There are more than two dozen taxi companies in Jakarta and I’ve only managed to experience taking about ten. Despite my preference for public transport, initial concerns about the unfamiliarity of the streets of Jakarta have prompted recommendations by others to take taxi transportation for the initial stay in Jakarta; I recommend the same thing as well if you are unfamiliar with the streets and do not speak the language. Travel by taxi is relatively cheap (compared to developed countries like Singapore or the United States) and occasionally even fast depending on traffic conditions.

All the taxis in Jakarta are run by private companies very much the same way as Singapore, therefore the fleet of taxis vary in colours, fares and vehicle models. Taxis are recognizable by their colors, and here’s a short description of some of the various operators I’ve tried in terms of preference.

1. Blue bird (most recommended)
2. TaxiKU (relatively reliable)
3. MegaKosti (aka. Kosti Jaya)
4. Express (very common)
5. CipaGanti (very distinctive paintwork)
6. Indah Family (cheap tariff bawah-type taxi)
7. Gamya (cheap tariff bawah-type taxi)
8. Putra (cheap tariff bawah-type taxi)
9. TransCab
10. Transtaxi
11. Royal City
12. Silver bird (excellent but really really expensive)
13. Eksekutif (avoid)
14. Dian Taxi (avoid)
15. Koperasi (avoid)
There are at least ten more other taxi providers that I’ve not personally tried. But the taxis mentioned above are more than abundant on the streets for your transportation needs.

The Queen of Jakarta’s taxis are the shiny black Silver Birds, the most reliable is the Blue Bird (Blue), CipaGanti (very ostentatious red/orange tourist-landmark paintjob), Kosti Jaya (purple/blue), TaxiKU (yellow), Indah Family (Navy blue), Express (white-colored with a stylized 'E' letter in its yellow taxi light), Gamya (pale green), Kopersasi taxi (green with orange top), Dian taxi (white with blue longitudinal stripe), Eksekutif (white), Metropolitan (white), Gading (Silver) Putra (Navy Blue), transtaxi (yellow), Transcab (bright orange colour with a TV screen for passengers).

The Silver Bird (belongs to the Blue Bird Group) is the cream of the crop of Jakarta's taxi companies; operating executive Mercedez E- and C-class cars a Toyota Vellfire and have designated taxi stands almost located at all luxury hotels, the airport and upscale shopping malls. The drivers are experienced and able to converse in English. Silver bird charges an expensive premium, but you can be assured of the comfort and quality of service. Silver Bird Taxi also has at most, high-end apartments and other properties.

For most of us regular commuters or visitors though, the most reliable and recommended of all taxis is the Blue Bird group, known for their reliability, friendliness, telephone order service and the drivers always use their meter. The Blue Bird group also runs sister taxi fleets: the Silver Bird, Morante, Cendrawasih and Pusaka taxis and taxis are the Toyota Vios sedans. Blue Bird Taxi ranks can be found at major 3-4 star hotels, most shopping malls, large hospitals, train stations, and corporate buildings.

Besides Blue Bird, Kosti Jaya (Mega Kosti), Cipa Ganti and Express are possible alternatives, though you should be able to give simple directions to your driver. Express taxis are very abundant in the West, and have not given me any cause for complaint as yet, have been relatively uneventful although the drivers can be a little curt at times.

Fares (“Ongkos”) or Tariffs

Normal flag-down tariffs start at 5000rp - 6,000 Rp depending on which taxi you get on. The standard flag-fall rate for Blue Bird is Rp 6000, and Rp.3000 per km after the first 2 km. Taxis marked “Tariff Bawah” are typically Rp 5000 for flag-fall.

Don't expect taxi drivers to be able to give change for large bills; carry enough small denomination rupiah notes (Rp 5,000, 1,000 and 500) to pay the fare. Tipping is not necessary but rounding the meter up to the nearest Rp 1,000 is expected, so prepare some change, or else you may be rounded up to the nearest Rp 5,000.

You can generally determine a good cabbie by asking "argo" ("meter") before you get into the taxi, if they say no or "gak" and will generally ask you where you want to go and quote a flat price; get another taxi. There are many taxis parked near train/bus stations, tourist attractions, and hotels that often refuse to use the meter and quote exorbitant prices (especially for tourists) - in this case avoid the taxi and hail a Blue Bird taxi, otherwise walk a short distance to the main road to hail one, there are abundant taxis on the streets of Jakarta.

The more expensive Silver Bird Mercedes C- or E-class taxis and the Toyota Vellfire. The meter charges are much more expensive than regular taxis, the flag fall rate for the first 2km is Rp.9,000 with Rp.550 for every subsequent 100 meters or 12,000rp and 5,500rp per-kilometer with a waiting fare of about Rp. 60.000/hour.

Beware that some of the less reputable taxi operators may use a rigged meter. If using one of these less reputable taxis you may end up paying significantly more than when using one from the more reliable Blue Bird taxis. If you have no idea how much the taxi fare to your destination should be, it is better to stick to the companies mentioned above, even the locals do this, or just use a Blue Bird.

