This is just a cautionary tale. In no way am I stating that the people of Kuala Lumpur or even Malaysia are nice friendly people.
I arranged with hotel staff to have a taxi pick me up from the airport at 3 AM for my very early morning departure flight. When I arrived in the lobby I was informed that the cost would be 3x the typical price. How do I know this? Well, the receptionist already told me the average price and I have been travelling via taxi during my stay there already.
Now, I understand that I am privileged in a way that I never to wonder where I am going to get my next meal, or how I will pay my bills. In a time when tourism is dire, people will have to get funds the best way they see fit.
Back to the lobby!
Mr. Taxi Man conveniently told me ahead of time that the price would be X amount. I asked him if that was typical, I was trying to be as non-confrontational as possible since I was on a solo female travel adventure.
I decided not to press the point and proceeded to get in the taxi.
It Gets Worse!
Even though I was annoyed about have to pay a premium price, to say the least, I still made small talk.
He asked me where else I have travelled during my solo adventure. I mentioned I just came from Bali but was surprised that the monkeys weren’t friendly and pretty much aggressive.
It was at that point that he said “oh they weren’t friendly to you…but they are your people.” I was speechless to say the least. So now, I am in a taxi that is robbing me blind and also a racist. Again, I let that pass as my only option would be to walk to the airport.
When we finally arrive to the airport he proceeded to wait for a tip, as if he didn’t already charge me for an extremely high ride.
Lesson Learned!
What I learned from this experience and use from now on, when commuting long distance it is better to hire a private ground transportation company with a prepaid set price so that you are not subject price that is just made up.
