Comments on: Going local with Buenos Aires taxi drivers

By: Vicky Baker

Vicky Baker — Fri, 01 May 2009 22:30:00 +0000

Thanks Lara. You're dead right. Layne has had a few less-than-brilliant finds. She typically blogs on these too, which is good to see. She admits it's not a recipe for constant success.

We did come across two drivers that simply didn't get it. Luckily, Layne has done so many of these trips that she sometimes recognises the dud names, and she's happy to get and move on if things aren't right.

In one case, we drove around the block with a driver before deciding things weren't working. With another we had a chat through the window and, from the stern responses, knew things wouldn't be a goer. Although, of course, sometimes even the most lovely, obliging personalities could unintentionally lead you up the garden path.

You're right to flag this up and to warn people not to have too high expectations.

By: Lara Dunston

Lara Dunston — Fri, 01 May 2009 09:02:00 +0000

Love your story and love the concept – in theory. But like anything, you have to trust the person giving the advice, right?

I know a lot of travellers who travel this way – one friend, Greg, a Canadian who has lived in the Middle East for a decade, does this often.

Another friend, Nick, a Greek-Australian, used to always brag to us that this was how he travelled. We spent a summer with them in Greece once, first in Athens and then in Nick’s family village on Rodos. One night in Athens, to prove to us how well his theory worked, we tried it. First up, we were taken to an overpriced and very touristy seafood place. After protesting, he drove us to a roadside pitstop one hour out of Athens – his favorite restaurant – where we were served extraordinarily average food in an empty restaurant with no atmosphere, and then had to try and find a taxi to take us all the way back to Athens. Sure the food was cheap, but we spent twice as much on taxis and apart from being able to joke about the experience, had a hideous night.

I try to chat to the driver first and gauge the kind of person he (rarely, she) is before seeking their advice. I do love the idea in theory though – and loved your story!

By: Vicky Baker

Vicky Baker — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:52:00 +0000

Hey! Great! Without doubt, the most interesting and entertaining taxi rides I’ve ever had have been in BA. I’ve had some great ones from the airport too (although perhaps not as good as yours – that story is simply brilliant!). The first time I came here the taxi driver gave a running commentary – like an impromptu city tour – only breaking every to a) make some wry observation on local politics or b) sing The Beatles. Quality.

Thanks for your comment.

By: Ricolas

Ricolas — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 10:22:00 +0000

Really enjoyed this article, and felt I had to comment.

It really brought back some memories. The Buenos Aries taxi drivers are brilliant. I turned up at the airport with two friends years ago with absolutely no plan of action whatsoever, other than to catch a flight back from Santiago three weeks later.

We found an ace taxi driver who took us under his wing, found us a cracking little hotel, places to eat that were excellent and generally made sure the three of us idiots were ok.

Still have a picture of him with the three of us somewhere.