So, i'm going to london next week. what i wanna know is how much it costs per mile for a taxi ride in $?

Question

don't wanna be ripped off

Answer 1

Only take Black Cabs when you are a tourist.

Black cabs are normally honest. You will see on the meter how much it is going to cost you.

Some black cabs will go a longer route to get more money but hopefully that won't happen.  

Answer 2

There are two types of taxi  (3 if you count the ones you Really Don't Want):

Black Cabs - these are distinctive looking vehicles which have a 'hackney cab' licence.  They each have a number.  They probably have a light on saying 'for hire' or not for hire.  These are legally allowed to cruise around picking up passengers from the pavement or from taxi ranks.  They are relatively expensive, but safe and reliable.

Mini cabs - (legal ones).  You have to telephone for these, as they are not legally allowed to cruise around picking up fares from the pavement.  You can get the numbers from the cards they leave in reception at hotels, restaurants etc, and other adverts.  They are normally a lot less expensive than the black cabs, but you get what you pay for, and you are paying less.

MINI CABS - ILLEGAL :   These are unlicensed mini cabs who drive up to cab ranks where there are people waiting but no cabs, and take the unsuspecting for a ride.  You will be ripped off, and this is not safe.

Here is the 'Hackney Carriage' fare table -

Starting Rate:

Week Day - £3.00

Sunday Day- £4.00

This is for the first 1,320 yards or 4 mins

Night - £4.10

This is for the first 1,320 yards or 3 mins 20 seconds

Continuing charges:

Day:

30p for each additional 206 yds or 36 secs up to 6 miles and thereafter, 30p for each 165 yds or 29 secs.

Night:

30p for each additional 226 yds or 36 secs up to 6 miles and thereafter, 30p for each 193 yds or 29 secs.

(Certain occasions, like public holidays, it is more.)

My tip - get a day pass for the buses or a multi journey ticket of some sort for the underground or both.