10 Tips for Taxi Travelers
by Tyson Brooks

Chances are that taxis in your home country are a simple experience. Fleets of well-marked licensed cars are just a phone call away. Fares are regulated by meter and the driver, at least minimally, understands your language.

In developing countries taxis are an experience many are not prepared for. In many countries taxis are unregulated. Anyone who has a car can potentially be a taxi and anything can happen. You could get ripped off, or worse; robbed and left unconscious by the side of the road as happened to some friends of mine while I was in Peru.

Note: Taxi methods vary from city to city and there is always an exception to safety rules like the following: Do not share a taxi with strangers, especially if the stranger is friendly with the driver. Exception: In Athens, Greece, during rush hour if you follow this rule you won’t find a cab. To find a cab in Athens during rush hour stand by the side of the road in the direction you want to go. As taxis slow down yell out your destination. If the other passengers and the taxi driver are going in the general direction the driver will stop. Memorize what the meter says when you enter the car and pay the driver the meter price minus the starting fare once you reach your destination.

1. Inquire at the airport, or your hotel, if the taxis are metered and how much it should cost to get to your destination. This will give you a price goal when you bargain or alert you if a metered taxi is taking the “scenic” route. If you do not speak the language always have the name and address of your destination written in the local language.

2. If the taxi has a meter make sure it is reset and started when you get in. Some drivers will conveniently forget to reset or start the meter.

3. Make sure the taxi driver knows where he is going, especially if a meter is running. Taxi drivers get lost too.

4. Do not show your money to the driver until everyone is out of the car and your baggage is out of the trunk. In dangerous areas make sure you are dropped in front of your destination and have a traveling companion open the front door to your hotel before you pay the driver.

5. Always bargain with an unmetered taxi. Finish bargaining before getting in. Ask about any surcharges like baggage handling fees or toll road charges. Be aware that prices change depending on driving conditions or the time of day. You will pay more when traveling at rush hour. Sometimes the driver will demand more money once you are in the car. Some taxi drivers will follow you in to the lobby loudly claiming you cheated them. Beware of these tricks and don’t fall for them. It only encourages drivers to repeat these scams with other tourists. Use the bargaining process to evaluate the driver. If you feel uncomfortable with him find another cab.

6. Always lock your doors. Befriend your driver. Chances are he has good advice and tips for touring his town. If you feel uncomfortable with his speed or driving tell him politely, yet strongly that you object. It is acceptable to find another cab if you are uncomfortable with the one you are traveling in.

7. If you find a good driver consider hiring him for the day. It may cost you more, but will save considerable hassle. Another option is to have him return at a certain time.

8. In many countries taxi drivers will earn a commission for dropping you at a hotel or shop. Taxi drivers will recommend places based on the size of the commission they could receive and may ask for a commission even if it was your destination all along. If you want a better price from the shop wait until the taxi driver leaves or better yet browse in different stores until he leaves.

9. Always carry small denominations. Many drivers don’t carry change. Finding change at your destination can be a hassle. When arriving into a new country try to exchange a little money at the airport to tide you over. Always ask for small bills from moneychangers.

10. Always use a licensed cab from a regulated cab company (they should have a registration number displayed). Note that not every country has a system of regulated cabs.