Hong Kong taxiHong Kong has one of the world's best metros and one of the world's best airports. The local taxi service is of comparatively good quality as well.
The drivers are professional, and scams and crimes are very uncommon compared to Chinese mainland or less-developed Southeast Asian countries. What is more, there are enough taxis running in the popular areas of Hong Kong to make them a convenient means of travel for tourists.
Taxi Facts
- Total number: about 18,000.
- Fuel: All taxis run on LPG (liquid petroleum) fuel.
Three categories:
- The red urban taxis operate in the urban areas.
- The green taxis operate in the northern new territories serving the various towns, villages, and residential and industrial areas. They also serve the airport and Disneyland on Lantau.
- The blue taxis are the fewest in number, there are only perhaps 70 or 100, and they operate on Lantau Island.
Taxi Rates (in HK$)
- Hong Kong Island and Kowloon: $22 for the first 2 km, and then $1.60 per 200 m; waiting: $1.00 per minute.
- New Territories: $18.50 for the first 2 km, and then $1.40 per 200 m; waiting: $1.20 per minute.
- Lantau Island: $17 for the first 1.4 km, and then $1.40 per extra 200m; waiting: $1.20 per minute.
- Luggage Fee: $4 to $5 per bag (depending on the size); not all drivers insist on this payment.
- Booking a taxi by telephone: $4 to $5
- Each animal: 5 HKD (dog, cat, crocodile, bird etc.)
Toll Bridges and Tunnels
An extra fee is required of passengers when taxis take these routes: $30 for the Lantau Link, $10 for the Cross-Harbour Tunnel, $15 for the Eastern Harbour Crossing, and $15 for the Western Harbour Crossing.
Some Popular Taxi Routes
- Airport to Central: about 250 HKD.
- Airport to Tsim Sha Tsui: about 225 HKD.
- Airport to Disneyland: 140 HKD.
- Victoria Peak to Central: 100 HKD
- Peak to Ocean Park: 145 HKD
- Tsim Sha Tsui to Central: 100 HKD
Other Taxi Information
- Small change: Try to carry smaller bills and coins; most drivers are hesitant to make change for anything over $100.
- Tipping: You can tip up to 10%, but most Hong Kong people just let the driver keep the change.
- Wheelchairs: Wheelchairs are carried for free.
- Lost property: If you leave something behind in a taxi, ring the Road Co-op Lost & Found hotline (187 2920); most drivers turn in lost property.
Complaints
Most Hong Kong taxi drivers are scrupulously honest and professional. However, if you have a complaint, take down the taxi or driver's license number (usually displayed on the sun visor in front).
Call the Transport Complaints Unit Complaint Hotline (2889 9999), the police report hotline (2527 7177) or the Transport Department hotline (2804 2600). Be sure to have all the relevant details: when, where, and how much.
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