GO / Taxi app for Japan Reviews

by Wrangler_usmc

Somehow GOTaxiapp allowed me to join, add my US credit card, with my US phone number and verify everything…and is now telling me I have my fare hasn’t been paid. The cab driver gave me the thumbs up, I left, and then later logged in to see my receipt. Turns out I didn’t pay, and now I can’t figure out how to pay because not a single VISA card I own will work. I should have just given him cash; I thought this would be more convenient and now I feel like a ripped off an old man with no way to fix it.

by Lost In Kyoto

Kyoto driver went in the opposite direction of the address entered in GOTaxiapp , and after verbally confirming the destination. After a few minutes I pointed it out to the driver. He apologized and turned around. Total fare was double the $25 quote. When I asked for a partial refund the driver said the company would take care of it before it was posted to my credit card. The full amount was changed and when I protested to the credit card company the taxi company fought the protest. Very disappointed result.

by Nob808

Not tourist friendly yet, even though advertised for tourist to use.

As many other reviews state, it’s won’t work currently without a Japanese number which isn’t tourist friendly due to the hoops needed for tourists to get.

I happen to have a short term Japan number, but I don’t have a Japanese credit card, as that is the second issue that GOTaxiapp is having for Tourists.

They need to fix both. GOTaxiapp works great for friends that have both, but they live here full time. Not us visiting.

Guess Uber is our only app option that works to call taxis.

by WhiteBunny24

Account set up needs a phone number to verify but can’t do it while you’re not in Japan. However, the US phone number isn’t available in Japan to receive a text verification message.
Could you update GOTaxiapp to allow the verification process by email? Just want to register and have the account ready to use as soon as I arrive in Japan. Thank you!

by Shanball

Downloaded app easy enough, but NO WAY to verify without entering a Japan phone # to text to. It simply needs a way to text any foreign number in order for tourists to use (& yes, they’re marketing for tourists to use).

Love to see a fix asap for this or future visits!

by Jwyan

I was able to register the credit card, but for some reason I can’t pay with it. So I tried to change to another card but then it said my account is locked temporarily and asked me to wait…however it didn’t tell me how long I need to wait. So after some time I tried again still not working, tried 2nd time, locked again!! Come on, I just want to pay the taxi fee!! Idk if I fail to pay within certain period will I get penalty or something?

by Talos42

I live in Japan and have a Japanese phone number (another requirement). However, I can’t get a credit card in Japan due to my residency status, so I can’t use GOTaxiapp. I know of thousands of US military in Japan in a similar situation. GOTaxiapp would be very helpful, but the credit card requirements are keep many from using GOTaxiapp.

by ColeHansen88

GOTaxiapp is advertised as one that tourists can use to find a taxi- not so. You have to have a Japanese phone number. No way to even check fares- which is what I was wanting to use it for. I don’t care to use it to book a taxi I just want to see what the fare would be and I cannot even do that.

by Asfhu Nkk

Tried to register multiple times but never receive the sms verification number. It also said to check my email but I never received any email. Useless app. I am using US number to register. Saw another comment claiming that it now work for US number. I guess it was a fake comment. Really really a bad app. Who is the idiot programmer who only use phone number to register? Dumb app by dumb programmer without vision or know how.

Just got a reply. They made a promise to make it better. How complicated is it to add email login vs phone number login? If you do not operate outside Japan, then remove option to input foreign phone number login! How stupid is the company.

by IPod Is Legit

Taxis make a full circle avoiding you taking the longest route to get to you. This is poor customer service. I shouldn’t be charged a cancellation fee when the driver purposely takes the longest route to get to my pickup location instead of the shortest most direct route. TELL YOUR DRIVERS TO STOP TAKING THE LONGEST ROUTE TO PICK UP THEIR FARE!!!

by Foreignsand007

What is the point of GOTaxiapp to list in non-Japanese App Store if you can’t use it without Japanese phone and Japanese credit cards? So many people are complaining about it and why they won’t fix it?

by Demeyer

This is marketed to tourists and foreigners as a better alternative to something like Uber, yet you cannot register without a local Japan phone number. There’s no justification for requiring a local Japanese phone number to use GOTaxiapp.

by JoeStrout

Step 1 is to enter your phone number, but it will not accept my US number (even though it works fine here in Japan). They submit button is never enabled. So, GOTaxiapp appears to be unusable.

by Lux24556666

While it can work well there numerous issues with GOTaxiapp . No ‘cancel’ button and no way to message the driver and type your own message is pretty frustrating. Especially when a lot of users are from out of the country. They should fix GOTaxiapp to make it more usable and logical.

by Ffdijxdyk

Compared to Uber, it is not very well designed and does not deliver what it says will pick you up. The biggest issue I had is the limited options or pretty much no options I had in selecting the size of the car. I ordered a slide door car which clearly stated 4-6 people. The car showed up and it only held 4 passengers resulting in my ordering another car doubling the fare. With Uber, I had the option of ordering a premium van which holds bigger suitcases and 4+ people comfortably.

by Nasukaren

This is practically useless for foreigners. You need a Japanese phone number and Japanese bank issued credit card. So no foreigners or tourists need apply!

by Jamming Ruri

It’s an absolute must you have a Japanese phone number which is unfortunate but I didn’t have an issue with that. I don’t like how I cannot use my email to login but always have to receive text message to access my account. What’s the point with registering with email then?

