Quick Weekend in the Bahamas

• Part 1: Intro and Comfort Suites Charlotte Airport
• Part 2: US Airways Flights Charlotte, NC to/from Freeport and Grand Lucayan Resort
• Part 3: Bahamas Taxi Scam

I’ve mentioned this a few times already in discussing our trip to the Bahamas just a few weeks ago, but wanted to give some more details.  I try to be as savvy of a traveler as possible, especially when it comes to avoiding tourist traps.  Usually, with a little research ahead of time, it’s possible to avoid most of the traps out there…there’s even a TV show in Canada called Scam City dedicated to revealing some of these scams.  Unfortunately, getting around in the Bahamas at a fair price can be a pretty frustrating experience.

Granted, the taxi scam in the Bahamas isn’t really on the scale of some of the bigger scams out there, but it really irks me because no matter how savvy you are, it’s sometimes tough to avoid it.  Here’s how it breaks down:

• According to official government regulations, all taxis must have a working meter and must allow you to ride based on the metered rate.  The rate is $3 for the first 1/4 mile, and $1.60 for each mile ($0.40 per 1/4 mile).  These rates are for the first 2 passengers; each additional passenger (over the age of 5) is $3.
• There are also flat rates that are set by the government, and the flat rates are based on zones.
• In most cases, the flat zone rate is more expensive than the metered rate (but this is not always the case, especially with multiple passengers).

Even though it’s a bit sneaky and underhanded, I don’t have that much of an issue with the flat rates being more expensive than metered rates.  It’s not really that different to what some cell phone or utility companies might try to offer.  The main problem I have is that even when you know what is legally “required” (the option to ride by the meter), you often simply can’t avoid it.

My Experiences

When arriving at both Freeport and Nassau, there’s usually a sketchy, unofficial looking person working the taxi rank.  You approach him and he’s quick to hail for a taxi to pull up, and essentially has control over what taxi you get (they’re not necessarily lined up like in most big cities).  If you try to ask for a taxi with a meter, you’ll be treated like you just insulted his dog, mother, grandmother, and wife all at the same time.  He’ll scowl at you, telling you “No, it’s flat rate only, the government sets the rates.”  As soon as you try to claim that you know better, he’ll get angry, walk away from you, and leave you with no other options.  You’re left standing there with your luggage, frustrated, but at the mercy of these lies.

About 2 years ago, when I flew down to Nassau, there happened to be a police officer right nearby the airport taxi stand, and I was able to get his attention.  He walked up to one taxi, who claimed his meter was “broken,” but that taxi moved on to the next tourist and probably ripped them off.  So clearly, even the police are part of the scam and let it continue.  The next taxi driver that drove up was annoyed, but did agree to turn on his meter.

During this most recent trip to Freeport, there was nothing else we could do at the airport – no police nearby, so it wasn’t worth causing a huge scene and taking a ton of time.  We had no other option, so we had to take the only taxi available.  When leaving the hotel, however, I asked the bellhop to call a metered taxi for us.  At first, he was a little confused and claimed he didn’t know why I wanted one, but asked another employee who told him the company to call.

A Legit Taxi Company

The company he called – and I believe that this is the only official taxi company in Freeport that will run their meter – is simply called Freeport Taxi.  Their phone number is 242-352-6666.  Unfortunately, if you don’t have an international cell phone plan, it’ll be tough to call your own taxi when you land.

Bottom Line

On the whole, paying an extra $7-$10 each way for the zone rate isn’t the end of the world, and isn’t going to make or break a vacation.  As they say, it’s the principle of the matter.  It’s just annoying when you know you’re getting ripped off, but really can’t do anything about it.  Like I said, I do what I can to be prepared and know the ins and outs of places I travel.  So even though I can’t guarantee success (it’s tough to do much when you arrive at the airport), at least we can start to get the word about this issue, and you can hopefully at least get your hotel to help you avoid this scam.