4 things you should do before stepping into a taxi overseas
In some destinations, taxis are the only conceivable way to get from point A to point B making this mode of transport a necessary evil. And don’t taxi drivers know it.
From over-charging from trips, to dropping you off in the wrong location and even more-sinister occurrences, taxi driver scams are far too common an occurrence.
But what can we do to protect ourselves?
Well, asides from having the appropriate level of travel insurance, we’ve put together a simple guide to make sure you avoid a taxi scam. Follow these tips and you should arrive on time, and with the contents of your wallet intact.
Here are four things you should do before stepping into a taxi overseas:
1. Have an idea of how much the fare should cost
How will you realise you’re being overcharged if you have no idea what a fare is supposed to cost? Do a little research before you hail the cab, so you have a realistic expectation of what a fare is worth. Taxi Fare Finder is a useful online resource that provides the average fares for taxi rides in many popular destinations.
2. Carry a card with the hotel address and a map
Nowhere is a language barrier more prevalent, than when you’re trying to give directions to a taxi driver who doesn’t speak English. Make sure you’re always carrying a card with the address of your destination, or a map that makes it easy to point out where you need to go. This might just be the difference between you being dropped off at the front of your hotel, or being dropped off in front of a tip 10kms down the road.
3. Ask the taxi driver to use the meter
In the end of the day, the only part of a taxi keeping most drivers honest is the meter. Rather than letting your driver estimate the fair, ask them to use the meter and keep an eye on it. If you’re halfway into your trip and the numbers don’t seem like they’re adding up, don’t be afraid to question your driver, or get out entirely.
4. Make sure they’re a legitimate taxi driver
Anyone can claim to be a taxi driver, but when it comes to overseas scam artists the devil is in the detail. Fraudulent drivers often don’t use official taxi parking areas and often don’t have vehicles with official markings. Keep an eye on little details like this and go with your gut. If it doesn’t feel right, it’s not worth the risk.
Have you ever had an issue with taxi drivers overseas?