If you are sufficiently familiar with the streets, a cheaper option is to take a “TARIF BAWAH” (low tariff) taxi, although some Tarif Bawah taxis also often engage in determined efforts to overcharge. Budget taxis can be identified by a 'Tarif Bawah' on their windscreen or stickers on the taxi body. Be wary when taking these taxis though, there are cases where the meter is rigged, and drivers circling in circles to raise the fare and even cases of concerted robberies and taxi crime, mostly by those using this type of taxi, although of course this can happen with any taxi company.

Avoid using the smaller taxi companies especially if you are alone, and try to know the vague route - the driver might well take you a roundabout route to avoid traffic, but you will know the general direction. Stating your direction clearly and confidently usually pre-empts any temptation to coerce more money out of you or attempts at lengthening the ride. It is also not uncommon for taxi drivers not knowing their way around and may be relying on you to direct them; you should the way before you get in.

I have had pleasant uneventful experiences with TaxiKU and Putra taxis (dark blue) and are regarded as a reasonable “tariff bawah” taxis, although the taxis are older and not of a comparable standard to Blue Bird, the drivers have often been polite and helpful, even engaging in short conversations.

Imitations

The only recommended taxi provider for tourists and all travelers is the 'Blue Bird Taxi Group' (please look carefully at the sticker bearing the same name on the windscreen). Don't recognize the taxi by its color (baby blue) as Blue Bird's reputation has spawned many deceptive imitators on the streets, so just because it's blue doesn't mean it's safe, these taxis are painted blue to fool would-be passengers or tourists into believing they are boarding the actual Blue Bird Group. Check the following before you get in: make sure that the door and roof logo is either the Blue Bird or the Pusaka "flying egg", the windshield says "Blue Bird Group", the driver is in uniform and headrests have Blue Bird logos.

Other taxis that I feel relatively safe in are TaxiKU, MegaKosti (aka. Kosti Jaya), Express, CipaGanti and TransCab. I have to say that many of the others are not to be recommended unless you are in a rush or there is no other alternative available.

Taxi operators to avoid completely: According to reputation on the streets, President taxis (yellow and red) have had a reputation for illegally speeding up their meters, reckless driving and dilapidated taxis. Pe Taxi (metallic blue colour with italic 'Pe Taxi' font on the doorside) and Koperasi Taxi (orange and lime green colour) have had complains.

Personally, a driver from Eksekutif once tried to swindle me with a flat rate and I’ve experienced being driven in circles in a Dian taxi as well as a rigged meter on a blue-bird look-alike imitation.

Hailing a taxi on the street

The streets are abundant with taxis, and they will flash their headlamps or politely honk if you are walking along the sidewalk, indicating that they are empty. It’s faster to flag a taxi off the street than to call the company for one, also determine which taxi company has its “pool” closest to your point of departure. You'll probably get a taxi much quicker from them.

For example, Bluebird has pools at most upscale malls such as Grand Indonesia, Plaza Indonesia and Kelapa Gading Mall (not restricted to these places), TaxiKU has a pool at ITC Cempaka Mas whilst MegaKosti has a pool at Wisma Gading Purmai.
Try to spot a taxi from a well known and reliable taxi company. Don't judge a taxi only by its color. There are now up to 10 or more companies now using blue-colored cars. Look for the company name on the side of the vehicle and the crown light. Depending on the taxi, at the wave of your hand a taxi driver may flash his lights, slam on the brakes or stop dead in the middle of the road to pick you up. More professional ones like Express or Blue Bird stop in a gentle polite manner.

Precautions

One common fear of travellers is not being able to converse in Bahasa Indonesia their destination, it is always a good idea to write down the address on a piece of paper or use the taxi's radio operator to translate to your driver as the radio operators usually speak fair English. It’s also a good idea to know where you destination is near so as to give a vague idea where your driver can head to. Obviously the long term solution to this problem is to learn Bahasa Indonesia and familiarize yourself with the intended destination and its surrounding landmarks or waypoints.

When you get into the taxi, always make note of the taxi firm and the code number displayed on the dashboard or passenger doors. Check the driver's name, ID and photograph on the dashboard. You would need this information to report problems to the taxi company. In professional taxi companies, the drivers should be well-mannered, with short hair, and wear a uniform. If the driver tries to bargain, instead of using the meter or claims his meter is broken, find another taxi.

There should be a taxi I.D on the dashboard, which contains the taxi's I.D and the driver's I.D, complete with the picture. Match the picture with the driver. IF they don't match get out. If you do speak Indonesian, chat with the driver a bit so he knows you are not a newcomer and know your way around. Upon entering, lock all the doors. NEVER allow the taxi driver to stop and pick up other passengers or even talk to his 'friends' along the side of the street. Taxi robberies have occurred the driver stopped the car to talk to “friends” that he is in cahoots with, and the passenger gets rob, along with the driver as a “victim”.

They may think all foreigners are unsuspecting, unknowing newcomers and are much less likely to try to rob someone who can demonstrate that they know their way around. During the drive, pay attention to where the driver takes you.

