“(The voucher system) can fundamentally prevent inflated charges unlike the existing system in which tourists pay fares after arriving at their destinations,” a city official said. (image: KobizMedia/ Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, July 21 (Korea Bizwire) – The Seoul city government on Thursday said it has introduced a taxi voucher system in Hong Kong to help foreign visitors avoid being ripped off when taking taxis from Incheon International Airport to downtown Seoul.
To use the system, foreigners visiting the country purchase taxi vouchers in advance at a Hong Kong branch of South Korea’s tour agency Hana Tour after fixing their entry date, service hours and destination, and upon arrival, present them to the information center for international taxis at the airport’s arrival hall on the first floor.
The service is available only to international taxis, which the city has been operating since May 2009. At present, there are 367 such taxis whose drivers can speak English.
A taxi voucher from the system introduced by the Seoul city government on July 21, 2016, to help foreign visitors avoid being overcharged. (image: Yonhap)
“(The voucher system) can fundamentally prevent inflated charges unlike the existing system in which tourists pay fares after arriving at their destinations,” a city official said.
The city is considering introducing the system in Japan, Taiwan and China as well after observing it in Hong Kong, the official said.
Based on standard taxis, fares are 55,000 won (US$48.19) to destinations in the government-designated A section of Seoul, 65,000 won in the B section and 75,000 in the C section.
The A section covers the wards of Gangseo, Seodaemun and Yeongdeungpo; the B section includes Geuncheon, Yongsan, Jongno, Dongdaemun, Seocho; and the C section contains Gangnam, Gangdong and Nowon.
(Yonhap)
