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PhrasesTaking a TaxiQuesto è un taxi ufficiale?
A2

Questo è un taxi ufficiale?

Is this an official taxi?

Pronunciation

'Ufficiale' — 'uf-fi-CHA-le'. Four syllables; double 'f'; stress on the third.

When to use it

Use when approached by someone offering a taxi outside an official rank, particularly at airports, train stations, or tourist areas.

What it means

'Ufficiale' means official. Italian licensed taxis are white (in most cities), display the municipality's coat of arms, a taximeter, and a licence number on the door. Anything else is an illegal 'abusivo' (unlicensed driver).

Variations

Ha la licenza taxi?

Do you have a taxi licence?

Asks directly for the official licence.

Dov'è il tassametro?

Where is the taximeter?

A real taxi always has a visible meter; absence is a red flag.

È regolare?

Are you legitimate?

Short, direct; 'regolare' means lawful/legitimate.

Mini Dialogue

— Questo è un taxi ufficiale? — Certo, guardi la licenza sul cruscotto. — E il tassametro? — Eccolo, è già azzerato.

— Is this an official taxi? — Of course, look at the licence on the dashboard. — And the taximeter? — There it is, already reset.

Cultural Note

Unlicensed taxi touts ('abusivi') are active at Italian airports and stations. Penalties for passengers using them are rare, but the risks include overcharging and safety issues. Always use official white taxis or registered apps.