By Taxi

The word "taxi" derives from the Greek word for journey taxidi - and that may be why cabs in Greece are still a steal for the savvy traveler.

Taxi cars in Olympia are grey with illuminated sign marked "TAXI" on top. One can stop taxis in Olympia by simply raising a hand or go to the Taxi stand (piatsa) which is located in the center of the modern town of Olympia.

Telephone number for the taxi station is: +30 2624022555

Here are some helpful information about taxis in Greece:

• Rates are calculated per km.
• Taxi routes to/from stations, ports and airports, carriage of luggage heavier than 10kg and call taxi services are charged extra.
• All taxi drivers must have the official price list in their taxi and must turn on their counter.
• There is an additional charge from 0100-0600 (double fare).
• Taxi drivers tend to pick up passengers for more than one route. In order to do so, they must ask your permission.

Obligations and rights

Obligations of passengers:

• Be neat, polite and avoid anything that might cause damage to the vehicle.
• Do not smoke unless they get permission from the driver.
• Be responsible for the children, pets and rest of their possessions they have along in the vehicle.
• If the taxi gets dirty and messed up because the passenger’s fault, the passenger is obliged to cover the cost of cleaning the car.
• Blind people and people with disabilities or mobility problems as well as pregnant women are always given priority, even when standing at the end of the queue.

The obligations of the driver:

• To be decent, polite and willing to serve each and every customer.
• Do not smoke unless they ask and get a permission from the customer.
• To give any information asked regarding the taxi and the services offered (price, route and any customer’s question).
• Do not carry more passengers than those that the taxi license permits.
• To keep clean and tide the car (inside and outsite).
• To return any lost items found in taxi, to police or the owner if known.
• Do not turn on the car stereo and not to open car windows without your permission. However, there is no restriction on the window beside the driver’s seat.
• To follow the shortest route to the destination of the client, unless the client asks for a different route.
• Have a map of the area / city that taxi operates.
• The driver cannot board any other passengers unless you have been asked about it and has gotten your permission.
• During the evening hours he/she has to turn off the light of the “FREE” sign when the taxi cab is occupied and activates the indicator when the vehicle is empty.
• To activate the taxi meter when you enter the vehicle.
• The taxi driver cannot refuse to serve you, unless you are under the influence of illegal drugs, if you are not focused and able to communicate or accompanied by a person who is.
• To assist you carry your luggage inside and outside the vehicle.
• If you request, the driver must provide an official invoice or receipt. The receipt should indicate the total amount, the license plates number of the vehicle, identification number of the taxi and the driver’s name.

Safety

• Passengers willing to hire a taxi must find a suitable spot to do so, in order when the taxi will stop in front of them, to be easy and safe to get them aboard without obstructing other cars and people  (eg:to avoid calling a taxi on speed near traffic lights, pedestrian crossings or bus stops, etc)
• Enter and leave always using the right door of the vehicle unless the driver himself to open the left door on his own initiative.
• Do not expect to get a cab while standing on the left side of the road and you should not complain if they do not stop for you for that reason.
• Always allow the driver to stop at the safest and unobstructed for the rest of circulating point near the desired address and do not complain if the driver has to drive along for a few meters for trying to be safe.
• Exit carefully from the taxi and only if it is fully stopped, while consulting the driver on whether it is safe to open the door to that time to avoid injury to passing pedestrians or conflict with bicycles or bikes who sometimes overtake stopped cars from the right side.