Getting taxis

[frank john]

I'm planning a Camino this October into November. How easy is it to get a taxi along the Way, especially in small villages? I need to eliminate three stops to fit the timeframe I have, so I'm planning on skipping three stops before Leon, using Brierley. I have to have a definite schedule, since I will be picking up and dropping off people at various points as I journey from SJPD to Santiago. My parish is walking to raise funds for regugees and immigrants, so I have to get this right. Peace. Frank

 

[MTtoCamino]

Two folks that come to mind for this time frame are Camino Deb & Albertagirl for what they saw in 2015 as far as Taxis are concerned.
As you walk you will see posters put up with phone numbers for Taxis. Also you can stop at any bar along the way & they will help get you a taxi if you so decide. I walked, but the injured seemed to jump ahead as the need arose. Even in some of the most desolate places taxis would come by. Just ask in the bars.
Buen Camino

 

[Deleted member 3000]

You will miss repeat scenery (mostly) if you take the train from Sahagun to Leon, and the cost will be far less than a taxi. That will save two days. A bus from Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo or Ambasmestas will save another day or two.

Taxis are easiest to summon at the beginning of the day; the hospitalero can arrange for one from almost anywhere. If you want one in the middle of the day from a remote location, you will need the phone number of the local provider, and will need to know enough Spanish to tell them where you are.

 

[t2andreo]

Write down the Spanish phrases for:

- Can you please call me a taxi for (town/village)?

- Now please?

I found this invaluable for when you need a taxi and the cafe proprietor does not speak English. it is common.

I hope this helps.

 

[mspath]

PRINT those handy phrases so they can be read more easily.

 

[frank john]

PRINT those handy phrases so they can be read more easily.

Thank you so much for the helpful advice. Take care. Frank

 

[frank john]

Write down the Spanish phrases for:

- Can you please call me a taxi for (town/village)?

- Now please?

I found this invaluable for when you need a taxi and the cafe proprietor does not speak English. it is common.

I hope this helps.

Thank you for reaching out. Actually, I am taking Spanish with a former language teacher. I will make sure I learn these phrases. Peace. Frank

 

[t2andreo]

There are several other "survival phrases" you need to know to get along. Use the search function to find Spanish phrases, survival Spanish, useful phrases, online translators, etc.

I recommend printing out a custom list of standard phrases that work for YOU. Imagine scenarios and develop phrases based on those scenarios. Examples include asking for something at the pharmacist, in a tienda (shop), or albergue, hostal or hotel, arranging taxis, making a reservation, asking for medical help, etc.

I continue to try to improve my spoken Spanish as the staff at the Pilgrim Office want me to work on Compostelas when I work as a volunteer again this coming summer...yikes! That will require engaging in a sort-of-interview. I am comfortable if people "stick to the script." I can ask the usual questions, expecting the usual answers in return. But if they "go off script" talking about their families, what they saw, and what they did, I will be lost. So, I am a work-in-progress. Here's hoping...

I have found online Spanish dictionaries and translators for my iPod, and now my iPhone, very helpful. Over several years, I have accumulated a body of phrases that have worked for me. Some are worded to show to someone, like a pharmacist or hostal clerk to ask for help. Others are intended to be spoken simply without engaging in a long dialog that I cannot hope to hold up my end in.

I hope this helps the dialog.

 

[ELHS220]

There are several other "survival phrases" you need to know to get along. Use the search function to find Spanish phrases, survival Spanish, useful phrases, online translators, etc.

I recommend printing out a custom list of standard phrases that work for YOU. Imagine scenarios and develop phrases based on those scenarios. Examples include asking for something at the pharmacist, in a tienda (shop), or albergue, hostal or hotel, arranging taxis, making a reservation, asking for medical help, etc.

I continue to try to improve my spoken Spanish as the staff at the Pilgrim Office want me to work on Compostelas when I work as a volunteer again this coming summer...yikes! That will require engaging in a sort-of-interview. I am comfortable if people "stick to the script." I can ask the usual questions, expecting the usual answers in return. But if they "go off script" talking about their families, what they saw, and what they did, I will be lost. So, I am a work-in-progress. Here's hoping...

I have found online Spanish dictionaries and translators for my iPod, and now my iPhone, very helpful. Over several years, I have accumulated a body of phrases that have worked for me. Some are worded to show to someone, like a pharmacist or hostal clerk to ask for help. Others are intended to be spoken simply without engaging in a long dialog that I cannot hope to hold up my end in.

