be my word vs his.

Unfortunately BiTaksi have not yet offered any compensation or refund for the overcharged amount. I have contacted my bank to dispute the difference.

I have seen other posts, Uber has offered credit etc and honestly comparing my trip back, I would say the prices are end up being similar.

I am aware Uber drivers inflate the price as well by entering a higher amount, usually 100TL which I don’t mind as I usually tip anyway and consider that my tip and the total ends up being still within the estimated range.

My advice if you do use BiTaksi is not to select the cash payment option to reduce the risk of being ripped off. I don’t think selecting the meter option really does anything as it is still up to the driver to turn it on.

Public transport is fantastic and much cheaper and I used a mix throughout my trip.

Stay safe fellow travellers!