Executive Tips For Taxi Safety in Foreign Cities

When traveling abroad or even to places that are new or unknown, many executives choose to take taxis instead of trying to manage a hire car. By rights this should be easier and safer. After all, you are leaving the driving up to a trained professional. This should allow you to relax and get caught up on some phone calls or sight seeing. WRONG.

Taxi's can be a real safety issue to travelers that are not careful and choose not to pay attention to their surroundings. Every year, tourists get mugged, disappear or are murdered after entering a taxi.

Here are a few tips to help keep you safer on your journey.

1. Always try and take a taxi from a taxi stand or a hotel.

Taxi's can usually be found easily in any country. At places like taxi stands and hotels, taxis will gather to pick up fairs. Generally, only cabs authorized to carry passengers are allowed to stop at these cabstands. This means that typically the taxis at these locations will be licensed by the local government. In some countries the taxi drivers can be very aggressive. Make sure that you take the time to fully understand and not just be bullied into the cab.

2. Look for taxi similarities

Make sure to note the types, colours and signs of the taxis on the road and at the taxi stands. A taxi that doesn't look like the others probably isn't. Watch out for gypsy cabs, which are run by criminals to look like licensed taxis.

3. Learn the taxi companies phone number and brand

All companies want to advertise, so typically real cab companies will have their name on the vehicle. Every taxi company everywhere wants to advertise. A taxi without a phone number doesn't want to advertise. Why? Never get into a taxi without a company phone number advertised plainly somewhere on the cab's exterior unless all the taxis are clearly the same (see above).

4. Look for a taximeter and radio

A legitimate taxi will probably have a meter and two way radio inside; look for either before you get in. Never feel obligated to take any cab that stops, if the vehicle does not have a meter or radio, let it go. Without a real radio, it may not be a real taxi.

5. Know where you're going

Have some idea of the direction to your destination. If the destination is near the water and you are headed inland, don't be afraid to speak up. If you feel that the driver is taking you somewhere that is not correct, get out at the next possible opportunity. Pass some fair money to the driver and exit the cab.

6. Keep belongings in the cab not the trunk

Always keep your bags right beside you in a taxi. If you have to leave fast, you'll have to leave your bag if it's in the trunk (and the driver can leave with your bag if you get out before he does). If you're in an emergency situation, leave the bag, no matter what -- you can run faster without it, anyway.

7. Look for a Door Handle

Don't get into a taxi without checking to be sure that there are door handles inside the passenger compartment. It goes without saying that you can't get out in a hurry if you can't get out at all.

8. Ask for the badge

If your cab is pulled over by the police, be sure to politely ask see the policeman's badge. Don't leave a busy street until you know you're following a real cop.

9. Be aware of shared cabs

Sharing a cab with strangers can help you stay safe and save bucks. But in some places it can be a scam.

10. Know who to call in emergencies

Always try to carry a phone. Know the local emergency number (foreign equivalents of 911). Watch for street signs so you know where you are. And always, always be ready to exit the cab.

I hope that these tips help to keep you safe on your next journey.

Travel safe.