Language, exchange rates, and taxi hire procedures may confuse
you when you travel to a foreign country. However, transportation via
taxi is a necessary part of many trips abroad. These tips will help you
avoid several potential problems.
Before your next vacation, spend some time on the Internet to research
taxi scams in your intended destination country. Did you know that in
some areas you could be arrested and imprisoned over a dispute with your
taxi driver? It pays to be informed.
Here are several tips that could save you aggravation and money.
• Learn a few words in the foreign language of your destination country:
-Hello
-Please
-Thank you
-Good-bye
-Airport
-Hotel
-Restaurant
-Washroom
-Doctor
-Hospital
-Pharmacy
... and anything else you might need for simple communication.
• Carry sufficient small bills and coins in the native currency. Some cab drivers can't (or won't) make change.
• Familiarize yourself with exchange rates so that you'll know if you're being swindled.
•
Using the local language, record your destination address somewhere. An
airport employee, the hotel concierge, a waiter, or a bilingual
businessperson should be able to provide assistance.
• Call the front desk of your hotel and ask them for an estimation of the fare to get there from your current location.
•
Carry a paper map with you and note the route to get to your
destination. If the driver heads in the wrong direction in an attempt to
run up the fare, you'll be aware when it happens. If you can't decipher
the map, ask a local to mark the way for you. Sometimes a driver will
take a detour that actually saves distance or time in the end. Ask
questions if you have any concerns.
• Hire only licensed taxis booked in advance or through a designated taxi stand.
•
If uniformed airport personnel are directing people toward taxis or
shuttles, it's a good indication that the drivers will be reliable.
• If a taxi doesn't look like the others in the line, it could be a fake. Choose a different cab.
•
Verify the cost before getting into the taxi. If you're traveling in a
group, confirm that the charge will be for the entire group, not per
person.
• Conspicuously record the cab's license number and
driver's name, as well as the taxi company and its contact information.
The mere knowledge that you have these details will keep some otherwise
shady drivers honest.
• If there are cab company business cards in the back seat, take one and stow it in a pocket, purse, or wallet.
•
Hire a taxi with a meter, and make sure that the driver turns it on at
the beginning of the ride. Also, ensure that the meter hasn't started
running before you get into the vehicle.
• If you're carrying
baggage that will fit in the main cab with you, don't stow it in the
trunk. Unscrupulous drivers sometimes hold your luggage hostage while
trying to haggle over the fare.
• When you leave the hotel, take
one of their business cards with you. It'll contain all the information
you need to hire a cab for your return trip.
• A good cabbie can
often provide information about local sights, quality restaurants, and
shopping. If you're happy with the service, leave a generous tip. Cab
drivers are usually hardworking people working for a low wage, and
they'll be appreciative of your generosity.
• If you plan to make
numerous local trips, a rental car might prove cheaper than taxi hire.
Investigate your options before making a decision.
For more travel tips, read Kathy's recent books: "Top Tips for Packing Your Suitcase" and "Top Tips for Travel by Air".
With their convenient e-book format, you can load them on your
smartphone, e-reader, tablet, or laptop - and take them along with you
when you travel.
(c) Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and all active links are included. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com)
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