Traveling abroad, whether for a short business trip or on vacation, often involves the use of local taxi services. Although in most cases taxi drivers are people who honestly do their jobs, there are some situations where the problem arises. In this article, we will try to give you some advice on how to behave when using a taxi abroad.
Although you may have experience with a taxi service in your country, you are sure to feel a little different when doing so in the foreign country. His first encounter with a new environment often happens through a taxi driver. This meeting can determine the first impression of staying in a country. Here, we especially highlight the first meeting because it usually takes place in a situation where you are “vulnerable”: tired, straight out of the airport, packed with luggage, etc. Cultural and linguistic diversity and ignorance of the terrain create uncertainty for passengers who feel that taxi drivers see them as potential victims. Of course, in most cases this is not the case, but it will not hurt to prepare a little in advance.
Before traveling (while still at home), check the usual rates for taxi services in the city where you travel on the Internet. Of course, you don’t have to go into details, but it’s enough to get an idea of the amount you want to pay. Since maps of many cities in the world are now available on the Internet, calculate the distance to the hotel from the airport (if you are traveling by air). Get familiar with the names of some taxi companies in the city (look for the city’s name, including the service’s name, for example, “Belgrade taxi”) and try to remember some names, or at least logos and colors. Keep in mind that the company that takes your internet presence seriously also probably performs its services properly.
When in a situation where you are looking for a taxi, you are likely to be with your hands full of luggage while taxi drivers approach you and offer you transportation. Don’t rush with a choice. Look around and contact the taxi driver whose looks and vehicle give you the utmost confidence. Say hello to the man and ask the price of driving. You can agree to run for a fixed or measured price, but be sure to get information about the expected price and compare it to the previous estimates you have obtained from your research. Don’t forget to specify the currency you want to pay in.
Driving at a fixed price is more expensive than driving on the meter, but more often you make sure your taxi driver uses the shortest route to your destination. Make appointments and any other costs (luggage fee, toll, etc.) in advance. Do not enter the agreed price later. This is where the language barrier can play a role, so if you cannot communicate otherwise, use a pen and paper or even fingers.
As for safety during the trip, the rules are pretty standard for all parts of the world. Store large luggage in the vehicle’s trunk and carry smaller bags (with documents and valuables). It would be helpful to prepare money for the trip and keep them in your pocket to avoid having to look for the wallet later. Also, prepare for a small change as taxi drivers seem to never have it. Taxi drivers prefer that you sit in the back seat, so respect it (except of course, if you have more). Remember the name of the taxi driver and the vehicle number, just in case. If you are starting a conversation, continue with the clear topics: the policy discussion has no place in a Black cab
As we said, the vast majority of taxi drivers are real people, and the advice shown above should help you protect yourself from a disgraceful minority that, after all, exists in every area of life in every part of the world.
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