This week the price of taxis come under the microscope.

Here . . .

Dublin: 8.40

Athlone: €7.35

Belfast: €5.92

Cork: €8.50

Galway: €8.50

Limerick: €8.90

Tralee: €8.16

Waterford: €6.92

There . . .

Edinburgh: €10.55

London: €14

New York: €5.40

Sydney: €7.18

Toronto: €5.40

Prices are to take two people three miles at 1 a.m.

Pricewatch returns on January 2nd

What you've found . . .

We have received several complaints about prices of Christmas trees in Milltown, Dublin. Laraine King from Sandymount was quoted €50 for a 6.5-foot noble fir. Surprised, she made a quick call and found she could buy a similar tree in Sandymount for €27. Another reader paid €50 at Milltown for a 7.5-foot noble fir; her brother bought a similar tree for €25 in Phibsboro.

Pricewatch found a number of tree sellers in Milltown. John Brennan, a veteran of 40 years, says he sells only quality Christmas trees, for between €25 and €200 (for trees more than 15 feet high). He offers a full paring and tying-on service, with a no-quibble guarantee. Brennan is confident the trees on offer at half the price would not match the quality of his (e-mail: nobilis@indigo.ie).

A neighbouring seller charges about 10 per cent more. Prices are often negotiable, however. The rule to remember is to haggle.

If you notice a significant price increase or discrepancy, let us know by e-mailing pricewatch@irish-times.ie