Riding a taxi can generally be safe. It’s safer than
journeying through the subway, at least. But, there
are things, bad things that can happen when riding a
foreign taxi. There have been reports of kidnapping by
taxi drivers in which you have to be aware of. before
boarding any kind of vehicle, consider your safety
first and then be alert of your surroundings when
traveling especially when you’re alone.
Tip # 1 – Locate a taxi stand.
If you just came out of the airport, you can easily
find taxi stands around and near the area. It would be
a bit similar to what you have in your country. You
just have to notice the congregating taxis under a
sign that you can’t read and that would probably be
- If unsure, ask a police person. In general terms,
only cabs that are authorized by the government to
board passengers are the ones that can park under
these stands. This also means that the taxi driver is
licensed. Never let drivers that are aggressive to win
you over. They might have another intention than
bringing you to your destination.
Tip # 2 – Know something about the place where you’re
heading.
You should have even the slightest idea regarding your
destination. If necessary, try to avoid shortcuts
because this can confuse your memory and lead to
another street that you are unfamiliar with. Notice If
you’re heading south and the taxi is going north, be
determined to ask or otherwise make the cab stop for
if not, juts jump out of your seat and ask for help.
Tip # 3 – Observe for cab similarities.
Look at the color of the taxi. Is it he same with
others? Do they have certain similarities that can
assure you of some firm evidence that the cab is
really safe? You can never trust a taxi that seems
different from the others because in some places,
thieves use fake cabs to get your money or sometimes,
more.
Tip # 4 – Keep your belongings close.
If you’re traveling alone and your are carrying a
really big and heavy luggage, sit beside it. Keep it
very close to you. Otherwise if it’s in the trunk, it
will be very difficult for you to pull it out if in
case anything bad happens.
Tip # 5 – Note phone numbers.
Taxi companies love advertising. That is why,
legitimate taxis are the ones with plastered company
numbers either on the trunk, doors and roofs. Never
get into a taxi that doesn’t have the company’s phone
number on its interior or exterior surface.
Tip # 6 – Sharing alert.
Sharing your cab with someone can minimize your
consumption and impose some kind of safety within you.
Although, you should try to say “No.” if your taxi
driver wanted someone to share with you no matter how
peaceful the stranger looks – especially in foreign
countries. You could end up being kidnapped because
the peaceful-faced stranger is wearing a mask and is
actually a monster.
Tip # 7 – Get a hold of the door handle.
Don’t ride a taxi when the door handle inside it is
malfunctioning or is broken. It would be very
difficult for you to escape a predicament with a
busted cab door.
If in case all of these tips fail, always have an
emergency line where you can call local officials. It
is always a remark to put safety first when traveling
especially in foreign countries.
Photo by robnguyen01 
