Part 1

Taking a Taxi from the Airport

Here is some general advice about taking a taxi from a foreign airport:

Load only your large luggage in the trunk. Keep all valuables with you when you get into the taxi. This is to ensure that if there are problems later, that you at least have your valuables with you.

Memorize or record the taxi number and driver’s name (number may just be on the outside of the taxi). If you are able to get the driver’s name then record this as well and of course say ‘hi’ to him (that way he knows that you know his name should any problems arise).

Keep a very close eye on that meter in the front if you have not negotiated a fare. Do not sleep or anything else.

Why of course you have been to Bangkok/Chicago/Beijing/Nairobi before. Just a few months ago, right? Yes, you are a regular traveler to the city. Oh, you have never been here before? Well let’s just take the long road then!

If you have a GPS, pull it out and watch the tracking. If the driver is doing loops then question him and show the GPS track.

If the negotiated fare is suddenly re-negotiated, stick to your original price. Ignore any confirmation from yourself on the new price. If this becomes a problem then have the driver stop and get out. If you have luggage in the trunk, make sure the driver either gets out and opens the trunk or one person stays inside the cab while the other unloads all luggage. Do not pay the driver anything.

If an official rate card is given to you by the driver during your drive into town and the price is re-negotiated, then ignore this as well. It doesn’t take too much effort to print off a few cards and laminate them to try and trick people.

If there is an option to take a ‘toll road’, then leave it up to the driver to decide (“you decide”) unless you know better. Like the rest of us, taxi drivers hate sitting in traffic and although it likely means a higher fare for them, this is not a pleasant way to do it. For tolls, you may either pay them directly or have the driver pay them and then the price is added to the fare. We recommend that you pay the tolls as then you have a lesser chance of getting scammed and of course this also gives you a good method of breaking a larger bill. Regardless, pay attention to the toll prices signs when approaching the payment booths.

Tags: foreign taxis, taxi safety, toll road