I decided to go for it and I rode the bus home yesterday from work. It’s great and definitely the way to travel! Why? I will tell you why - there is no consistency in the prices of taxis. I was told you can bargain with the taxis, but that is with one caveat…that you speak Spanish pretty well.
The first day, I was not confident in the commute yet so I decided to take a taxi. I was told to expect about 50 pesos (a little less than $2) but when I got there it was 150 pesos (over $6). While I know this is not right, I did not have the skills to negotiate. I paid it and regretted it immediately. This morning, I overslept and was too late to wait for the bus…on a side note, one might wonder how this can happen since I’m in a culture that starts work no earlier than 9:00am, but what can I say?!?…I’m acclimating, especially to the work hours! Anyway, so this morning, I hopped in a taxi, told them “Voy a la Plaza de Independencia. Esta 50 pesos?” He said no, it was 90 pesos…I tried a little bit to say 70? 80? I lost. I paid 88 pesos (about $3.50). Better than yesterday, but I still have work to do. My lesson learned…wake up early enough to take the bus. It costs $15.50 pesos each way ($.65).
So what is the bus like? It is very good and easy to use. The loop that I use is easy so I am definitely grateful for that. I got a little lost finding the bus stop, but the little Spanish I know did get me around the block to the appropriate bus stop. I was so proud! As expected, given the crazy driving, they do not slow down much for passengers to get on and off, so one piece of advice - just go for it or they’ll leave you behind! One interesting thing is that there are two people working on the bus…one to drive and one to take the money. Another lesson learned…I got on the bus and immediately tried to pay the driver. He looked at me like I was loco, so I sat down. Then an older man sitting down looked at me and reached out his hand for money. Ahhh…that makes sense. So, that was that. I met another very nice woman on the bus and she pointed out all the sights, gave me tips and helped me with other bus routes.
Tomorrow, I will need to wake up early and get to the bus so that I do not have to worry about bargaining for a good price with the taxi driver!
Posted on October 4th, 2007 by katiejocannon
Filed under: Language, Transportation, Travel, Uruguay
Somehow, I just know you’ll be a pro at negotiating at the end of the ten weeks!
I am going to try!