GOTaxiapp isn’t tourist friendly if you do not have a Japanese phone number otherwise.

by Up2trix7

Great service. Very reasonably priced compared to Uber. Took away the fifth star only because of lack of translation (to English) in parts of GOTaxiapp . I had to take a screenshot and use google translate to see the equivalent. Recommend using this for airport service as well - they offer a flat-rate option which charges you the minimum of the meter or flat-rate which is nice.

by Dree_

As a foreigner coming to Japan from the US and being new to the train systems/buses in Japan, sometimes it was just easier and convenient to request for a Taxi to reach my destinations. This service was very easy to use and our drivers have been very polite. I will definitely continue to use this service during my time (and in subsequent visits to) in Japan 😊

by Bohaiboy

First time in Japan and app was recommended. If you have an address written in Japanese or know where you want to go on map, it works great , otherwise you need to speak Japanese. We have used 4 or 5 times since arrival only one week ago

by Dk42728282

Used this for taxi service in Japan. Worked great, easy to use. Just needed to copy and paste Japanese addresses from Google maps and bam.

by Erob125

The GO app used to be unavailable unless your Apple Store was set to Japan. So glad they’ve fixed that issue! GOTaxiapp works perfectly and is extremely user-friendly. The coupons are also wonderful. I’ll always use GOTaxiapp now when I need a taxi, or when I need to reserve a taxi to get to the airport.

by AZ_Customer

App was easy to use. Taxis came quickly.

You can’t reserve XL cars on GOTaxiapp . Max 4 ppl. Had to book 2 taxis several times as we had a bigger group.

Happy with my experience. Able to get Taxis via app even when I could not reserve anything by calling a Taxi service directly

by Opus Dude

I absolutely recommend and love GOTaxiapp and services, cleanest of taxis inside and out, the incredible efficiency of pickup and drop off. But most importantly is is very inexpensive and best option when struggling w luggage, locations, etc.
The drivers are awesome!! My experience in Japan was great with the help of these kind folks drivers.
Highly recommend.

by C. In Yokohama

It’s better to book early morning rides in advance. I booked my ride one week before departure.
My driver was on time, efficient and friendly.

by SemperFiVMI88

Very friendly and efficient. Always on time. Reservations are easy. Drivers are great. GOTaxiapp disappeared for a couple of years for foreigners. Glad it’s back.

by Globetrekker 42514

GOTaxiapp is very easy to use. Plus the cabs arrive very quickly - within a few minutes.

by MRE MRE

I really like GOTaxiapp , but it doesn’t let me review my rating of my driver. It asked me to review my driver and I clicked too soon which meant that he received a neutral rating. He was great and didn’t deserve that. I want to fix that but I don’t see a way to do it.

by Eman-E93

First time in Japan and after a day of walking and jogging to next train station. It's nice to call a Taxi and relax.

So far every cab we've gotten has been extremely comfortable and welcoming. GOTaxiapp has an English version and is easy to use. We even got a persistent coupon that has saved us over 500yen.

Uber is essentially Go with added fees and the benefit of working with your original payment method. Once you attach a valid card to the go app. It's much better to use than Uber.

by Taelent

Very used to traveling with Uber in other Countries, but I have to say, the Response time with GO is magical. Super quick, always on time, straight to the point, no unnecessary small talk… unless you want it

by Hikko-us

海外在住で帰省中に使おうと思いましたが、日本国内の携帯電話番号&日本発行のクレカが必須で断念。英語で宣伝する意味が分からない。インバウンド観光客や一時帰国者には全く使えないです。Requires Japanese mobile number and credit card - one of the least useful apps ever!!

by SiliconValleyEngr

Works just as well as Uber. And I mean that as a complement since I have had good experience with Uber in u.s. and France.

by Harrisonmaximus

Very efficient application and service!!
Driver was very informative and incredible hospitality!!
We will use GOTaxiapp again!

by Jdjdbdudnan

very convenient! Arigato!

by Dr Please Leave Me Alone

Very easy to use. Similar to Uber app.

by Rakshan94

The cleanest taxi I have ever seen. Felt super comfortable and price is not bad at all. Courteous driver too! :)