Japanese Cars Outside of the Manila Hotel, a Japanese tourist gets in a cab and tells the driver to drive him to the airport. On their way, a car zoomed by and the Japanese goes "Aaah Toyota, made in Japan...very faaast!". And then another car zooms by and the Japanese goes "Aaah Nissan, made in Japan...very faaast!" And then another, "Aaah Mitsubishi, made in Japan...very faaast!" By this time the Pinoy cabbie's getting tired of his passenger's nationalistic pride. Upon arriving at the airport the cabbie tells his passenger "400 pesos please." The Japanese goes "400 pesos? It's not that far from the hotel!" The cabbie's reply: "Aaah, taxi meter, made in Japan....very faaast!"

Here are a few taxi tips

Take a business card with you when you go out with the phone number of a reputable minicab or taxi company, and phone for the cab when you need it. Alternatively, walk to a nearby minicab office to order a cab.
Try not to let anyone overhear you ordering a cab - if they hear your name and destination, they may pretend to be the cab you’ve ordered.
Try not to let anyone overhear you ordering a cab - if they hear your name and destination, they may pretend to be the cab you’ve ordered.
Whenever possible, ask for the driver’s name, make and colour of car. If necessary, ask to be phoned back.
If you are going to a friend’s house, you could phone to let them know that you’ve ordered a cab, where you’ve ordered it from and the name of the company so that they know when to expect you and how to trace you if you’re late.
Ask for driver ID before getting into the car. Make sure it identifies the driver as being from the company you rang to order the car. Ask the driver the name and destination he has been given to check he is your driver - do not, for example, ask if he is picking up Mary for Ealing as anyone could confirm that they are there to pick up Mary from Ealing. Don’t get into a cab you haven’t ordered.

Favorite Scam Locations

Their favorite victims are new arrivals at airports and train stations. Take these simple steps to protect yourself.

Go to the Information desk in the airport arrival area, they might have helpful information, such as the proper fare to hotels, or special hotel buses.
DO NOT accept rides from touts who hang around the arrival doors looking for bewildered foreigners.
Stand in line at the designated taxi boarding area. This applies to stations and large hotels as well.
After getting in the taxi, immediately look for a card showing applicable tariffs.
Even if in a language that you don't understand, they clearly show day-time and night-time (sometimes also holiday) tariffs, each with starting rate, and rate per kilometer (km).
Check that the driver has started the meter and that it shows correct tariff number and starting rate.
If he hasn't and refuses to correct, immediately call a supervisor or policeman, if one is visible.
Look for a card with taxi number and driver's name. Often located near meter or above rear-view mirror.
Ostentatiously write down the number and name (and a telephone number if there is one).
Keep a watch on the meter to make sure that the driver doesn't change tariffs while on route!
At your destination, pay the amount shown on the meter, hopefully you have small currency. A favorite trick is lack of change!
Additions for extra luggage or for special airport or station tax may be legitimate. Request the driver to show them on the tariff card.

Bangkok

Taxicab schemes in Bangkok are infamous, and many of them are quite legal, actually. Newcomers to Bangkok will often be whisked away toward downtown from the airport on the elevated toll way (an additional 40 baht) rather than the often uncongested lower expressway. Drivers often take longer routes to destinations. And you should never enter a taxi if there's anyone else except the driver inside. And don't be surprised if the taxi driver has a breakdown and asks you to get out and help push-start the car. Say "bye-bye" to your luggage.

SINGAPORE—

The tired traveler flies into flower-filled Changi Airport and instantly feels at ease. Everything is neat, clean, functional, and aesthetic. Rules are adhered to in Singapore. The streets are as safe to walk as the tap water is to drink. So what kind of thief can operate in such a city state? The traveler collects his luggage and changes a little money at the airport booth, then jumps in a taxi to the hotel. "Fifteen dollars," the driver might say as he pulls up to Raffles or the Regent or the Mandarin; and in most cases, the visitor will pay and that will be that. A surprising number of American tourists, though, whose first sense of Singapore is not exotic and foreign at all, but rather resembles the modern city in which they live, happily pay in U.S. dollars. What taxi driver will refuse an instant bonus of thirty percent? That tourist has been self-ripped, and the driver is hardly to blame. More devious, though, is the driver or shop clerk who slips a Malaysian bill into the stack of Singapore bills he gives you as change. The pink Malaysian bill looks remarkably similar to the pink Singapore ten-dollar note. So similar, in fact, that the passing of it could be just an accident. But at ten ringgits, the Malaysian note is worth only half the value of the Singapore one.

Viet Nam
The most common taxi scams are taking you the long way around or "modified" meters. Either way, there's little you can do if you don't know your way around. You must pay what's on the meter. In Ho Chi Minh City the only taxis that have never given me any problems are the yellow "Vinataxi" cabs. One other common occurrence is the driver "not having enough change". This is common with cyclos and motorbike taxis, too. Always try to keep a supply of smaller notes on you.

Avoid Being Taken For A Ride By Asian Taxis

Bangkok

The key to avoiding a taxi scam in Bangkok is to catch a driver who is on the move. Dishonest drivers are notorious for parking outside five-star hotels, waiting to prey on innocent foreigners. Often, they charge the equivalent of an airport fare to travel just a few blocks.

