Best Cab Companies in Jakarta

Unlike other South East Asia capital cities I had been visited (KL, Bangkok, Manila), I find that taxi companies in Jakarta have better service and quite cheap. Most of the taxi companies in Jakarta are bound to use meter and it will avoid you to get conned by the taxi drivers.

The most recommended taxi companies in Jakarta are:

1. Blue Bird Group, you can book it at +622179171234

Blue Bird Taxi (Regular)

This blue colored cabs have really good taxi drivers, although I may not guarantee you they can speak English fluently, you will find most of the drivers are polite, honest (when you left things behind they always return them back to you unless passenger after you find it first, make sure to report it quick, happened to me for few times), friendly and the taxi exterior and interior are always clean and well-maintained. You can choose regular taxi (Sedan), premium (Mercedez Benz/ Alphard). Meter start at IDR6.000 (less than a buck) for regular. If you order by phone, there's a minimum charge of IDR25.000, but if your fare exceeds that, you just pay taxi fare without additional charges.

Try not to mistake Blue Bird with other taxi companies that have Blue Bird look-alike, always find "Blue Bird Group" sticker on the front window. 

Tips: Upon your arrival in Soekarno Hatta International Airport, after you pass through customs, you can find line of taxi counters, one of the counter is Silver Bird (premium) one of Blue Bird Group's service, the price is a bit high considering the car, you can order this cab or just go to the exit and wait for Blue Bird cab in the corridor. To get you downtown, probably would cost you around IDR60.000-90.000 (depending on the traffic). Blue Bird group's drivers are always wearing blue uniform. 

2. Express Group, +622126509000

I think this is the second best taxi company after Blue Bird Group, they have regular taxi (sedan) and Express Tiara (Alphard). The meter start at IDR5.000 and fare is cheaper than Blue Bird though. The taxi exterior however is not as perfect as Blue Bird. You still can spot fender-bender, interior however is clean. Drivers also wear uniform and cab is white-colored sedan.

Other: Gamya (Green), Transcab (Yellow)

Transcab

Tipping: it is not obligatory to tip the driver, if you have small note you can give IDR2.000-IDR5.000.

Car Rental

Rent a car is a good choice of transportation option if you are staying in Jakarta more than 3 days either for business trip or on a holiday. Do not compare public mass transportation in Jakarta to Singapore or Malaysia, here, worst or let say you are lucky if you are not get pick-pocketed. So, either use a cab, rent a car or use TransJakarta (bus).

Budget you need to rent a car in Jakarta is vary based on the car type you chose and usually the stated price does not not include fuel charge, driver (meals & tips), parking ticket. The average rate for Avanza-Toyota/Xenia-Daihatsu in Jakarta is Rp.350.000-Rp.450.000/12 hours, Avanza/Xenia is adequate for a normal (not-that-luxury) business trip. You can book via phone, you can request to be picked-up at the airport or hotel, do not forget to ask the driver cell phone number or reliable contact person and make sure you confirm the booking order at least 1 day before arrival.

Information:
Indonesia Country Code +62; Area Code for Jakarta : Land 021, Cellphone 081
E.g you want to contact Astra Rent A Car (below) from your cellphone, dial as follows:
+6221-5710068

Central Jakarta
Astra Rent a Car
Jl. Jend. Sudirman No. 5, Jakarta 10220
Phone : 021 - 5710068Avis
Jln. Diponegoro
Phone : +6221-3142900Agung Rent A Car18 Sumurbatu IV Block C-18 Jakarta 10640
Phone : +6221-4253008 EuropcarJL. Hayam Wuruk 10120
Phone : +6221-3855465
GKBI International Transport Car Rental
Wisma GKBI 6fl Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav.28, Jakarta 10210
Phone : +6221-5707240
East Jakarta
Hadi Rentcar
Jl. Raya Ceger (Pintu 3 TMII)

Phone : +6221-98521644 / Cell Phone : +62817137686
Hertz
Jln. M.T.Haryono
Phone : +6221-8307460

South Jakarta

Quincy Car RentalPejaten Indah D-12, Jl. H. Samali Ujung, Kalibata, Pancoran, Jakarta
Phone : +6221-7919 2606
ADK Rent A CarJl. Kalibata Timur I No.36A Ps. Minggu, Jakarta 12740
Phone : +6221-7996806
Dwima Rentcar
Jl. Pondok Gede, Jakarta 13982
Phone : +6221-685870
Jakarta Limousine & Rental Car
Jl. Mampang Prapatan IV Jakarta 12790
Phone : +6221-73455642 / +6221-98714910