Phoning taxis.

[dj sull]

This probably sounds like a silly question, but how easy is it to book a taxi over the phone? We're staying in a private villa in september and will need taxis to take us to and from restaurants. But in Portugal, quite often, you ring a number and nothing happens or you get a woman talking in Portuguese, probably telling you that the number doesn't exist or you've dialled incorrectly and i end up throwing the phone at the wall. Also, if i were to strike it lucky and actually get a response on the other end of the line, what are the odds of me understanding him and him understanding me?

So when you look at it like this, it's probably not a silly question after all. Any advice would be greatly appreciated and i thank you all in advance. dj.

[destroyer]

Someone may have a better idea (or indeed a number) but we got a card from one of the drivers at the rank in town when we were staying in Pedra Grande and my mate had dicey ankles. Very reliable and reasonable and all of the operators spoke English. This does of course mean a trip into town in the first place.

[Helen]

As I've mentioned before (but it hasn't been put on FAQ) my husband, Vasco, is a taxi driver based in Carvoeiro. He speaks perfect English and you'll have no problem speaking to him over the phone. His number is 917882683. He works alternate days with his brother, Joaquim, his English is not as good but it still won't be a problem. Hope this helps.

[dj sull]

Thanks for both suggestions. Helen, if I was using my mobile to call Vasco,do you know if i would still dial the same number or would i have to add an international dialling code?

[Graham]

Pre-booking seems to be my problem - Taxirada (who I believe operate most of the taxis) don't seem to like it - they just ask me to ring when I need one. The problem is, they seem to take an everage time of 30 minutes to arrive in peak season - but it is not 30 minutes, it is either 10 minutes or 50 minutes with nothing inbetween. If you ring with good notice they arrive immediately and if you ring at the last minute you spend your time updating the restaurant you have booked about why you are late. Has anyone managed to work out how to get a taxi when you actually want it?

[dj sull]

That's what i mean. Something that should be so simple invariably turns into a catastrophe. I'm looking forward to trying to explain where our rental villa is in pigeon portuguese with a cockney accent to someone who speaks pigeon english and then try to tell him i want to go to rei das praias in ferragudo. I've got no chance. I'll probably end up driving myself which will be fun because i don't even know how to get to rei das praias and if i do find it i'll have to sit there drinking mineral water all night so basically there's no point even going on holiday in the first place and it's all because it's so bloody difficult to get a cab.
I would imagine.

[EMM]

can some one with the " Knowledge " please set out phonetically the simplest way to call and book a taxi.

The first and most valuable words of our still pitifully small portuguese vocabulary were, left, right, straight on and here !!.

The last " Aqui " usually resulted in the driver stopping dead in the middle of the road.

mind you at 4.00 in the morning and feeling very relaxed who cared.

[jeremy]

Helen,

We always contact Vasco first & he gives an excellent service, even collecting us from the villa door at RB & delivering us back during even the busy season.

[Helen]

To ring a Portuguese phone from an English mobile you would have to dial 00351 before the number. It is always best to ring the taxi direct rather than go through Taxiarade, either when you need it or a couple of hours ahead. You won't have to speak 'pigeon Portuguese' as like I said Vasco & his brother speak English & are used to all sorts of different accents!! If they're unable to collect you they will arrange for another taxi to go. You shouldn't have any problems.

[dj sull]

Helen, are they familiar with cockney rhyming slang as i tend to talk mainly in that? I also use the term 'wossname' instead of actual words.
Only joking. Thanks for your help. I'll put vasco's number in my phone with the 00351 first.

[Helen]

If he can understand my Brummie accent he can understand anything!!

[Michael Crane]

As I've mentioned before (but it hasn't been put on FAQ) my husband, Vasco, is a taxi driver based in Carvoeiro. He speaks perfect English and you'll have no problem speaking to him over the phone. His number is 917882683. He works alternate days with his brother, Joaquim, his English is not as good but it still won't be a problem. Hope this helps.

If Steen doesn't object I am more than happy to put this information in FAQ.

Steen. . . . over to you

[Karen Ann]

Hi
The number I have in my phone is 282 460 610. I assume it is the Taxi operator. I always ask, inglaes? then I have no problem I give my address and they send a taxi round. I have found that once or twice, usually at busy times, we have had a longer wait and once we actually gave up and I drove. As for the number, I have found that I don't have to phone the international number first (00351) as once you arrive in Portugal you are connected to a Portuguese network.

[EMM]

if using a UK mobile you still have to use the int code as your call goes via the UK and back to Portugal.

You will be charged expensive roaming costs unless you have an arrangement with your provider.
If you spend a reasonable amount of time in Portugal your best bet is to buy a Portuguese pay as you go which you can top up as required.