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Top 10 Ways to Stay Safe in a Foreign Taxi |
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1. Find a Taxi Stand You can usually find a taxi stand on the street in any country -- even if you can't read the words, you'll notice taxis congregating near the sign. Generally, only cabs authorized to carry passengers are allowed to stop at these cab stands, meaning the cab is as safe as that country mandates, and the cab driver licensed. Look for these cab stands at airports, too: don't let aggressive drivers or their "helpers" steer you into a cab without sussing out the sign scene first.
2. Look for Taxi Similarities When you see taxis at a taxi stand, note the types, colors or logos even if you don't need a taxi now -- you can avoid a "gypsy" or fake taxi later if you have an idea what the city's legit taxi companies' cabs look like. Fake cabs are used by criminals to part you from your money in many ways -- or worse. A taxi that doesn't look like the others probably isn't like the others. Conversely, if all taxis look the same, like VW bugs in Mexico, they're probably safe.
3. Check for Phone Numbers Every taxi company everywhere wants to advertise. Legitimate taxis usually have the taxi company's phone number plastered on the roof, doors and trunk. A taxi without a phone number doesn't want to advertise -- why would that be? Don't get into a taxi without a company phone number advertised plainly somewhere on the cab's exterior unless all the taxis are clearly the same (see above).
4. Ask the cost first A legitimate taxi will probably know the cost of the route; ask the driver about the cost and be informed from the hotel about the prices, not only for taxi but and for all things you are interested to buy.
5. Know Where You're Going Having a general idea where you're headed will help keep you out of trouble in a taxi -- even if a neighborhood looks unsafe, it may be a shortcut, though; or the neighborhood to which you're headed may actually be unsafe if you're an adventurer. However, if you know you should be going north to the city center and you're headed south in a slum, feel free to get out at the earliest opportunity. Toss money over the seat in case you're mistaken and all's well, and you won't be chased.
6. Keep Your Backpack Close Always keep your bags right beside you or at your feet in a taxi. If you must jump out fast, you'll have to leave your bag if it's in the trunk (and the driver can leave with your bag if you get out before he does). If you're in an emergency situation, leave the bag, no matter what -- you can run faster without it, anyway.
7. Look for a Door Handle Don't get into a taxi without checking to be sure that there are door handles inside the passenger compartment. It goes without saying that you can't get out in a hurry if you can't get out at all.
8. Ask for the Badge It's okay to ask to see a policeman's badge if your taxi is pulled over. A real cop probably won't mind a polite request if it becomes clear that he wants you to get out or to follow him. Don't leave a busy street until you know you're following a real cop. Bear in mind that in some places, like Bolivia, fake police uniforms and badges are common -- don't get in a cab with anyone dressed in a cop uniform or showing a badge, period. Say you'll meet at the police station instead.
9. Be Aware of Sharing Sharing a cab with strangers can help you stay safe and save bucks -- but it's a scam in some places: your taxi stops for an accomplice posing as a tourist who is carrying contraband of some kind. When a fake cop subsequently stops your cab and the stuff is found, you may be about to be searched and robbed, or possibly taken to a fake police station and kidnapped while your credit cards get used.
10. Know Who to Call in Emergencies If you're okay with taking a non-licensed taxi and taking your chances, you may save some cents on a cheap cab ride. Be prepared, though -- this is the time to carry a phone. Know the local emergency number (foreign equivalents of 911). Watch for street signs so you know where you are. And always, always be ready to jump out and run like the wind. |
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Top 5 Ways to Avoid Being Ripped Off in a Foreign Taxi |
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1. Use Taxi Stands Find a taxi stand on the street in any country -- even if you can't read the words, you'll notice taxis congregating near the sign. Generally, only taxis authorized to carry passengers are allowed to stop at these taxi stands, meaning the taxi driver is licensed and therefore using a locally set metered fare. Look for these taxi stands at airports, too: don't let aggressive taxi drivers or their helpers steer you into a taxi without sussing out the scene for a sign first.
2. Ask for the taxi prices It is very important to know the taxi prices before you book a taxi. You must know the prices, so a very good way is to ask for the taxi prices on the taxi or on the hotel.
3. Ask the Fare First Ask a local, like a concierge or waiter, what a going cab fare should be. If you know, you can negotitate price to the going rate, and you'll know by watching the meter whether you're getting a fair price. Don't hesitate to point out the money ticking by on the meter if it doesn't seem right.
4. Negotiate Up Front If you know what the going rate should be (see above), you can negotiate a taxi fare up front. You can always just state a destination and offer a price; if it's fair, chances are the taxi driver will simply indicate that it's okay. Don't try to bargain a below-market fare; it's unpleasant for everyone -- remember that the cabbie is just making a living. And he could decide to drive off, rather than deal with you -- your objective is a fair price *and* a ride.
5. Know Where You're Going If you have a general idea where you're going, you can ask the cabbie what's up if you appear to be headed in the wrong direction on a soon-to-become-expensive taxi ride and he might subsequently change course. At least know whether you want to go north or south, and remember that the driver may be using a quick, but seemingly circuitous, route known only to locals before you decide you're being taken for a ride.
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