Paying a Taxi Fare

You've arrived at your destination and need to settle up with the driver.

You
¿Cuánto le debo?
KWAHN-toh leh DEH-boh
How much do I owe you?
This is the standard polite way to ask what you owe — use it for taxis, restaurants, or any service.
Driver
El taxímetro marca quince mil. Son quince mil pesos.
ehl tahk-SEE-meh-troh MAHR-kah KEEN-seh meel. sohn KEEN-seh meel PEH-sohs
The meter says fifteen thousand. It's fifteen thousand pesos.
Not all taxis use meters. In many cities drivers quote a flat rate — always agree on the price before getting in.
You
¿Acepta tarjeta?
ah-SEHP-tah tahr-HEH-tah
Do you accept card?
Driver
No, solo efectivo.
noh, SOH-loh eh-fehk-TEE-boh
No, cash only.
Many taxis are cash-only. Always carry small bills — drivers often don't have change for large notes.
You
No tengo cambio. Solo tengo un billete de cincuenta mil.
noh TEHN-goh KAHM-bee-oh. SOH-loh TEHN-goh oon bee-YEH-teh deh seen-KWEHN-tah meel
I don't have change. I only have a fifty thousand bill.