10 Important Taxi Safety Tips for Travelers to Use in a Foreign Destination

10 Important Taxi Safety Tips for Travelers to Use in a Foreign Destination

Are you scared of taxis? Don’t want to use them on an international trip? Well, you’re not alone. Several people are apprehensive about traveling in taxis in a foreign location. But there are a couple of taxi safety tips for travelers that can make the process an easy one. While it’s alright to get chatty with the cabbie, it’s not ideal to overshare - especially if you’re a woman. On the other hand, can drivers are an invaluable resource on local attractions be it museums, parks, and the like. But to be on the safe side, always tell them less. We’re not talking about taxi driver safety tips here. We’re focusing solely on you as a traveler. Keep reading to find out the best taxi safety tips for travelers to use on an international trip!

How To Stay Safe When Traveling By Taxis:

There are tips on all sorts of things out there - street food in China, Sushi in Japan, National Parks in the USA, and couch surfing in India, among other things. But if you’re wondering how to be safe in a taxi alone, we have the best taxi passenger safety tips to help you out. Follow these taxi safety tips for travelers even if making a work trip on last minute flights.

1. Know The Rate Beforehand:

Among the first and most important of all taxi safety tips for travelers is to know the typical taxi rates beforehand. Seek guidance from your local friend or the hotel manager in this regard. Ask how much it should typically cost for the trip you wish to take and what the appropriate tip should be. Also, find out if there’s a currency bill or coin that’s outdated so that you will know when the taxi driver hands you the change.

2. Have Knowledge Of Where You’re Going:

While there are safe taxi apps around, taxi safety statistics can paint a sad picture in some locations. Do research on where you’re going - the distance, time it takes, costs, et al. Yes, the taxi driver may know shortcuts. But if you feel like he’s intentionally taking you in an isolated road, get out at the first instant. Toss money onto the front seat in case this turns out to be a misunderstanding.

3. Book A Taxi Instead Of Hailing One On The Street:

This is among the best taxi safety tips for travelers to use when abroad. You don’t know how safe a taxi is even if it’s standing in a legit taxi line. Ask your hotel to book a taxi for you instead of hailing a cab on the street. They’ll know trusted agencies and will find you a good cab. This is how to stay safe taking taxis in a foreign location.

4. Keep An Eye Out For The Meter, Handles, Badge, And Radio:

If you’ve booked business class flights to visit a place you’ve never been to before, this is an important thing to keep in mind. Find out what type of identification is authentic when you take a taxi. Look for a legit meter, un-tampered with door handles, and a valid taxi driver badge before you get in. if anything seems off, do not take the taxi.

5. Always Sit In The Backseat:

This is among the top taxi safety tips for travelers anywhere in the world. You need not sit in the front passenger seat of a taxi even if you happen to be a guy. Always sit towards the middle in the backseat. This will keep you a bit out of focus of the driver as well as thieves that may pass your cab.

6. Be Careful With Valuables:

Among the topmost taxi safety tips for travelers is to make sure your valuables are hidden well. Never wear costly jewelry as that makes you an easy target. Instead, keep it hidden in your purse or bag and wear it at the party or club when you get there. Also, if you’re carrying a bag, keep it at your feet instead of on the seat so that it can’t be snatched away easily.

7. Say No To Rideshare:

You’re in a new place and want to make friends. That does not mean you should share a cab with strangers - however well-meaning they may seem. Say no to someone asking to share your cab even if they seem harmless. It’s always better to be safe than take the chance and have cause for regret later.

8. Keep The Windows Rolled Up And Your Phone In Your Hand:

One of the top taxi safety tips for travelers is to travel with the windows rolled up. This will prevent thieves from snatching your bag or purse from the window. Also, you must always keep your phone in hand. It will be handy in case you need to call someone in an emergency. Also, it will deter the taxi driver from misbehaving.

9. NEVER Take A Taxi When You’re Drunk!:

This one is an absolute must! You must NEVER take a taxi when you’re drunk. First of all, try not to get drunk when you’re by yourself in a foreign land. Go with a buddy you trust if you absolutely must and make sure that at least one of you is not drunk. Else, call your hotel or a local friend and have them pick you up instead.

10. Have Emergency Contacts On Speed-Dial:

This is among the topmost taxi safety tips for travelers to use regardless of which part of the world they are visiting on international flight tickets. You must know whom to call in case of an emergency. It could be the police, a friend, or your hotel manager. If you don’t have a lot of time, you can also make a quick call to someone back home and they’ll notify the authorities at your destination.

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Meta Description - Are you scared of taxis? Here are top taxi safety tips for travelers to use in a foreign location: know the fare beforehand, book a cab instead of hailing one, say no to ride share, and never take a taxi when you’re drunk. Find out other taxi safety tips for travelers listed here.