I hope this helps the dialog.

There are several other "survival phrases" you need to know to get along. Use the search function to find Spanish phrases, survival Spanish, useful phrases, online translators, etc.

I recommend printing out a custom list of standard phrases that work for YOU. Imagine scenarios and develop phrases based on those scenarios. Examples include asking for something at the pharmacist, in a tienda (shop), or albergue, hostal or hotel, arranging taxis, making a reservation, asking for medical help, etc.

I continue to try to improve my spoken Spanish as the staff at the Pilgrim Office want me to work on Compostelas when I work as a volunteer again this coming summer...yikes! That will require engaging in a sort-of-interview. I am comfortable if people "stick to the script." I can ask the usual questions, expecting the usual answers in return. But if they "go off script" talking about their families, what they saw, and what they did, I will be lost. So, I am a work-in-progress. Here's hoping...

I have found online Spanish dictionaries and translators for my iPod, and now my iPhone, very helpful. Over several years, I have accumulated a body of phrases that have worked for me. Some are worded to show to someone, like a pharmacist or hostal clerk to ask for help. Others are intended to be spoken simply without engaging in a long dialog that I cannot hope to hold up my end in.

I hope this helps the dialog.

There are several other "survival phrases" you need to know to get along. Use the search function to find Spanish phrases, survival Spanish, useful phrases, online translators, etc.

I recommend printing out a custom list of standard phrases that work for YOU. Imagine scenarios and develop phrases based on those scenarios. Examples include asking for something at the pharmacist, in a tienda (shop), or albergue, hostal or hotel, arranging taxis, making a reservation, asking for medical help, etc.

I continue to try to improve my spoken Spanish as the staff at the Pilgrim Office want me to work on Compostelas when I work as a volunteer again this coming summer...yikes! That will require engaging in a sort-of-interview. I am comfortable if people "stick to the script." I can ask the usual questions, expecting the usual answers in return. But if they "go off script" talking about their families, what they saw, and what they did, I will be lost. So, I am a work-in-progress. Here's hoping...

I have found online Spanish dictionaries and translators for my iPod, and now my iPhone, very helpful. Over several years, I have accumulated a body of phrases that have worked for me. Some are worded to show to someone, like a pharmacist or hostal clerk to ask for help. Others are intended to be spoken simply without engaging in a long dialog that I cannot hope to hold up my end in.

I hope this helps the dialog.

How does one apply to volunteer at the Pilgrim Office? I did the entire Camino last year during May and June. I would like to do it again in 2017 at about the same time. It would be great to stay on for a week or two to do this. I am a retired Spanish teacher, so I do reasonably well in Spanish. Do they make sure that you have a bed for the time you are there ( I would expect to pay, of course), or do you have to make your own advance reservations?

 

[whariwharangi]

I'm planning a Camino this October into November. How easy is it to get a taxi along the Way, especially in small villages? I need to eliminate three stops to fit the timeframe I have, so I'm planning on skipping three stops before Leon, using Brierley. I have to have a definite schedule, since I will be picking up and dropping off people at various points as I journey from SJPD to Santiago. My parish is walking to raise funds for regugees and immigrants, so I have to get this right. Peace. Frank

I don't know about taxis.

Most villages located along major highways have some sort of bus service at least once daily. Exceptions include (and not limited to) sections from Astorga to Ponferrada and Sarria to Palas de Rei.

 

[traveler]

We walked in December 2015 and saw very few pilgrims, few locals and noted that many small places had few services. That said finding taxis was relatively simple everywhere. You shouldn't have any trouble.

 

[Lachance]

I have found online Spanish dictionaries and translators for my iPod, and now my iPhone, very helpful.

Any you would care to recommend?

 

[t2andreo]

I use the "iThinkDiff" dictionaries and translation apps for perhaps half a dozen languages, including Spanish. I get them in the iTunes App Store.

You need internet to do the initial translation. But, once you bookmark the phrase(s) they are saved on your device.

The basic app is a free download, and enhanced functions are an in-app purchase. I recommend this family of apps.

I also use the online Google Translate app. Once you bookmark a translation, it is saved on your device, and can be used offline.

The benefit of the first family of apps I mentioned is the inclusion of a fairly comprehensive dictionary and phrase book. These tools are great for when you just need a word, a term, or a standard phrase or question.

I hope this helps.