 Fares are usually close to those of other western European countries; however, in Berlin taxis have a special low fare (€4) called "Kurzstrecke" for distances less than 2 km.Except in Portugal, in other western European capitals the minimum taxi fare usually costs double; nevertheless, the convenience and high quality of public transportation in most German cities eliminates the need for taxicabs.Although allowed, "Street Hail" is relatively uncommon in Germany because cabs rarely circle the cities when vacant.