Taxi increase or rip off?

[Barbara]

I think it really depends on the driver. Yesterday I paid only $30 to go from Embajadoras to Baratillo. I had just missed the bus and was in a hurry, and the driver said it is just a short distance he didn't want to charge me more! And the trip to my home from the centro, a long, winding trip up the Calzada and around the Panoramica and then going down a narrow callejon, which usually costs $45-55 pesos, was just $40 pesos last night. Guess I had a lucky taxi day! However, I think being friendly and chatting with the drivers also helps, too.