How to Ride in Taxis Like a Pro

Position yourself at the curb, and keep an eye out for an available taxi. To hail a cab, stand at the edge of the sidewalk where drivers can easily spot you. It's best to be in a place with clear visibility, like a street corner. By making it easier for the drivers to see you, you’ll catch a cab much faster.

• Make sure you’re standing on the side of the road where traffic is moving in the direction you want to travel.

Look for the taxi’s availability light. Most cabs have a light or sign on the roof to show whether they are available. When the taxi is free, the sign will light up or show some indication that it's ready to pick up passengers. These signs can vary by location, so if you're unsure, don't hesitate to ask a local for guidance.

Raise your hand as the taxi comes closer. Avoid waving your hand wildly. Instead, raise your hand confidently and steadily, signaling to the driver that you want a ride. Keep your hand raised until the driver notices you and pulls over. Once the driver stops, step back onto the curb and wait for them to park before you approach the car.

Establish eye contact with the driver once the taxi stops. When the taxi has pulled over, walk towards it while making eye contact with the driver. Open the back door and get in. Be ready to tell the driver your destination, ensuring you have your address either memorized or written down so communication is clear.

• If you're traveling abroad, the driver may not speak your language, so having the address written out is essential for clear communication.

Head to a taxi stand if no cabs are available. Taxi stands are designated areas where drivers line up to wait for passengers. Join the queue and wait for your turn to approach an available taxi. Taxi stands are commonly found in busy places like airports, hotels, and tourist spots.

• Using a taxi stand ensures you're getting a safe and authorized cab, as drivers must be registered with the stand service.

Call a taxi if you can’t find one on the street. If no taxis are available, look up a local taxi service online. Once you have the contact information, call the company and provide them with your address. Stay outside to meet the driver when they arrive, and tell them your destination once you're in the car.

• It’s a good idea to call 15-20 minutes in advance, particularly during rush hours or peak travel times.
• While many taxi services operate 24/7, some may have limited hours, so always confirm before calling.

Use a cab-hailing app for faster service. Many cities offer apps for hailing cabs. Download one specific to your area, and you can quickly order a taxi. Ensure that your phone's location services are enabled so your driver knows exactly where to pick you up. Stay in place until your taxi arrives.

• Most cab-hailing apps allow payment directly through the app using your credit card.

Keep eating and drinking to a minimum. Inquire about your driver’s food and drink policies. If they have a no-eating or drinking rule, make sure to follow it. Many drivers prefer a strict no-food policy to avoid spills, and drinking alcohol in a taxi is illegal in many places.

• Avoid bringing strong-smelling food into the taxi, as these odors tend to linger.
• Before you exit the taxi, clean up after yourself and take any trash with you.

Don’t ask drivers to carry more passengers than they can accommodate. When traveling in a group, don’t ask your driver to take more than three passengers. Each passenger must have a seatbelt, and overloading the taxi can lead to fines or trouble for the driver. If you have more than three people, consider splitting into smaller groups.

Be courteous when speaking with your driver. If your driver tries to strike up a conversation, respond politely and kindly. If you’re tired or prefer silence, just let them know. Most drivers will respect your wishes. Avoid being rude if you’re running late due to traffic, and refrain from making loud or offensive comments.

• Never ask your driver to speed or break the law. Their job depends on their ability to drive safely, and reckless driving can jeopardize their employment.

Give a tip. It's customary to leave a tip in addition to the fare. A standard tip is around 20 percent, but if your driver went above and beyond, feel free to leave more. Tipping can often be forgotten, especially late at night, so make sure you remember if you’re catching a cab during the evening hours.

Ask a local about the common taxi appearances in the area. Taxis in different cities tend to have a distinctive look. For example, New York City cabs are typically yellow to make them easy to spot, while Munich taxis are sleek and cream-colored. London taxis are famously black, and in Japan, cabs are often black as well. A unique-looking taxi isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, but it’s good to check for other authenticity signs like a working meter or the driver’s ID badge.

Look for a meter or radio in the taxi. Legitimate taxis almost always have a meter to calculate the fare, typically located on the dashboard or near the driver. Many taxis also have radios to communicate with dispatch. If you can't spot a meter or radio, it’s best not to get into the vehicle.

• In newer car models, the meter may be harder to see. If you're unsure, ask your driver to show it to you.

Ensure the driver has an ID badge visible. Most countries require taxi drivers to display their ID badge. This badge should include their name, a photo, and the name of the taxi company. The ID is usually placed where passengers can clearly see it, often near the front of the vehicle. If the ID isn’t visible, ask the driver to show it to you.

• If they refuse, do not get into the taxi.

Keep your bags within reach. Untrustworthy taxi drivers may attempt to steal from passengers. Avoid placing your bags or luggage in the trunk. Instead, ask to keep them close to you on the floor by your feet if possible. If you’re carrying valuable items, always be aware of their location during the ride.

• If you’re concerned about the fare, ask your driver for the rate before getting in the car, as taxi prices can vary by city.
• Speak clearly with the driver to avoid any misunderstandings about your destination.
• If you’re dissatisfied with your experience, report it to the taxi company. Be sure to note the driver’s name and the taxi company to follow up later.

• Trust your instincts. If something feels off about the taxi, it’s best to find another one.
• Ensure the taxi has door handles in the backseat. Avoid entering any taxi without functioning door handles.
• Never ride a taxi alone if you’re intoxicated. You may not be able to spot warning signs or protect yourself in case of trouble. Always bring a sober friend with you if you have no other way home.