How do you get a taxi to come to your house?

[Philoz]

I realise this sounds a stupid question.
But I have never been able to get a taxi to come to the house-problem is you ring them, and trying to explain In turkish(which I am only very basic at) where you live is an impossibility.
In fact-trying to explain where I live to a fellow Brit is nigh on impossible too,given the poor numbering and unpronounceable (to me anyway) street names.
It would be useful,when friends and family visit, to have a local contact, who knows where I live (Ozankoy) and can drive us where ever.
I know a lot of Expats drink and drive-I understand why they do it, but it is not a risk I am happy taking.

We usually resort to getting the minibus into Girne and getting a cab back,which works OK if going into Girne- but not so practical when going for a night out in Catalkoy for example.

I know when ever I go into town there are lots of cabs sat around doing nothing at all times of day and night.
It would only take one enterprising driver to build a database of peoples addresses and therefore be able to service non Turkish speaking customers-or maybe such a service exists already-hence this post.

[Rambling Rose]

MMM that is a problem, because a lot of the local drivers dont recognise street names even if yo can pronounce them and they speak English! On the rare occasions I can afford a taxi Icheat and ask a Turkish friend to order one for me! Do you know any neighbours to ask, or in any of the shops.. They would probably be pleased to put the work in the way of a relative, or even get a commisson!

All I can suggest is do you live near a local landmark? The Sportsclub in Ozankoy for instance (Spors Klubu) or a resteraunt or hotel and arrange for him to pick you up there.

[Philoz]

Good idea re local land mark Rose-thank you I have taken that on-board!

[Halffull]

We had the same problem but now always use the same one when we need to and he now knows where to come, I used to have to walk to the end of our street and wave him down as he was driving past looking for me as I directed him in on the mobile

[flowerfairy]

Like halffull, we use the same one, Ibo, In Alsancak. He brought us home first, now he knows where we are. No
problems now.

[Philoz]

Hmm- that's the problem-you have a guy, but he is obviously based in Alsancak - not sure he would be willing to come over to Ozankoy?

[karmels]

Philoz.
It could be very easy to meet a taxi in Ozankoy at a place that a local driver would know.
If this means driving into the village to a place you could be picked up and park your car.
On the return journey you could direct the taxi to you house and ask for his card, so the next time he could find your location.
But don't forget to walk into the village to pick your car up the next morning.
I lived in Ozankoy for 18 years and have never had a problem.
Mel.

[Philoz]

Karmels -Rose had suggested that already(Msg2),but your idea of driving somewhere and leaving your car, sort of defeats the whole 'Taxi concept' as I understand it.

Everyone seems to be working on the premise that 'that is how it's done here'-all I was saying is that would it not be a great idea(and quite easily done with GPS/ google earth etc)to register your address with a local taxi firm,which would then make it easy for them to find your house,using the miracle of the Interweb.

My understanding of the concept of taxi travel is they they are more expensive than other forms of transport(such as Bus, donkey etc.)
but the bonus is that they collect you with the minimum of effort on your part,from your home and deliver you to where you want to go.
Making half the journey, either using your car,or some other form of transport, such as walking to a popular place seems to me to be an Antediluvian concept-and one which is crying out for improvement.

[cyprusishome]

We have a similar problem, ie it is impossible to direct ANYONE to where we live. So I always arrange to meet at a known point and lead them to the house.
So picking up karmels suggestion, ask around for the best (I know a mute point) and the first time you use meet and lead them back to your house, then go on to the bar from there. Car is at home, you are nicely intoxicated and taxi does not return to pick you up!!! lol

[flowerfairy]

Mmmmmmm,
First, get a number of a Taxi, take it with you....Take the dolmus to your destination,
have a nice time, then call the taxi about 15/20 mins. before you want to leave.
Direct the taxi to your house. Pay him, give him a tip, ask his name, then whalla.....Chances are,
he'll remember you the next time. (as long as you've behaved yourselves)

[ozankoys]

Hi
I have 2 recommendations for you

1 Mehmet lives in Ozankoy he speaks English you could try & explain where your house is & if he does not understand you could arrange to meet him & show him, however I am not sure he does 24 hour service unless by Appointment
0533 8416007

2 Osman and his father Kemal have a taxi based opposite the Belediyesi in Girne they are 100% reliable, again you can explain or arrange to meet him & give him a map (he will check he can find your house before he has to collect you) they provide 24 hour service between them 0542 8512276.

Good luck!

[MoBry]

Karmels - What's the phone number of Ibo in Alscancak, as now our car isn't in too good working order, we may need a taxi from time to time and we live in Alscancak. Thanks in advance.

[MoBry]

Sorry, should have said "Flowerfairy" living in Alscancak in my request for Ibo's phone number.

[flowerfairy]

Hi MoBry, Ibo's number is 0542 851 4936,
he speaks perfect English and is very reliable.

[MoBry]

Thanks very much, flowerfairy, got a feeling we might be needing him until we get our Land Rover fixed.

[Philoz]

Thank you all for helpful replies- especially Ozankoys.
This is how forums work well-local Knowledge sought and delivered!

[Philoz]

Mobry -May I just say(Slightly off topic) That is a very nice hat you are wearing in your avatar-It suits you tremendously.

[MoBry]

Thank you, Philoz, I was looking for a red hat for ages and found the one I'm wearing in a fantastic little shop in Alscancak which sells handbags, shoes and, of course, hats! My husband winced, by the way

[ozankoys]

Hi where is this shop please, I do not know Alsancak very well so would appreciate directions - thanks!

[banjo]

You call Yıldız taksi, - Mehmet - 0533 864 7206 or 0533 860 2607. He lives in Çatalköy and he knows most places there and in Ozanköy and Beylerbeyi
They are just outside Öğretmenler Evi, The teachers hotel, on the corner. That is close to Pia Bella Hotel but on the other side

[MoBry]

Ozankoy - I'm not sure exactly where it is but I live down the Merit Road and when you're coming from Girne, the shop is shortly before the Merit turnoff on the right. It's not publicised very well, I was quite surprised at the choice when I went in. Next time I go past I'll check the name and let you know.