How to Pay for a Taxi in Barcelona: Cash, Card, Apps and Receipts
You arrive at your destination, and the fare is displayed on the taxi counter. The next question is, how to pay? How to pay for a taxi in Barcelona? Many tourists get confused thinking about whether to pay in cash or with a card. Do I need to ask for a receipt? This article addresses all these questions. It explains how to pay for a taxi in Barcelona with cash card apps and even with a receipt.
Can You Pay With Cash?
Yes you can pay with cash. Taxi drivers must always keep at least 20 euros in coins, and you should always pay the fare in cash if possible. But not all taxi drivers in Barcelona keep more than 20 euros in coins. so it is a mistake to pay for a six-euro journey with a 50-euro note.Cash is always a good alternative if the driver does not have a working card machine.
Can You Pay With a Card?
Yes you can pay with a card. The local taxi authority states that you can always pay with a credit or debit card if the taxi has a card reader. Look for a card logo sticker on the taxi’s windscreen or door.
You can pay with a Visa or Mastercard but other cards may not be accepted. Ask the driver if they accept card payments on your journey. You can say“¿acepta tarjeta?” when asking. Read more about payment methods on the official Barcelona taxi website: official Barcelona taxi payment guidance.
What To Do If the Card Machine Doesn’t Work?
If the card machine breaks down, the driver will be at a disadvantage. This is a regular occurrence and there are certain measures that both parties should take when the card machine malfunctions:
- Ask the driver to attempt the payment again
- Try a different card or try paying with your phone
- Ask the driver if you can pay in cash
- Ask the driver for a receipt with the licence plate number for records
Never give up trying to pay with a card.
Paying With Your Phone
Many taxi drivers in Barcelona have a contactless card reader so you can pay with your mobile phone. You pay for a taxi in Barcelona with your phone by simply tapping it on the card reader.
Paying Through a Taxi App
You can pay for a taxi through a taxi app. The local taxi authority recommends that you check the payment methods available within the app. You select your desired payment method within the app, and some taxi apps allow you to pay directly within the app. The driver will advise you on the payment method that you should use. Always remember to save your reference or booking number as proof of payment.
Pre-Booked Taxis and Fixed Fares
If you have a pre-booked taxi with a fixed fare, paying for your journey is easy. You agree to a set price with your taxi driver and you do not need to worry about paying extra when you reach your destination.
They offers a pre-paid airport transfer to the city with a fare starting at 34 euros. You can always pay for this transfer in cash card bank transfer or online. You can pay for this transfer with Apple Pay or Google Pay. Read more about our pre-paid airport transfers to the city here: barcelona airport to city center transfer . Ask us about the preferred mode of payment when booking your transfer.
Should I Tip the Taxi Driver?
Tipping is not necessary in Barcelona, and many people choose to round up their fare for a good service. You can always tip a taxi driver in cash for helping you with your bags. You cannot always pay a tip using the card reader.
Why Should You Ask for a Receipt?
- Fare paid
- Journeys origin and destination
- Date of the journey
- Tax number of the licence holder
- Taxi licence number
- Vehicle registration number
You may need this information if you need to complain about the taxi driver or claim an expense. You may need the receipt to identify your belongings if they were accidentally left in the taxi. The receipt serves as proof of your journey and the taxi driver’s details.
Check the Meter and Fare
This way you can verify that your fare is not tampered with. The taxi fare starts from 2.8 euros for the first day and an additional 1.35 euros for every kilometre driven. The night fare starts from 1.66 euros for every kilometre driven. Airport taxi fares in Barcelona come with an additional fee of 4.6 euros.
The taxi fare is printed on a sticker in the back window of the taxi. You can use it to cross-check your fare on the meter. You should always question a taxi driver about his fare if you think it is incorrect.
Paying for a Taxi at the Airport
Taxi fares at the airport are higher than regular taxi fares. Fares include an airport surcharge on top of the distance travelled. The minimum fare for a taxi ride from the airport is 21 euros.
Most airport taxis in Barcelona accept card payments. It is always advisable to bring some small change as a backup in case the taxi driver’s card reader fails.
Common Payment Mistakes to Avoid
Always avoid the following mistakes when paying for a taxi in Barcelona:
- Failing to ask about card payments
- Only carrying large notes
- Not asking for a receipt
- Not checking the fare on the meter
- Only carrying one card
Why Choose Go BCN Taxi?
Go BCN Taxi offers you a transparent and easy way to pay for your taxi journeys. Get official receipts for your business expenses. Keep your business travel records up to date. Our drivers monitor your flight details so that your airport transfers are always on time. We accept multiple modes of payments for your convenience. Learn more about our private transfer Barcelona services in Barcelona here: private transfer Barcelona .
Our private transfer services operate round the clock every day of the year.
For more information, explore our Barcelona taxi payment options.
FAQs
Do taxis in Barcelona take cards?
Taxis take cards if there is a sticker on the front windshield.
Do I need cash in Barcelona?
It is advisable to carry some cash in case of emergency.
Do I need to ask for a receipt in a taxi in Barcelona?
Yes you should ask for a receipt in a taxi in Barcelona.
Conclusion
How to pay for a taxi in Barcelona? Paying for a taxi in Barcelona is easy.Go BCN Taxi makes paying for a taxi easy. We offer you a transparent and easy way to pay for your taxi journeys. You can always pay for your taxi ride with cash if the driver’s card reader fails. You can ask for a receipt to claim your expenses.
Contact Us
Name: Go BCN Taxi
Phone and WhatsApp: +34 600 54 22 29