You know that feeling of being at home about to leave and realizing that if you don't get a taxi at that precise moment, you'll be late for that important appointment? It's happened to me a thousand times! In a city as dynamic as Vigo, sometimes improvisation plays tricks on us. From ElTaxi 033 we want to share with you some very human and practical tips (of those that we use in our day to day) to call a taxi in Vigo without stress and, above all, without being late anywhere.
Anticipate a little and forget about stress
One of the great lessons we have learned after years behind the wheel is that the best way to be on time is to anticipate a little bit. Yes, I know, it sounds cliché, but I assure you it works. For example, if you know you have to be at the Urzaiz train station at 9:00, try to call your taxi ten minutes earlier than you think is necessary. It is better to wait calmly at your destination than to run like crazy through the streets of Vigo.
In ElTaxi 033, we get calls from people who need a car "for now" and, although we always do our best to arrive quickly, Vigo also has its rush hours. Besides, I confess that, with so much experience, we have seen everything: unexpected traffic jams in Gran Vía, works in García Barbón that delay traffic... Even a couple of demonstrations in the center! So, if you can, call or book your taxi with a small margin of time. Your future self will thank you.
Know the "peaks" of demand and avoid endless queues
Vigo is a lively city, where people go from one place to another at any time. However, there are certain times of the day when the demand taxis skyrockets and it's good to keep them on your radar. On weekdays, for example, you'll notice that from 7:00 to 9:30 in the morning there are a lot of people leaving for work or taking their kids to school. That's the time when everyone seems to get up at the same time.
At noon, between 13:30 and 15:00, there is another wave of calls. Why? Well, because half the city is returning from work to eat at home or, simply, moving to a restaurant. And in the evening, from 18:00 to 20:30, something similar happens. Do you know the moment when you leave the office and you notice that there is traffic even in the most hidden street? That's normal.
Practical tip: If you know in advance that you are going to move in these rush hours, book your taxi a little bit earlier. Hailing a taxi in Vigo outside these peaks can save you waiting and, above all, nerves.
Use clear reference points
Something that really makes a difference when ordering a taxi in Vigo is to indicate pick-up points that are easy for both of us to recognize. It sounds silly, but you'd be surprised how many times we've been called to say: "I'm over here, near a bench and a big tree...". Seriously, no kidding with that!
So my advice is to think of highly visible places: a famous coffee shop, the Plaza de América, the Corte Inglés, a very characteristic traffic light or even the bus stop on a well-known street. We, as cab drivers, are infinitely grateful if you give us references that we can identify without giving a thousand turns. This way we pick you up faster and you gain peace of mind.
Take advantage of technology: apps and online bookings
We know that many of you like immediacy, so blessed taxi apps! Nowadays there are plenty of options to order a taxi in Vigo at the click of a button. You can see how long it will take your driver to arrive, the route he will take and even the estimated fare.
In ElTaxi 033, for example, we have a very agile telephone booking service, where you call and in a jiffy we assign you a taxi that goes to your address. Sometimes, if we are busy and there is a lot of demand, we tell you a realistic ETA so you know exactly when to get out on the street. No more standing on the curb with a "will it get there or won't it?
Be flexible with the route and listen to the cab driver.
Sometimes we encounter customers who insist on a particular route, perhaps thinking that it is the fastest. And, sometimes, it may be. But, believe me, when a cab driver suggests a different route, it is not on a whim. After hundreds of laps through the streets of Vigo, our drivers know every shortcut, every inopportune traffic light and every stretch of road under construction.
So, if we recommend a detour to avoid a traffic jam in Plaza de España, trust us. In the end, if the goal is to always arrive on time, it's better to save yourself a 15-minute traffic jam than to stick to the "official" route without questioning it.
Sharing is living... and saving
How many times do we see groups of friends willing to go to the same place but each one in his own car! It is much more practical (and eco-friendly) to share a taxi in Vigo when you have the same destination or nearby places. In addition to saving money, you will be reducing the number of vehicles in circulation and, incidentally, setting up a little party on the way.
Imagine that a few of you get together to go to Balaídos to watch a Celta match. If you divide the fare, you will get a very good price. And the same to return home after a concert in Castrelos or a night out in Churruca. So, instead of a solitary trip, you share the experience and make it much more fun.
The secret is to choose a reliable service
At the end of the day, the great trick to get a taxi in Vigo and not go crazy is to bet on a service that prioritizes your comfort and punctuality. We, at ElTaxi 033, like to think that we are more than just a taxi: we are your travel allies. We work so that you arrive on time to the university, to work, to a medical appointment or to have that drink you have earned so much after a hard day.
Local and friendly drivers: Being from the area, we know every corner. If you have doubts about a place, just ask us.
Modern and safe vehicles: We want you to be comfortable and confident that your trip will be smooth.
Close attention: If a problem arises, don't hesitate to call us. We know that sometimes life gets complicated.
When you need to call a taxi in VigoJust think about these simple tricks: be ahead of time, avoid rush hours, use clear references, be flexible with the route, share a ride if it suits you... and, of course, trust those who know the city like the back of their hands. At ElTaxi 033, we are waiting for you with the doors open and the engine running. Let nothing stop you from getting where you want to go on time!
