Taxi. and other Johor Bahru, Malaysia Warning Or Danger Tips

Make sure the taxi use the meter or you will certainly be overcharged (100% definite). Many drivers will cover up the meter with a cloth or tell you that the meter is not working. I prefer to drive in JB. I always get charged extra for reasons like "You come from Singapore", "You board from customs", "You board from hospital", "After office hours surcharge", etc. These are not official charges, just crap reasons. Hence, I always try to avoid taking taxi in JB.

Recently, there might be improvement as the authority is finally taking actions to fine those drivers who do not use the meter. The situation is still quite bad...

Actually I do not mind those drivers who bring me one big round to my destination. They need petrol to do that and furthermore, it will only be couple of ringgit extra. Not much though... certainly less than the price they quote without using the meter.

Another thing that I just remembered is that if meter is used, there is no such thing as round-down.. Only round-up. I had experience of the fare being 10 cents more and I have to pay fare round up to the nearest ringgit :-(. For example, the fare is RM4.10, I was charged RM5.

Hence I always try my best to avoid taxis, unless I have no choice...

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Johor Bahru is almost dead during the festive season, especially Chinese New Year. Lotsa people go back to their hometown up North of Malaysia, many restaurants and shops are closed starting from the eve of the new year. So you might be the only few wandering on the normally busy streets. However, traffic conditions will be quite bad as early as 2 weeks before the first day of the Chinese New Year.

Perhaps the best time to stay in JB and go to Singapore for a visit, cos no queues and jams on the causeway at this time. Very quiet. Only downside is the frequency of the public transport will be reduced. I guess the prices at the hotels in JB will be reduced at this time.

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Driving around JB can be quite nerve wrecking for foreigners not used to the way drivers here drive.

First of all, there seems like there's no such thing as keeping a distance from the car in front. The distance might be too close for many foreigners. I always keep my distance though, but not during traffic jams :-P.

Another "scary" thing is that the motorcyclists just do not value their own life. Many times I meet motorcyclists going very fast (faster than 80km/h) overtaking between two cars, or even a car and a lorry. Sometimes, I get a surprise (where on earth that motorcyclists came from...).

During traffic jams, the motorcyclists will meander among the cars from one lane to the next, in between cars, etc. If your car is near to the car queueing in the next lane, beware of your side mirrors being knocked off by reckless motorcyclists. I even met an "accident" while in the queue of a traffic jam. A motorcyclist with a rider behind knocked off my side mirror. Guess what? The rider even fly in front off his seat!!! Well, that's not my fault anyway cos I am not moving...

It may be nerve wrecking for foreigners... Just be informed.

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Recently, there's a concern of the increasing crimes in and around JB. Becareful and beaware of your surroundings and use your common sense.
Robbery is getting quite common nowadays, so be careful of not flashing your expensive belongings in the public. When refilling at a petrol station, remember not to leave your car without your keys. It is not as safe anymore.

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