Use Taxis

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Using a Taxicab is one of the most common modes of transportation used when travelling in big cities. Taxi use is definitely faster than buses, but it can also be very expensive.

Steps

  1. Learn to spot an empty taxi by these methods:
    • The flag. If the flag is not raised, the taxi is occupied.
    • The light. If the light on the top of the car is on (only applicable at night), then the taxi is vacant.
  2. If you can't find a designated taxi stand, then find any place a normal car can park can be a place you can call a taxi.
  3. Stand on the curb of the pedestrian walkway or position yourself as safely as you can do so. Stop a taxi by holding your hand out; call 'taxi' when you catch sight of an empty taxi. Retract your hand when the taxi driver is starting to park the taxi.
  4. Once you get into a taxi, tell him exactly where you want to go, or if you can't do that, state the address, or describe the building. Never use the street name only. Some long roads stretch through several suburbs, even cities.
  5. Read the flag fall and pricing information carefully.
  6. When you get out, make sure you check the correct amount, then ask for tipping requirement.
  7. Pay the fees, check your belongings, then exit the taxi.
  8. Close the door tightly.

Tips

  • Taxi drivers often enjoy showing off their knowledge of the area in which they work. If you aren't sure where to eat, drink, or sleep, ask the driver. The more specific you are in describing what you are looking for the more chance you have of finding that perfect spot. It is customary to increase the tip if the driver has advised you on such matters.
  • Note the cab driver's name, the licence plate number and/or his/her job ID no. and the taxi company's phone number, just in case you have a complaint about the driver or in case you leave something in the taxi.
  • Tell the dispatcher on the phone or tell the driver as soon as you are in the car if your ride is going to involve waiting and/or multiple stops. This helps the dispatcher determine the wait time for the next customer who calls.
  • In a lot of countries, you have to tip the taxi driver, so ask before you pay.
  • In some places taxi drivers are willing to negotiate a price, but in other places this is considered rude. Try to find out which is the local custom before entering the taxi, or just ask the driver.
  • Sometimes, it is better to charter a taxi than to try to find one in the middle of the street. Like when you have many people or many bags. Nowadays, there are many models of taxis to suit your needs (some countries or taxi companies are behind in this department). If you definitely need a family car for your family of six rather than a tiny mini that only fits your hand carried luggage, then call the taxi company and state clearly where you want to be picked up when you call, but don't expect a Ferrari for a taxi in Italy, either.

Warnings

  • If you are traveling overseas, unless you really have to, never call a cab when you are drunk. It's not just the obvious honesty issues. Your safety may be at issue.
  • Check the prices very carefully, from flag fall, to the mileage rate, luggage rate (per 1/2 kilometer or 1/2 mile, for example), waiting time (if you are just making a fleeting visit to a place for ten minutes, then you need the taxi again). It can amount to a lot of money. Some may even take advantage of your lack of street knowledge to take the slowest or least direct route to two places and not for the purpose of avoiding traffic jams, but in order to jack up the fees. So keep a map handy, and those reasons make taxis worst mode of transport when you want to travel a long way on an interstate highway.
  • If you are the one with the emergency, remember, taxis are not ambulances, they have no power of jumping red lights, and they have no sirens, so don't bother trying to speed up the taxi. They risk speeding fines just like a normal motorist, but at a heftier price.
  • If others want the cab at the same time you do, let the other person go first, especially for pregnant ladies heading for hospital and business people who may be headed to an appointment. Just use common courtesy.

Things You'll Need

  • Plenty of money
  • A map
  • Fluent Local Language preferred
  • Basic Street Knowledge

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