Is it safe to take taxis instead of local transportation in this countries?

Question

Caracas, Venezuela

Banrranquilla, Cartagena, Colombia

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Jose, Costa Rica

Panama City, Panama

Any suggestions are welcome

Answer 1

In Panama it is safe...They should not charge you more than 2.50 if you are going around the city..If you are going to the airport they might charge you around 25.00.

Answer 2

It's safe in Barranquilla(i've been there before) and probably Cartagena. But take it in the day, if you take it at night, stay in the city where there are a lot of people. You can also have a private taxi like presiosa said...good luck

Answer 3

In Colombia, take taxis by calling them, not in the street, any way, local transportation is safe

Answer 4

For Colombia, yes if you use marked cabs only.  Suggest you have hotels, restaurants, etc. call for your cab.

Answer 5

NO! NO!! NO!!! stay away from the taxis. They will most likely kill and rob you!!!

Answer 6

Caracas - get an official cab from a cab stand write down the # and call from your cell to tell someone the # and license plate.

Cartagena should be fine as long as the cab is official

San Juan also and Costa Rica too

I am not sure about Panama or Barranquilla

Answer 7

If you have connections, you should be fine.  Many people (hotel employees, etc) will have family members that own a taxi, and you can probably trust them if you can trust the person who reccommended it.

Answer 8

I would be weary of taking one at night. During the day it should be ok. If you are that concerned, you  can always hire a private driver for the day.