Taking a taxi abroad: some rules that apply

For most people, going on holiday means time to relax, great places to visit and above all – freedom! Taking a taxi is still the greatest way to get around on a holiday. Thanks to these vehicles, there are no constraints, no stress, no parking worries and most importantly no time lost. Taking a taxi is undoubtedly the best way for you to travel while abroad. Having said this, booking a taxi in another country means certain rules apply to ensure your own safety. Don’t worry: we’re here to guide you through.

Getting around by taxi: criteria to consider when making your choice

The first thing to mention are the criteria to consider when choosing your taxi abroad. How can you be sure to trust one company and not another? How can you tell the difference between official taxi companies abroad and amateur ones? In some developing countries tourism is an excellent source of revenue. Unfortunately, this can lead to taxi scams and frauds and create a bad image for the profession. Prices of taxis abroad can vary greatly from country to country. The best thing to do is to ask a trusted source such as the tourist office, hotel reception or airport about the regular billed price for a taxi fare in your location. Once you have an idea, you can tell straight away if the price you’ve been asked is reasonable, too much, or a complete scam. In some situations, for example, taxi drivers have been known to pretend their counter has broken. This then allows them to fix a price at random. If this is the case and you think you’re being scammed, leave the car immediately to avoid being ripped off.

Taking a taxi abroad: head to the airport to find one

Where will I find a taxi abroad? The answer is a no-brainer in every corner of the world! Airports are the universal hub for taxis. As a general rule, taxi drivers go to a place where there are more people looking for transportation to improve their chances of picking up a fare. They’ll usually be lined up and waiting for their next customer. The rules for choosing a taxi abroad are particularly important when you’re travelling because they are often an indicator of cultural differences. Some foreign taxis are known for their singular visual identity. Depending on the country you’re visiting, the cars can look like regular vehicles (like in France) or very similar to each other (like in London or Marrakech). Some foreign taxis are even a real tourist attraction (we’re thinking of the yellow New York taxicabs which make you want to hop on board and spend the day sightseeing!).

Motorbikes, rickshaws and private hire vehicles: some interesting alternatives

If for some reason you are struggling to find a taxi when you need one, there are some great transport alternatives to taxis available – and sometimes they may even be more suited to your needs!
Imagine the situation: it’s 6.30pm and you’re in Jakarta, Indonesia. It’s rush hour and there are no taxis left on the busy streets. Why not try the ‘tuk tuk’, or rickshaw, as an alternative means of transport? It’s probably more suited to getting around the city than a taxi.
On the other side of the globe, imagine you’re holidaying in Russia in front of the Kremlin in Moscow. Feeling curious and want to explore Russian culture? A private hire vehicle is ideal to learn more about the city.
In other situations, taxi motorbikes are an interesting alternative too, especially when traffic is busy and you need to get somewhere quickly. In short, there is a wide range of choice of transport abroad , accessible to everyone. So next time you’re on holiday, don’t hesitate to try something new: the world is your oyster!

Discover our article about London taxis!

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