RE: Dubai Summary from a Newbie.
[QUOTE=ImTedKoppel;2121203]On one occasion my hotel set me up with "taxi" which turned out to be a private car. Upon realizing there is no meter, I asked how much and he said 60 AED. I immediately knew this price was some serious gouging, so I threatened to get out (just an hour ago, I took a 70 AED Uber from JBR to Deira Dubai Creek a pretty damn far ride with tolls). He dropped it to 40 or 50 after I protested a few times, but I was still not happy. I jumped out at the stop light and walked away. I flagged a taxi a block later. Total fare was 18 AED.[/QUOTE]Interestingly, the situation you describe is discussed on page 187 of the Lonely Planet Dubai and Abu Dhabi guidebook. In the sidebar text labelled "Taxi, Sir? Taxi Ma'am?" the author says:
"Many four and five-star hotels in Dubai offer guests a dedicated taxi service in chauffeur-driven sedans under contract with the hotel. These "limos" have no signage, though they do have meters (if not, don't get in) and slightly higher rates than a regular taxi. When you're stuck in heavy traffic, the meter ticks fast and you may end up paying nearly double the fee of a regular cab. If you don't want to use this service, tell the bell captain you want a regular taxi (you might have to insist). But if you are pressed for time, and there are no other cabs available, you'll be grateful for the wheels."
I've discovered through my pre-trip planning that the tan-colored taxis are the ones to use, unless they have pink roofs, which apparently are taxis driven by women that cater exclusively to a women-only clientele.
[QUOTE=ImTedKoppel;2121203]Thanks for the info and I'll keep that in mind. Perhaps it time for a Caribbean trip.[/QUOTE]You're welcome. Just read my trip report and follow my instructions regarding the SIM card and local newspaper, and you'll be successful in Trinidad.