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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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