Playa del Carmen Taxis - Is There Uber in Playa del Carmen?

Uber in Playa del Carmen – Playa del Carmen Taxis 

Due to some complexity in the process, getting a taxi in Playa del Carmen may not always be straightforward. In response to a reader’s inquiry, we have created a brief guide with tips and tricks to assist with taking a Playa del Carmen taxi. 

Can You Use Uber in Playa del Carmen?

Unfortunately, Uber is not available in Playa del Carmen. However, this article will provide you with alternative transportation options for getting around. Since many people are interested in taking Uber from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, we’ll focus on the bspanest alternatives for that specific route. While you have several choices, the most convenient, quickest, and safest option is a private shuttle.

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I suggest taking the private shuttle from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, especially if you don’t speak Spanish. The driver will be able to speak English, and a round trip costs only $110USD for door to door service from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen. An important note, there is no Lyft or Uber in Playa del Carmen. However, there are other transportation options available when traveling to this destination in Mexico.

• Cancun Airport Map

Uber is not Available – Meet Whatsapp Taxi

The taxi unions (taxi mafia) and city governments in destinations like Playa del Carmen and the Mexican Caribbean are collaborating on alternate solutions to ridesharing services like UBER. UBER is not currently accessible in the area. Whether you believe UBER’s unrestrained flexibility is beneficial or if it could harm the earning potential of individuals who invest a lot of money in permits and fees to carry passengers, is debatable.

Uber is not available at the moment

 However, you can contact trustworthy taxi drivers who use Whatsapp Taxis Playa del Carmen. This group of taxi drivers aims to provide convenience to their clients and can be reached through their phones. Whatsapp Taxi will give you a fare that is only 10 pesos higher than the regular price.

Are you asking about the benefits? Well, you can easily arrange for a door-to-door pickup without negotiating the price. Simply send a message to one of the numbers and wait for your confirmation for their 24-hour service.

Moving or stationed taxis in plazas?

If you’re in a large city like Mexico City where there are many unauthorized taxis, it’s safest to find a taxi stand (taxis de sitio) and use a cab from there. Currently, there haven’t been any reports of fake taxis in Playa del Carmen.

To clarify, the main advantage of using these cabs is their convenient locations by places like the supermarket and 5th Avenue, which can be helpful if you need assistance carrying bags or want a break from walking. However, there are some drawbacks to consider as well.

If you choose to take a taxi through this service, you can expect to pay around 5 pesos more than if you were to hail a taxi on the street. As for which option is better, it ultimately depends on your personal preference and what works best for you.

• Guide: How to Get Around Playa del Carmen

Know the cost (and the exchange rate)

Navigating an unfamiliar place can be difficult, especially if you don’t speak spanish fluently. In Playa del Carmen, the taxi fares are set by law and the drivers are not allowed to charge more than the fixed rates.

Frequent taxi riders are aware of the existence of a few dishonest taxi drivers who take advantage of their passengers. This is not a problem exclusive to Mexico; it occurs in tourist destinations all over the world, such as Rome and New York City. Most taxi drivers, however, are honest and diligent workers hoping to earn an income.

It is important to determine the appropriate payment regardless of location, as there may be bad actors everywhere.

One way to simplify things is to follow this rule of thumb:

• Taxis stationed in Playa del Carmen’s downtown area or west of the highway including Ejido and Plaza Las Americas should not charge more than 35 pesos.
• A taxi ride from downtown to Xcalacocos should cost 65 pesos while a taxi ride from downtown to Playacar should cost 70 pesos.
• If you’re traveling between Playacar and Xcalacocos, the expected fare is 85 pesos (approximately 5 USD).

You can take a taxi from downtown Playa del Carmen to Xcaret Park, Akumal Bay or Cancun International Airport (closest Aiport to Playa del Carmen). There are no additional fees and charges for night or weekend trips. However, taxi fares may vary from Playa del Carmen hotels. If you’re unsure about the tariff, please ask at the hotel reception desk.

When staying at an all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya, the taxi prices should be displayed at the lobby entrance. Before getting in a taxi, check the rates. The rate to Playa del Carmen should be the same as the return rate.

Also, be aware of the exchange rate, which is currently about 18 to 1. In other words, a taxi ride within the downtown Playa del Carmen area should never cost more than two dollars.

Should you haggle or not?

When you are abour to take a taxi in Playa del Carmen, it’s best to haggle a bit with the driver before getting in the car. Although some may think it reveals that you are a tourist, it’s better to avoid surprises and prevent situations where the cost is unexpectedly high at your destination. Some people suggest not bargaining at all, while others recommend negotiating before getting in the taxi.

Also, if the first taxi driver tries to overcharge you, you can try asking another taxi driver.

Should you tip or not?

Tipping taxi drivers in Mexico is not necessary, especially if you’re not a tourist. However, if a driver goes does a great job by assisting you with your luggage or returning a lost item, it’s appropriate to tip. It’s best to reserve tipping for those who rely on it for their income to avoid increasing taxi fares in Playa del Carmen.

If you plan to tip in Mexico and are unsure about the appropriate amount, the standard rate is 10-15%. You may consider giving more if you receive exceptional hospitality.