Cab Drivers. Hate Them. Need Them.

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Travelers have a love/hate relationship with cab drivers. On one hand, they will take you to a familiar place if you are lost, but on the other hand, they are far more expensive than public transport, even when they're not ripping you off. They don't provide you with the authentic local experience like public transport does, but they can be more comfortable. Some cab drivers are honest and have suggestions for places to stay or eat... that is, if they are not getting a commission from the owner of the place. Cab drivers can be a great source of other information though, and good practice on your language skills... if they are not distracting you from their partner in crime pulling out a knife in order to mug you...

Yes, there is a love/hate relationship with cab drivers. Individuals may have many good attributes and generally, taking a cab can have advantages, especially when you are not confident in taking public transport, have luggage or shopping, are lost, in a dodgy neighborhood, or it is quite late at night. Sometimes they are the only means of transport you will have available to you.

There are things to be wary of when taking cabs, especially in countries like those in Latin America where fares are not regulated. Some things to help you stay safe and save you from being ripped off include:
  • asking a local how much the fare should be
  • negotiating the fare with the driver before you get into the cab, ensuring you have agreed to the total fare, not the price per person or per kilometre
  • negotiating the fare even though he says he'll "put it on the meter"
  • reiterating the agreed total fare at least twice during the trip
  • as much as possible, familiarizing yourself with official taxi companies and ride with them instead of the many personal cabs out there (they should have IDs displayed)
  • having some idea of where you are going and appear confident, ie not lost and desperate
  • staying with your luggage in the back seat to avoid having it stolen while stationary in traffic
  • if your luggage is large and needs to be stored in the trunk/boot, ensure that while your luggage is in the car and you are outside, the driver is not in the driver's seat (they usually help you with bags anyway), or at least leave your door open until you have your bag to deter them from driving off with all your goods
Sometimes there is no way of getting out of being ripped off, but I hope these points will help you prepare for travel in foreign cabs. I have been ripped off a couple of times during my travels, always by cab drivers, but honestly, there were some truly nice drivers who were honest and friendly. Personally, I preferred the experience and cheap cost of public transport, but taking cabs certainly has its place. Happy travels!

Comments

  1. C.W. BushOctober 10, 2010 8:26 pm

    I definitely try to avoid taxis when I can while abroad. Korea (where I've spent the most time so far) isn't too bad - although you do get the occasional dodgy one who wants to take you the roundabout way.

    Most, though, just want to practice their English.

    ReplyDelete
  2. VivstarOctober 10, 2010 11:25 pm

    Yes, I've experienced situations like that before, whether in an English-speaking place or a non-English speaking place. I too try and avoid taxis and take alternative public transport, but sometimes you can't avoid taxis. Just can't win sometimes.

    ReplyDelete

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