TAXI DRIVERS in Portugal.

BONDI · Post by **BONDI** » Wed Feb 04, 2009 3:13 pm

The tourism minister Luis Patrao recently said,that he wishes the taxi drivers in portugal to perform a role as Portugal's first "visting card,. ”, providing useful information and a welcoming attitude towards tourists arriving in Portugal. Lets hear the views from our Forum members on this matter, and share their experiences with taxi drivers in Portugal and Algarve especially.

Bondi

peterp · Post by **peterp** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 10:34 pm

When we drive the motorhome from uk down to our place in Carvoeiro we then use taxis/hire cars/public transport to get around.

we have found in the past that taxi fares vary so much for similar journeys, both from Portimao/Lagoa and Lagoa/Carvoeiro.

we even complained one year to the taxi regulators in Lisbon. we were told that they were introducing meters to the local taxis to prevent this problem, not sure if this has happened yet.

nevertheless the taxis were usually fairly friendly but never offered much conversation, but compared to the Eva bus driver, who was downright rude, they were excellent!

Ellie · Post by **Ellie** » Sat Feb 21, 2009 11:42 pm

Bondi, Ive always found the local taxi drivers in Carvoeiro a pretty friendly bunch of fellas....

and Ive had a couple who have been sort of 'tourist' guides on couple of occasions. I recall one who took me to Portimao via Ferragudo telling me lots of interesting points along the way and pointing out landmarks and what they were about. On that particular trip I learnt a lot about how the fishery/canning factories had all practically gone (his Mother had worked in one) and that most of it was done in Spain now.

I always practise my Portuguese with the taxi drivers and get a 2 way conversation going.

Yes, I think the taxi drivers can be very good guides on interesting places to visit. If you take trouble to use a bit of Portuguese (although a lot do speak English), you can get on friendly terms and learn more

shanagarry · Post by **shanagarry** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 2:55 pm

If you have the good fortune to get Jose Neves driving you - you will think you have died and gone to heaven.

He is the nicest and most polite person you could ever wish to meet - nothing is too much trouble for Jose. We have him meet us at the airport when we arrive and on the rare occasion he is delayed - he will always make alternative arrangements for you.

Whenever we need a taxi - we always ring Jose and he will make sure you are collected on time, every time. His 'stand-ins' are equally courteous and efficient.

He is a great ambassador for Portugal and he keeps me updated with all the Benfica news - what more could a family want.

A truly great guy.

Ellie · Post by **Ellie** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 3:15 pm

shanagarry wrote:If you have the good fortune to get Jose Neves driving you - you will think you have died and gone to heaven.

He is the nicest and most polite person you could ever wish to meet - nothing is too much trouble for Jose. We have him meet us at the airport when we arrive and on the rare occasion he is delayed - he will always make alternative arrangements for you.

Whenever we need a taxi - we always ring Jose and he will make sure you are collected on time, every time. His 'stand-ins' are equally courteous and efficient.

He is a great ambassador for Portugal and he keeps me updated with all the Benfica news - what more could a family want.

A truly great guy.

I take it hes a Carvoeiro driver Shanagarry?
Im wondering if its the one I had, who took me to Faro & back to CVO for 35 euros(they'd lost my luggage). He was lovely and looked a bit like that Italian cook, Antonio Carlucci.
He did the drive very quickly but I felt very safe with him.Nice man.

shanagarry · Post by **shanagarry** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 4:30 pm

Hi Ellie

I don't know what Antonio Carlucci looks like but I am using Jose on Friday this week and will ask him if he has any aspirations to be an Italian cook

It sounds like something he would do - he is one in a trillion and has become a very good friend over the years.

kteee · Post by **kteee** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 6:15 pm

I have a brilliant story about a Portuguese taxi driver, who i wpuld nominate for a medal if such a thing existed, but he's in Lisbon!

Anyone needing a brilliant taxi driver in Lisbon just let me know!

widge · Post by **widge** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 7:42 pm

I'm with you Shannagary. Jose Manuel Neves is a class act. He has become a good friend over 5 years, never let us down and always been the most charming and polite person to chauffeur us and our guests.

I would never consider calling anyone else!

widge · Post by **widge** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 7:43 pm

Apologies for the spelling mistake 1 n 2 r's. I'll get it right next time Shanagarry!

shanagarry · Post by **shanagarry** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 8:01 pm

Widge

Don't say it too loud - he could end up being too busy for us!

widge · Post by **widge** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 8:26 pm

I was in Sesmarias for the first fortnight in February and everything was very quiet. Even Louis' at Rei das Praias has had to succumb to the credit card! I fear for the local economy and i'm sure that only the best like Jose will survive the downturn!

shanagarry · Post by **shanagarry** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 8:31 pm

I am going on Thursday for the weekend and have arranged for Jose to collect me from the airport. He has already told me that things are a 'tad' bleak.

Never mind it will all come good in the fullness of time.

TAXI DRIVERS in Portugal.

TAXI DRIVERS in Portugal.

Taxi Drivers

Re: Taxi Drivers