Taxi is one of the easiest transportation means a traveler or tourist could get in foreign travel destinations. However, foreign travelers also often fall into a taxi scam, ranging from taxi fare fraud, mugging, kidnapping, to murder. Still, all those things should not stop you from using a taxi service in foreign countries. Follow these basic safety rules and you can be free from any worries.
1. Find a taxi stand
This place is usually easy to spot. Generally, only cars authorized to carry passengers are allowed to stop at these stands, meaning the taxi is as safe as that country mandates, and the driver is licensed. Look for these cab stands at foreign airports, too. Do not let yourself get carried by a suspicious, aggressive ‘taxi’ driver.
2. Memorize the taxi details
Whenever you find the taxi in the official taxi stand, make notes of the details such as logo, color, or type of the car. This way, you will have good idea about what a legitimate taxi should look, and you will be able to avoid fake taxi.
3. Check for the visible phone numbers
A legitimate taxi usually has its company’s phone numbers plastered visibly on the exterior of the car. Do not use a taxi that does not show any phone numbers, except if all taxis in that area look really same.
4. Ask for a badge
If your taxi is being stopped by a policeman, ask him politely to show his badge. However, in some places like Bolivia, fake police uniforms and badges are common. Do not get in a cab with anyone dressed in a cop uniform or showing a badge, period. Say you wil meet at the police station instead.
5. Look for a door handle
After you hail a taxi, take a look to see if it has the door handle. If not, it goes without saying that you should not use this taxi.
6. Keep your backpack close with you
If you are still not sure about the taxi you use, keep your backpack or purse (that contains valuable things like cellphone, passport and wallet) close with you, even if your luggage is put in the taxi trunk. When you sense something not right, you can jump out of the taxi and run without being bothered by a heavy luggage; at least you have your purse with you.
7. Look for a taxi meter and radio
A legitimate taxi will probably have a meter and two-way radio inside; look for either of them before you get in. A taxi may not use a meter and still be safe, but a taxi without a radio is a big no. Every taxi needs to communicate with a base; without a real radio, it may not be a real taxi.
8. Know who to call in emergencies
Knowing the local equivalent numbers of 911 will help you if you are still not sure about the taxi you use. Watch for the street signs, and always prepare yourself to jump out and run if the situation is getting worse.
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