Thursday, December 11, 2008

Off-Base Taxis




You can get off-base taxis (they can only take you to off-base destinations) on base at the main gate taxi stand, in front of the Commissary/NEX (across from Starbucks), and if you call, from other places. They will ask you for a building number.

Taxis start at around ¥ 710 which gets you 2 kilometers and a few minutes. There is a ¥ 300 cost if you call for a taxi, and they have to drive to come get you. The good news is that you don't have to pay a tip. The meter is clearly displayed. They have a remote control on the door, and it will open and close automatically (it looks like a normal door). The new law is to buckle up while inside.

To use a taxi that can come on base, I am told you have to look for this CFAY sign on the front grill of the taxi. They bring you to main gate, you get out while the car is checked, and you continue on to your destination.

Many drivers only speak a little English, and some not at all. It is best if you have your address of where you're going in Japanese kanji, and just show them.

Credit cards are okay in some cars, and a sign will be posted カド OK (Ka-do Oh-Kay). If you have anything larger than a 5000 Yen note, show the driver before your drive and say OK? They'll let you know if they have change, and if it will be okay. Extra points if you say, "Die-JOE-boo?" Which is daijobu, or 'okay' in Japanese.

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