Various taxi operators operate in Port Moresby. Taxis can be easily spotted in their bright brand colors in almost all parts of the city. The are various taxi companies operating in the city. If you are new to the city, here is how you can get around the using the taxi services available in Port Moresby.
How to get a taxi in Port Moresby.
Before you get on a taxi in Port Moresby, you should consider the following first.
- Your current location and your destination like your street, building, shopping center etc and work out how much you are willing to pay for a taxi. The biggest factor in determining your fare is the distance in between. This is important because, most taxis in the city don’t have Taxi Fare meters and fare is estimated. So, decide on your fare first and then call for a taxi.
- You need to have money in the local currency (Kina) notes in lower notes (K2,K5,K10,K20,K50). The highest kina note is K100. Having lower currency notes will make it easy to pay quickly and based on the distance as you get off. Taxis in Port Moresby do not accept bank cards and in most cases do not give change. Some good drivers do give change though.
Once you know your destination and cash to pay, you can signal to any taxi by waving your hands if the taxi is passing by. If parked, then go straight to it. Then before you get in the taxi, tell the driver where you want to go and how much you are willing to pay. Don’t ask the driver for the fare. Some drivers can be unfair in stating their fare. Remember, there are no taxi fare meter in the taxis.
If he/she agrees on the fare, then he you get in. Otherwise, you can negotiate. If you go with a local guide or friend, pass the taxi fare to the local and let him/her negotiate for the best fare possible.
Getting a taxi in the night in Port Moresby
Since business closes between 4-7 pm, there is less taxis on the street in the CBD and work areas. Most will move to the major shopping centers and bus stands in the main streets. If you are in a particular street and no taxis pass by, then move the main street.
Taxis that operate at night from the Shopping centers have a base rate and top of that you can negotiate. For example, the base rate at getting a taxi at Vision City mall is currently K20.00.
Other important aspect of getting a Taxi at night is security. Particularly if you are female, its always good to get on taxi with a friend. Taxi, fare is not based on individual passenger like in other countries. One fare covers for it all if more than one got on as group.
Also note the most taxi drivers are males.
Getting a taxi from a hotel in Port Moresby.
If you are staying in a hotel, you can ask for the hotel reception desk for assistance. Most hotels have chauffeur services and also partner with local taxies to assist their guests who request for taxi services.
No Uber Services in Port Moresby.
Currently there are no Uber Taxi services in Port Moresby. Maybe in the near future, it will be.
