Why are there no taxis in Italy?

Part of the problem lies with the taxi licence system. Italian taxis are legally considered a means of public transport: they're regulated by a law originally approved in 1992 which, among other things, provides that only licensed professionals can work as taxi drivers.



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In bigger cities, you will find plenty of taxis. Sometimes, it is necessary to take a taxi - especially if you have lots of luggage or had a long day of walking. The bigger cities in Italy (Rome, Naples, Milan, and Turin) use a taxi app called FreeNow. It works similarly to any other rideshare app.

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Unionized taxi drivers plan to hold a nationwide strike Oct. 10 against new legislation, which they claim may result in unfair competition and impact drivers' livelihoods. The USB-TAXI, ORSA-TAXI, and FAST-TAXI-CONFSAL unions will lead the work stoppage.

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Like other countries in Europe, Italy in 2015 blocked the use of the Uber service that relied on drivers without commercial licences following legal challenges by taxi associations.

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Most taxi drivers will speak enough English to get by, but if you want to brush up on your Italian, here are a few useful phrases: Devo andare all'aeroporto di Fiumicino: I have to go to Fiumicino Airport. Swap out the last bit according to your destination; e.g. devo andare alla stazione centrale.

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If you ask locals “Do you tip in Italy?”, they'll explain that while they sometimes leave a small tip, it's generally not necessary. In Italy, gratuity (or una mancia, pronounced oo-nah MAN-chah) is considered a bonus for exceptional service. And it's not often that you'll find a tip jar at a register.

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Why is Uber and Lyft illegal in Italy? It's mainly about protecting taxi drivers and consumers. To drive a cab in Italy, you need to be licensed and you have to stick to some rules. Uber drivers and Lyft drivers are not required to get licensed and they end up in competing with cab drivers.

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If the taxi rates are compared to those in Madrid, they are slightly higher and the minimum fare is also higher. However, if compared to Florence and Amsterdam, the prices in Rome are slightly lower. Based on the official taxi rates, an average journey in the centre of Rome should cost between 6 and 8 euros.

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Cab drivers in Italy never expect a tip, so if you give one to them, they may be surprised. If you're using a car service like Uber or Free Now (formerly myTaxi), tipping is also not required. But if any driver goes out of his or her way to assist you, it's OK to give a small tip.

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To call a taxi in Milan, you need to dial 024040 or 026767 and request the taxi from the operator according to your needs and requirements.

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FREE NOW - Europe's best multi mobility app. One app to book eBikes, eScooters, taxis, and private cars. Available in 100+ cities. FREENOW.

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Is Uber in Italy? Yes, you can Uber in Italy, but it's not the same. It's available in Rome and Milan. However, only Uber Black is available, meaning higher prices and nicer vehicles.

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But for the most part, you can live comfortably in Italy without knowing Italian, as long as you live in the large, touristy cities. In fact, some of the best cities for English speakers to settle in are Rome, Bologna and Milan. These cities have lots of English speakers and English job opportunities.

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