Tipping taxi drivers

nadt
By nadt

How much is deemed acceptable to tip a taxi driver? I was told by a couple of people who ave lived here for years that you dont tip them but i feel that as they are really helpful with assisting me and my kids in and out of the taxi, they deserve a tip. Also what do people do when a taxi driver doesnt turn on the meter on a very short trip and at the end of the trip, says pay as you wish? How am i to know what to pay him if i havent taken that route before? Any advice?

By kumin_gonewiththewind• 14 Jan 2008 20:30
kumin_gonewiththewind

they are polite and helpful enough..they deserve a tip.

By xyned• 13 Jan 2008 11:12
xyned

Unless ofcourse the cabbie goes out of the way to be helpfull. Like help load and unload stuff.

Don't bother starting a fad. Otherwise it may well become a painfull custom

By SuperXpat• 13 Jan 2008 10:31
SuperXpat

I'm idle, because we have a power cut here at work so I can't use the kettle!

By Oryx• 13 Jan 2008 10:26
Oryx

get back to work!

I am sure the assistant tea boy shouldnt' be playing with the computer.

By Oryx• 13 Jan 2008 10:25
Rating: 3/5
Oryx

Tip if the driving is good and don't if it isn't.

Please do NOT reward bad driving.

Please ask your driver to pull over SAFELY and not stop in the middle of the road.

RP - loved your post.

add: don't assume the passenger wants to listen to your crappy music on a radio that isn't even tuned in.

I was once in a fragrant smelling taxi with Vivaldi playing...wonderful..and yes big tip.

By SuperXpat• 13 Jan 2008 10:22
SuperXpat

''Vivalid'' sounds like a brand for a painkiller or a multi-vitamin & royal jelly supplement!

By Vegas• 12 Jan 2008 02:46
Vegas

If you got it give it...

If your short say sorry

Just do the best you can...

You can't teach experience...

By anonymous• 12 Jan 2008 02:23
Rating: 4/5
anonymous

My criteria in tipping the taxi driver are:

1- Don't ask me no questions about me or don't tell me where you from.

I got my Confession Booth for those moments.

2- Don't drive like you are driving Miss Daisy or some Indianapolis 500 racing stock car in the roads. Better use those turn signals and do your yielding. I have enough of the local population egocentric driving habits.

3- Don't be smelling like Garlic or some lost flowering fragrance, it just gives me a headache. I Don't want memories of the local malls.

4- Better have the meter on and pronounce those numbers properly.

5- and learn to difference between, drive Straight ahead, turn left and turn right.

Then I might tip you...

With a Thank you!

The Red Pope of Qatar Living

By nadt• 12 Jan 2008 01:24
nadt

Thx nov, i usually tip bout 5 riyals for trip so i guess this is ok..cheers..

By novita77• 11 Jan 2008 01:42
Rating: 2/5
novita77

give them 3 or 5 riyals extra will make them over the moon nadt. Last night our taxi from the airport started from 18 QR, since our house just next door to the airport the meter only reach to 25 QR. My husband give 35QR because the driver was so helpfull helping us out with the cases.

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.