Well, it’s not exactly divine, but it’s something locals observe with a great deal of tradition, rules, and mutual respect. If you ignore those rules, you might encounter a level of frustration similar to walking into a church in Rome without appropriate attire.
After two years of taking taxis, I’ve developed a real appreciation for how the system works — and a lot of empathy for visitors who arrive without realizing there’s an unspoken structure behind it all.
How to Find and Flag a Taxi
In the downtown area, taxis generally aren’t allowed to pull over randomly. They’re required to use designated taxi queues, usually located on side streets or in circular drives in front of malls and hotels. Some hotels restrict their taxi queues to guests.
If you’re unsure where to go, hotel staff or nearby workers are usually happy to point you to the nearest taxi queue.
At a taxi queue, join the line and hold your place. Stepping away may mean losing your spot. Taxis with green lit signs pull in, passengers board, and off they go — it’s very orderly. Different taxi companies service the queues.
Fares may vary slightly depending on the type of taxi, but the difference is usually minimal. It’s wise to carry some cash, as card machines can occasionally be unavailable.
You may notice some taxis stopping outside the queue for specific passengers. These taxis display “ON CALL” in red lettering on the roof. This means the ride has been pre-booked, and the passenger has been given the taxi’s license plate number. It’s best not to attempt to board taxis marked “HIRED” or “ON CALL,” as they’re already assigned.
Taxi Sign Indicators
Green light – Available
No light / passenger inside – Occupied
ON CALL (red) – Pre-booked
Shift change indicators – Driver may be heading in a specific direction only
Driver resting – Sometimes drivers take short breaks between fares
Outside the central business district, it’s usually fine to hail taxis with green lights on, provided you’re not standing at a bus stop, along a highway, or somewhere stopping is prohibited. It’s also courteous to notice whether someone was already hailing nearby — stepping slightly behind them signals you’ll take the next cab.
Booking a Taxi
You can call a taxi company directly, though hold times may vary. Hotel concierges can assist with bookings. Ride-booking apps are widely used and often allow you to track your taxi via GPS.
The ComfortDelGro taxi app is commonly used. When booking, you’ll need your street address or postal code. In the CBD, taxi queues have specific codes that help operators identify your location precisely.
If you require a larger vehicle, request a “maxi cab,” similar to a minivan. Availability can be more limited, so booking ahead can help.
Shift Changes
Occasionally drivers may indicate they are on a shift change and are only traveling in a specific direction. If a driver asks where you’re headed, responding clearly and quickly helps them determine whether they can take you.
When You’re Not Picked Up
Drivers are permitted to decline passengers under certain circumstances. This can feel frustrating — for example, when loading strollers or luggage may take additional time. In situations requiring extra assistance or space, pre-booking can sometimes make the process smoother.
Drivers may also be cautious late at night, particularly in areas with heavy nightlife. Safety concerns are a reality in any major city, and many drivers understandably prioritize personal safety when deciding which fares to accept.
Overall, once you understand the structure, the system tends to run smoothly. Like many things here, it’s orderly, efficient, and built on shared expectations. It just takes a little time to learn the rhythm.
