Security: Taxicabs

Public places that draw crowds, including: public transport hubs; outdoor markets and festivals; shopping centers; nightclubs and bars.

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Protecting yourself from crime when using taxis abroad. When entering a taxi, you surrender a portion of the control you would have if you were driving your own or a rental car. Take appropriate measures to ensure your personal security.

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Fares and Tipping
• To avoid potential disputes with taxi drivers, know the local tipping customs. Ask a hotel staff member, police officer or your host for the typical price range to your destination and the amount of an appropriate tip.
• Try to get a firm or estimated fare from your driver before you start and ask if there is an additional fee for luggage.
• Know enough about the local currency to identify the bill or coin you should use for payment. Unscrupulous drivers may attempt to return your change in discontinued and worthless bills.

Before You Get In
• It is always safer to travel with an acquaintance than alone.
• Taxis ordered by phone are safer than those hailed on the street. Ask for the cab number when ordering.
• If you have a choice of taxis, select the largest and safest-looking vehicle.
• Ask about taxi frequency and times of operation between your interim and return destinations, as well as about any changes in normal operations during off-time periods. (For example, taxis travel in convoys at night and at irregular time intervals to thwart roadside bandits in Lagos, Nigeria, and Georgetown, Guyana.)
• Take taxis that are clearly identified with official markings.
• If it is a law in country that drivers display their licenses, take only licensed taxis; ensure that you see the license prior to entering the vehicle and closing the door.
• If you place luggage in the trunk, stay outside of the taxi until the trunk is closed and locked.
• Know the route or general direction to your destination.
• Have the address of your destination written in the local language and, if possible, have a name and telephone number of someone at your destination.

Know the Threat
• Pick-pockets and petty thieves target tourists at taxi stands.
• Professional thieves can pose as taxi drivers. Do not accept unsolicited guide offers from taxi drivers.
• Do not enter a taxi if someone is already in the taxi in addition to the driver.
• Do not permit the driver to add passengers during your ride.
• Do not enter a taxi that the hotel doorman has selected out of line or from a stand where taxi drivers have a say as to who they take as passengers.

In the Taxi
• As you enter the taxi, ensure that the photo on the displayed license is that of the driver. If it is not, exit the taxi immediately.
• Lock the doors and roll-up the windows.
• If the doors do not lock, sit near the middle of the seat so that thieves outside cannot easily grab your purse, briefcase or wallet.
• If you feel unsafe, ask to be returned to your point of origin, a nearby quality hotel or the closest police station (say you forgot something, need to make a call or feel ill).

At Your Destination
• Ensure that you are at the correct destination before exiting.
• Never exit a taxi in a deserted area.
• Ask for a receipt and pay the fare in an amount as close to the fare as possible. Taxi drivers often claim that they have no change.
• Pay only after you have retrieved your luggage.

The Good Cabbie
Many taxi drivers are good sources of information about local customs, museums, sporting events, restaurants and entertainment. They may be authorities on where it is safe or unsafe for foreigners to frequent, what neighborhoods should be avoided and what threats or hazards may lurk near your hotel or your destination. If you feel comfortable and safe with your driver, engage him in conversation about his city.

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