Taxis & Rideshare in Tangier - Grab, Uber & Local Taxis

## Taxis and Rideshare Options in Tangier Tangier relies primarily on traditional petit taxis (small taxis) and grand taxis (larger shared taxis) for local transportation. Petit taxis, painted light blue in Tangier, are metered vehicles that operate within city limits and can carry up to three passengers. You'll find them throughout the city, particularly near major hotels, the medina entrances, and transportation hubs like the port and train station. Always insist the driver uses the meter at the start of your journey, or agree on a fare beforehand for trips where meters might not be used. Grand taxis, typically Mercedes sedans, operate on fixed routes between cities and to suburban areas, departing when full with six passengers. For rideshare services, international apps like Uber are not widely available in Tangier, so visitors should rely on traditional taxi services. When choosing between taxi options, petit taxis work best for point-to-point trips within the city center, offering convenience and door-to-door service for exploring neighborhoods, restaurants, and attractions. Grand taxis are the practical choice for reaching destinations outside Tangier or traveling to nearby towns, though you'll share the ride with other passengers unless you pay for multiple seats. For comfort and privacy, you can negotiate with petit taxi drivers for longer trips or hourly rates, which is common for half-day tours to sites like Cap Spartel or the Caves of Hercules. Check current rates through your hotel concierge or local information, as fares vary by distance and time of day. Having your destination written in Arabic or French can help communicate with drivers who may not speak English.

{'tip': 'Always insist that the driver uses the meter (compteur) before starting your journey, as this is legally required in Tangier. If a driver refuses, politely decline and find another taxi.'}

{'tip': 'For airport transfers and longer trips, agree on the fare before departing or use ride-hailing apps like Careem or InDrive, which are available in Tangier and provide transparent pricing and driver tracking.'}

{'tip': 'Solo travelers should sit in the back seat and share their trip details or live location with a friend or family member, especially for evening journeys or trips to unfamiliar areas.'}

{'tip': 'Be aware that petit taxis (small blue taxis) can legally carry up to three passengers and operate within city limits, while grand taxis serve longer routes—knowing this distinction helps you identify legitimate services and avoid overcharging schemes.'}

Meter 'Broken' Scam: Drivers claim the meter is broken and quote inflated flat rates. Avoid by insisting on the meter before starting, or agree on a fare beforehand using local knowledge. If they refuse the meter, find another taxi.

Scenic Route Scam: Drivers take unnecessarily long routes to inflate the meter, especially from the port or airport. Avoid by having a general idea of the route using maps, or agree on an approximate fare before departure.

Currency Confusion: Drivers may quote prices in euros to tourists but give change as if you paid in dirhams, or claim confusion about the amount paid. Avoid by clarifying the currency and exact fare before paying, and have small dirham notes ready.