The vast majority of people take taxis when they get off the plane while traveling for tourism or business. In fact, taking a taxi is the most dangerous part of the journey. After going to the city for the night, most people feel that it is safer to take a taxi home or back to the hotel, or that they can take a taxi without having to walk alone at night. Whatever the reason for choosing a taxi, there are a few key points that must be adhered to in order to be safe.
1. Know the destination
Memorize the best route to your destination. Don't leave it to a stranger and let him choose the route to transport you, you should tell him the specific route you want to take. Pay attention to his driving direction and judge if he has deviated from your pre-planned route. Tell him to get back on track right away. If he refuses to cooperate with your request, get out of the car.
2. Do a good job
It's important to be vigilant no matter where you're going, and it's helpful to be aware of the forms of fraud in the country or region you're travelling to. In Buenos Aires, for example, drivers are notoriously fond of exchanging "fake money". He would take the money paid by the tourists, then transfer the package into counterfeit money and tell the passengers that they could not accept it.
Bloggers of travel blogs warn tourists to pay with just the right amount of change when traveling to the area, and to be careful when using Mexican banknotes in denominations of 100 and 50. There have been reports of U.S. tourists taking non-air-conditioned taxis at airports in the Dominican Republic, drivers rolling down windows, and while waiting for a red light, motorcyclists reach into their cars and steal anything they can catch. It's also helpful to know what the standard behaviour is when traveling in a taxi. It's fine to hail a taxi on the road in New York, but in Taiwan it may be a different story. Search for reputable taxi companies and make a good note of their ** whenever you want. Also, if you are overseas, ask your hotel to connect you with a taxi and ask which taxi company you can trust.
3. Only you can decide where you want to go
Don't be persuaded by the taxi driver (or anyone) to change the originally planned destination. Never be in the driver's sole control – and you yourself have no idea where you're going. Don't take your driver's advice on alternative hotels, restaurants, nightclubs or bars, and never trust him to save money by saying "take you shortcuts". The truth is likely to be that he has a partnership with others in the agency he recommends – and he gets a commission for soliciting. Deviations from your original plan can also put you in danger because you don't know where you are and you can't be sure if the driver is going in the right direction.
4. Is this car legal?
Before getting into a taxi, it is necessary to check the following details:
1) Is there a handle in the door?If you can't get off the bus on your own, don't take it;
2) Make sure that there is a driver's ** in the car, a taxi license plate is posted, and there is a radio. These items are indispensable, otherwise don't get on the bus;
3) Be sure to get a ride at a proper taxi stand. For those guys who lean against the wall and ask "do you want a ride", don't get in their car.
5. Taxis are not for carpooling
Sharing a taxi with someone else seems like a good idea. You may also think that it makes sense to save time waiting at a busy airport, or when it's hard to catch a ride at your location. Of course, it's cheaper this way. Carpooling with strangers can leave you vulnerable.
The person you're carpooling with may have a different purpose, or may be in cahoots with the driver. So think twice when boarding.
6. Don't rush to get on the first car
After a long journey, it's natural to want to leave the airport or train station as soon as possible to get to your destination. However, jumping into the first taxi you see is a big mistake, and one that can really disadvantage you. Airports and busy train stations often attract many unofficially operated taxis, so it's best to stick to regionally licensed taxis. Never jump on the bus just because the driver's car is empty and you don't want to queue up at the waiting station. If you can't figure out where to go at the airport for a while, then find the traffic information desk and ask. It's also a good idea to ask about the average**, or to find out the approximate cost before you go.
7. Close the windows
Rolling down your car window and feeling the cool breeze XiXi really appealing, especially at the beginning of your vacation. But the first rule of thumb in a taxi is to keep the windows closed – and if necessary, open a slight slit. Criminals are always looking around for easy targets, don't open the car window, and send a signal that you can easily get started. When the vehicle slows down, or stops for a red light, it's easy for thieves to reach in and snatch your belongings. Of course, even if someone on the street gestifies you to open the window, you must not do so.