Is There Uber in Playa del Carmen? All You Need to Know
Is there Uber in Playa del Carmen? It may not be easy to get a taxi in Playa del Carmen due to the complexity of the process. We have compiled a short guide with tips to help you take a Playa del Carmen taxi.
Can You Use Uber in Playa del Carmen?
Uber is unfortunately not available in Playa del Carmen. This article will give you alternative options to get around. We’ll concentrate on the best alternatives to Uber for this specific route since many people want to take it from Cancun. Private shuttles are the fastest, most convenient, and safest travel method.
If you do not speak Spanish, I recommend taking the private shuttle from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen. A round-trip from Cancun Airport in Playa del Carmen costs only $110. The driver can speak English. It is important to note that there are no Lyfts or Ubers in Playa del Carmen. There are still other options for transportation when visiting this destination in Mexico.
Meet WhatsApp Taxi Because Uber Is Not Available
Taxi unions (taxi mafia) in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and other Caribbean destinations are working together to develop alternative solutions for ridesharing services such as UBER. UBER is currently not available in the area. It is up to debate whether UBER’s flexibility is good or bad and if it will hurt the earnings potential of those who spend a lot on permits and fees to transport passengers.
Uber Is Not Available At The Moment
You can also contact reliable taxi drivers using Whatsapp Taxis Playa del Carmen. The group of taxi drivers is a group that aims to make their clients’ lives easier. They can be reached via their mobile phones. Whatsapp taxi will charge you only 10 pesos more than the normal price.
Do you want to know the advantages? You can arrange for a pickup at your door without negotiating the price. Send a message to, and you will receive confirmation of their 24-hour service.
Moving Taxis Or Stationed Taxis in Plazas?
In a big city such as Mexico City, where there are many unlicensed taxis, it is best to use a taxi from a taxi stand. There have been no reports of fake taxis in Playa del Carmen.
Clarify that the main benefit of these cabs is their convenient locations near places like 5th Avenue and the supermarket, which is helpful if you want assistance with bags or a break from walking. There are also some disadvantages.
You can expect to pay about 5 pesos extra if you use this service instead of hailing a taxi from the street. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preferences and what is best for you.
Know the Cost And The Exchange Rate
It can be challenging to navigate a foreign place, especially if your Spanish is not fluent. The taxi rates in Playa del Carmen are fixed by law, and drivers cannot charge more.
Taxi drivers are well aware that a few dishonest ones exploit their passengers. It is not just a Mexican problem; this happens in other tourist destinations worldwide, including Rome and New York City. Most taxi drivers are hardworking and honest workers who want to earn a living.
There are bad actors in every location. It is therefore important to pay the correct amount.
Follow this rule of thumb to simplify things.
- Taxis in the downtown area of Playa del Carmen or west of Highway 1, including Ejido, Plaza Las Americas, and Ejido, should not be charging more than 35 pesos.
- Taxi rides from downtown to Xcalacocos and Playacar cost about 65 pesos each.
- The expected fare between Playacar and Xcalacocos is 85 pesos (5 USD).
Taxis are available from the center of Playa del Carmen, which will take you to Xcaret, Akumal, or Cancun International Airport. Weekend and night trips are not subject to additional charges. Taxi fares can vary depending on the Playa del Carmen hotel. Please ask the reception staff for the taxi tariff if you are unsure.
The taxi rates should be posted at the entrance of the resort lobby when staying in an all-inclusive hotel. Check the taxi rates before you get in. Rates to Playa del Carmen and back should be identical.
Be aware of the current exchange rate, which is about 18 to 1. A taxi ride in the Playa del Carmen downtown area shouldn’t cost more than $2.
Should You Haggle Or Not With Driver?
It’s best to bargain with the taxi driver before you get in the car when you are about to take a taxi in Playa del Carmen. It’s best to negotiate before getting in the car, even though some may think it shows you are a tourist. This will help avoid surprises or situations where your destination charges you more than expected. Others advise not to bargain, while others suggest negotiating with the driver before you get in the taxi.
You can also ask another taxi driver to help you if you feel the first driver is overcharging you.
Should You Tip Or Not To Driver?
Taxi drivers are not expected to be tipped in Mexico, particularly if you are not tourists. Tipping is appropriate if the driver does an excellent job, helping you with your luggage or returning a misplaced item. It’s best not to tip those who depend on the income to avoid higher taxi fares.
If you are unsure how much to tip in Mexico, the standard is 10-15%. If you are treated exceptionally well, it may be worth giving a higher tip.