If you notice that your driver's “argo” (meter) has crazy, just get out and get another taxi, I experienced this twice. This will be hard to recognize, if you’re going to a destination you've never been to before. But if you're familiar with the fare, don't be afraid to challenge the driver about the inflated reading.

Occasionally taxi drivers might ask you to pay a set amount for the trip, “borongan” or “wholesale”, instead of using the meter. You don't have to do this. If they insist, just get out and find another taxi. If the driver is driving too fast, don't hesitate to tell the driver that you want him to slow down “Pelan-pelan saja Pak”, but in most of the cases where I had to take a taxi I ended up telling the driver to rush instead!
Blue Bird taxis are really polite and the driver will try to do whatever you ask of them, in this case, the driver managed to send me to my destination in a hair-raising, seat-clenching journey that halved the time it would have normally taken. I was very grateful and tipped him anyway, even when he tried to return my change.

Calling for a taxi

Calling for a taxi ensures safe travels, especially at night. It is convenient to order by phone as you can wait in your home until the taxi arrives. You need you to pay the minimum payment (if the fare on the meter is less than the minimum amount) if you call for a taxi. Also, the passenger is responsible for any toll road charges. If the company has a computerized data base, like Blue Bird does, repeat customers just give their phone number and all your location information will show up from the database. Thus, you won't have to repeat your address each time you order a taxi.

Blue Bird Taxi (blue cab) 021-79171234
Silver Bird Taxi (black cab, premium taxi) 021-7981234
Express Taxi (white cab) 021-26509000

Taking a taxi at a taxi stand

Be cautious when taking a taxi from a taxi queue, especially at the airport, Gambir train station or bus terminals. Usually these taxis try to bargain for a rate and will refuse to go short distances. Always insist on using the meter and if the driver refuses, choose another taxi. If you bargain you may end up paying many times the metered rate. Don't give tips to people who try to act as brokers for the taxi drivers. You can find Blue Bird Group taxis at all major four and five-star hotels in Jakarta. If you can't find a taxi on the street go to a nearby hotel.
Taking a taxi from the airport

Upon exiting the airport, you could be swarmed by brokers or scores of “helpful” men acting as brokers or porters to assist you with your luggage or transportation needs. These brokers are unlicensed and illegal and often ask for exorbitant remuneration once they’ve carried your bags out to the road. It is unwise to accept transportation or assistance from brokers or “porters” who approach you offering to drive you into town. These are illegal transportation operators and your safety is not guaranteed

Aside from the public taxi stands, the companies licensed to operate transportation services at the airport have counters/booths inside the arrival terminals (such as Blue Bird Group, Avis and Hertz). Their representatives wear uniforms with an ID.
Again, beware, as many taxis will refuse to use the meter or invent other charges, (there is airport tax and area taxes depending on the area you are travelling to, as well as toll charges), but you will be given a proper card and receipt (at the toll), with the appropriate charges described on it.

If you feel apprehensive about this and if you don't feel safe, don’t bother getting in. There will always be another cab (unless it's midnight or you're in a remote part of the city). Likewise, if you're sensitive enough, and feel something amiss, get out and find another taxi because your life might depend on it.

Culture of Taxis

Cabbies generally know if you are a local the moment you enter the taxi, and occasionally cabbies will try to talk to you and test you to see how much bahasa Indonesia you know. You'll hear them say something like: “Bisa nomong bahasa Indonesia?”, “asal di mana?”, he's actually trying to find out long you've been here, and if you haven't been here very long, he could drive you around in circles before getting to your destination. It seems like he's being friendly and making conversation, but watch out first make sure you know the most direct way to your destination and then you tell the driver which way to go.

As mentioned, it’s always a good idea to learn your route before you go so you can see if the driver is turning off it consistently. At the very least learn to say your address in Bahasa Indonesia, including any major thoroughfares and local landmarks near your destination to help the driver if its a bit out of the way.

If your fledging bahasa is sufficiently conversant, taking a taxi in Jakarta can be a cultural experience. The drivers can be the source of lots of helpful information about the streets of Jakarta and drivers are actually very opinionated regarding current affairs and events, and you'll get some very interesting responses and these conversations offer unique insights into the feelings of the local masses regarding social issues.

Taxi drivers also know the greatest short cuts, If you show that you are not overly ignorant regarding your destination and are friendly enough to engage in short conversations with the driver, occasionally you'll learn invaluable new routes past traffic-prone areas. If you find a great taxi driver, you can often make an arrangement for him to pick you up on a regular basis, “langganan”, or ask for him by name when you call in for a taxi.




Express taxis

TransCab taxis have TV screens inside, mimicking airline services and are trying to improve their professional image by providing receipts at the end of the journey.


A TaxiKU taxi provides free toll for journeys heading to the CGK airport.




A blue-bird sister taxi, a Pusaka.


On the left is a Blue-Bird imitator (note the similarities with a real Blue-Bird taxi above), and on the right is a cheap “tariff bawah” taxi, the Putra.