It pays to be honest

[Stafford]

Alright, full disclosure - I am a wee bit tipsy...
Good way to start a thread, I know.

My partner and I are just arriving home (5:30 AM - not a late night for here, I know - my fault, I dragged the poor guy out just as it was getting good) after a night at Human Club by Aeroparque at the Punta Carrasco.

There were several taxis lined up catching people leaving the 2 or 3 clubs that are there. All shouting aggressively asking "donde van?". We gave one of them our address and he came back with some outrageous fee. I said, "ah, entonces ustedes inchan pelotas. No trabajan con reloj?" The guy actually nodded his head and admitted it.

So we walked the 200 meters out of the parking lot and did a very dangerous crossing of the Costanera, where we hailed a passing cab. The cabbie was not IRA - not radio. But who cares. He actually took us home perfectly. Crossed Libertador on Maure (rather than pretending to think that he could get to Teodoro Garcia after Olleros), and took Soldado de la Independencia (rather than pretending he could get to aforementioned street by continuing up Maure). After several years living at this address, I know every trick in the book. My Argentine partner said, "que bueno. Usted es honesto y no se aprovechan un par de borrachos". He told us that, yeah, he actually takes pride in making an honest living unlike most taxistas working this hour around the clubs.

Anyway, he got a giant tip from us. He tried to refuse, but we insisted. Yeah, I'm a bit drunk. But seriously, the guy deserved it.

Moral of the story is, contrary to what we usually hear in the bitching sessions on this forum, there are some honest people in this city. Is this the exception to the rule? I am actually taking the time to write this damn thing, so maybe it is pretty extraordinary. But I like to think its better out there than we think. And the buena onda pays. And if you find someone doing right by you - reward them. And let them know why.

Stepping out on my balcony now to catch the magical morning glow, then closing the shutters and hitting the hay.

Good night.

 

[va2ba]

For all the bad people here, there are a lot of good ones. Yeah, we've had a lot of drivers who have tried to pull a fast one on us, but we've had a lot of honest ones too. We've had owners pull every trick in the book and several that have been very open and honest.

I am glad that you took the time to post this. Its nice to be reminded to pay attention to the good things and the good people rather than the bad ones.

In my experience, in the moment when you need it most in this city, thats when you get the good, honest people who are willing to help. Its happened countless times to me here.

 

[Aleina Dee]

I am really glad you posted this. This forum needed a positive boost.

 

[Supercharged]

thanks for sharing! yes, we all have some very good warm hearted people/stories to share at some point.

It would be great if we could build/collect a list of phone numbers of the people who are honest. We can then recommend them. I personally prefer to give opportunities, I work in service education, to newcomers/ rising stars like these....unknown people ( not the ones who are profiting like some they pop here on this site) who do good deserve to be rewarded.... otherwise who would do it??

we can defeat the bad with good- no questions asked

Supercharged

 

[YanquiGallego]

LOL It says a lot about what our expectations in Buenos Aires are when a cab experience where we are not ripped off on, taken on the scenic route, not given back fake bills, is deemed a rarity and spectacular.

 

[Aleina Dee]

Yanqui gallego it is not such a rare event .I could tell you at least three stories about when people went out of their way to save me money,gave me back a bill I had not realised I had given,etc . and that in the last week.

Supercharged,great idea. But do bear in mind that deserving honest people have once been or still are unknown and that someone had to "risk" themselves to try them. Not all new pop ups are dishonest.

 

[perry]

LOL It says a lot about what our expectations in Buenos Aires are when a cab experience where we are not ripped off on, taken on the scenic route, not given back fake bills, is deemed a rarity and spectacular.

Why are you so damn negative!!!! The guy is posting something positive and you have to put in your comments with mala onda .

In my experience Buenos Aires Taxi drivers are amongst the best in the world and 98 % are honest . I have been ripped off three times in 6 years and have taken 7000 rides in this time .

Sydney Australia , New York USA are way worse with Taxi drivers with no english and bad smelling as well

 

[Napoleon]

1) Stafford- I hope that you got his business card! And if so, please post his phone number!

2) Perry- Come on. Look at his comment from the eyes of someone NOT living in Buenos Aires. Here we are fêting someone doing the job that they're paid to do. That's it.

The taxista didn't save someone's life, or break up a robbery, or return a US$600 cell phone left in the taxi... He went from Point A to Point B using the most direct route and we're about ready to crown him "BA Expat's Man of the Year" and it's only February.

Yes, there are lots of nice people here, but as expats we are so used to getting screwed that we turn a single act of honesty into The Most "Thanked" Post in my recollection.

This reminds me of Istanbul. Random acts of kindness (some going WAY beyond just being polite... WAY BEYOND) mixed in with absolute in your face dishonesty.

He's just pointing out the Pink Elephant In The Room.

 

[perry]

1) Stafford- I hope that you got his business card! And if so, please post his phone number!

2) Perry- Come on. Look at his comment from the eyes of someone NOT living in Buenos Aires. Here we are fêting someone doing the job that they're paid to do. That's it.

The taxista didn't save someone's life, or break up a robbery, or return a US$600 cell phone left in the taxi... He went from Point A to Point B using the most direct route and we're about ready to crown him "BA Expat's Man of the Year" and it's only February.

Yes, there are lots of nice people here, but as expats we are so used to getting screwed that we turn a single act of honest into The Most "Thanked" Post in my recollection.

This reminds me of Istanbul. Random acts of kindness (some going WAY beyond just being polite... WAY BEYOND) mixed in with absolute in your face dishonesty.

He's just pointing out the Pink Elephant In The Room.

Napoleon I agree that there is dishonesty in Buenos Aires like there is in New York, Shanghai , Instanbul and London.

My point is about Taxidrivers and my own experiences in 6 years . They are in the main very honest and knowleagable of the cities roads and avenues . This is deemed from close to 7000 rides . I compare this to Sydney Australia and the typical driver there speaks poor english and does not know basic roads.

Lets give credit where credit is due.

 

[va2ba]

The taxista didn't save someone's life, or break up a robbery, or return a US$600 cell phone left in the taxi... He went from Point A to Point B using the most direct route and we're about ready to crown him "BA Expat's Man of the Year" and it's only February.

Thats a great idea! We should have a BA Expats Man of the Year!

And yes, you are right. He did his job, nothing more, nothing less. Buts its worth it to point out that its not always bad, that not everyone wants to rip us off. I think that was more the point of the OP's post.

We should be paying attention to the things that go well instead of always focusing on the things that don't go well.