What is better than traveling in an unknown country where you can set out on an adventure to live the happiest part of your life? But naturally, this happiest phase comes at a cost which can be tiring to some and annoying to others.
Traveling to another part of the world would mean that you would be entirely unaware of the culture that is being followed out there and would have to do your best to keep up with the traveling tour guide.
At some point you would also need to take a taxi as it is unlikely that you would have a personal transport to drive you around, neither would you opt for a bus or a train to take you on your adventurous tour. In such a case taking a taxi is not only very convenient, but it is also a very cheap option.
However taking a taxi itself is another risk that you could be dealing with and if you don’t do it the right way, then you could be wasting a lot of money and time. To avoid this trouble, follow these simple seven steps to make sure you choose the right taxi for yourself.
Always use the licensed cab:
Although to many tourists it might not seem much of an issue, however, it is always safe to travel in a licensed taxi that will guarantee a reliable pickup and drop service that you will not have to worry about. If you are not sure how to choose a taxi that is licensed, then there is no need to be bothered.
All you have to do is inform your hotel about arranging a cab for you. In this way, getting a proper, legitimate hotel to call a cab for you would assure you that the taxi too would be equally valid as the hotel.
Double check the driver’s ID:
It is straightforward to call a cab and sit in it not knowing whether the driver is even qualified enough to drive the cab. Many tourists have different kinds of experiences ranging from pleasant ones to some very horrific ones.
However, it is always safe to make sure that you are surrendering yourself and the luggage into a vehicle that is not only legitimate but also has a driver who gives off some very positive vibes too.
Be careful of your luggage:
Just because the taxi driver humbly helps you with the luggage and amuses you with his humorous jokes does not mean that you entirely trust the driver to be as authentic as he shows himself to be. Keep your belongings with you; in the backseat of the car if it does not contain too many heavy objects.
Moreover, before you exit the cab, make sure that you ask the driver to get out of the taxi with you so that he does not speed off with your entire luggage in his cab.
Ensure if it is the taxi you called:
After the cab arrives claiming to be the cab that you had booked earlier make sure that before you sit in the taxi, you ask the driver his name and ID number. Double check this information with the information that was provided to you over the phone.
Go for the meter ratings:
Some taxi drivers may know that you are new to the country and may not know much about the rates of traveling to specific locations. In such a case there is a possibility that the taxi driver may rip you off.
To avoid such a scenario make sure that you insist on the driver using the meter so that you can keep track of the meter ratings. In this way, you wouldn’t have to give a penny extra to the taxi driver.
Make sure you know the currency:
Although many taxi drivers act like true angelic guides who help you with getting accustomed to the different places and the various routes to get there, however, some drivers are quite the opposite.
In the latter case, these evil drivers may trick you into returning the wrong amount of change or give you currency that is no longer valid. Knowing the currency can help you avoid such situations.
Avoid travelling alone:
Although most taxi drivers are very responsible and are careful to drop you home safe and sound no matter how drunk or unstable you are. However it is always safe to avoid travelling alone when you are not in your right mind. Instead you can make your friend tag along with you.