Official taxis here come in several colors. All of them carry a rooftop sign that reads "taxi-meter," which lights up after dark (and goes off to indicate the cab is occupied). The flag drop should be 35 baht (92 cents) for the first two kilometers, then between 4.50 baht and 5.50 baht for each kilometer after that.

Visitors arriving at Bangkok's international airport should note that the "Airport Taxi Service" sign posted at a counter facing the arrival lounge is not for metered service. This service will charge you at least 450 baht, or nearly twice as much as a regular taxi. The metered taxi counter is outside the terminal.

Motorcycle-taxi drivers distinguish themselves with brightly colored vests, usually numbered.

Thailand

Hotel Taxi drivers: These friendly gentlemen hang around tourist hotels all day offering their services as a "Hotel Taxi". They drive cars that bear no resemblance to taxi cabs, speak good English and appear like magic whenever you leave your hotel. They charge many times the normal rate to get around town and do their best to talk you into going "shopping" for silk or gemstones. Stay away from these guys.

Jakarta

Since the economic crisis engulfed this country in 1997, a ride in a taxi has become a luxury to most Indonesians. So finding a taxi in Jakarta is easy -- it's finding a reliable one that's a challenge.

Twenty-nine taxi companies operate in the city. Blue Bird (794-1234, 798-1001), Kosti Jaya (780-1333), Citra (781-7233) and Express (576-1313) are considered the best, if only because their air conditioning usually works. It pays to be sharp-eyed, however. A whole raft of less respectable companies paint their fleets blue to try to pass as Blue Bird.

Tampering with meters and driving in circles are the most common scams. Criminals are known to masquerade as taxi drivers, so it's worth taking a moment to match the face of a driver to the license hanging over the dashboard. Avoid hailing taxis off the street in seedier districts.

The normal flag drop is 2,000 rupiah (26 cents) for standard service and 2,500 for luxury service, such as that offered by Silver Bird, a unit of Blue Bird that boasts large cars. At night, it's best to order a taxi by telephone. Haggling over fares isn't the norm if you choose a reputable taxi service. However, if you're traveling a short distance, even honest drivers are likely to demand a minimum of 5,000 rupiah. (75 cents)

The standard fare for the 25-minute journey from Jakarta's Sukarno-Hatta International Airport to town is about 25,000 rupiah. Blue Bird and other reputable companies have booths outside the arrivals area.

Manila

In Manila, too, taxis parade in an assortment of colors. But as of Jan. 1, they'll be easier to identify amid the sea of cars on Manila's bustling streets. All new taxis must be white, according to a government order.

Avis (532-0605, 532-5758) and R&E Taxi (363-1889, 364-9058, 364-9089) are among the most reputable metered taxi services. Both operators have stands outside major hotels in Manila's business district, Makati. Hailing a taxi on the street is usually a breeze.

As in Bangkok, drivers are unlikely to let traffic regulations get in the way of a fare: Taxis can be hailed any time, anywhere. Flag fall should be 20 pesos (51 cents) for the first half-kilometer. After that, one peso is charged for every 200 meters. There's only one exception: When it pours and cabs are in short supply, you can expect to pay double the normal fare, or get drenched.

For first-time visitors, it's worth paying extra to hire a taxi from a hotel counter at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. These taxis tend to be safer than those waiting outside the airport, if only because a dispatcher jots down the license plate number of each departing cab. The Shangri-La Hotel, for example, charges 340 pesos.

Tokyo

Unless you have money to burn, forget taking a taxi from Narita, Tokyo's international airport, to downtown. The 80-minute journey by cab will set you back as much as 20,000 yen ($174), and it isn't any faster than taking a train or a bus, both of which cost around 3,000 yen.

Fast meters seem to be a problem virtually everywhere in Asia -- except Japan. Tokyo taxis are among the safest in the world, too. Aside from fares that make your hair stand on end, the only hazard is encountering drivers who don't know their way around.

Japan's recession has thrown many a worker out of his or her salaried job and behind the wheel of a cab. As a result, these days, more and more people in a hurry complain about encounters with inexperienced drivers. If you're heading to an unfamiliar destination, it pays to carry a map -- for the driver. If you're lucky, however, you may hop into a cab that's equipped with a satellite navigation system.

Shanghai

To the chagrin of non-Chinese speakers, inexperienced hacks also ply the streets of Shanghai, where the turnover rate among taxi drivers is very high. Among the six major taxi operators, Qiangsheng (6258-0000), which has a fleet of yellow cabs, and Dazhong (6218-8888, 6258-1688) whose cars are blue, are the most reputable. Their taxis are generally cleaner and newer, and the drivers tend to be more experienced than those working for other companies. Nine out of 10 cabs here are locally made Shanghai Volkswagen's.

Of the 36,000 taxis crisscrossing China's business capital, about 1,000 boast a red roof, an indication that the driver has won government endorsement for good service and a safe driving record.

"PHANTOM OF THE TRUNK"

This scam catches people looking for a deal in ground transportation. The scenario goes like this: You land in a big city -- let's say New York. You need to get to Manhattan and you dread the thought of flagging down a cab and paying "out the nose". Just as you arrive at the gate a well-dressed gentleman approaches you. He says he has a private limo that can take you to Manhattan much cheaper than a cab. (These limos do not have government authorization to transport passengers.)

Happily you load your luggage into the spacious trunk and hop in the big comfortable back seat. Later that night you notice things missing: jewelry, cameras, cash. Where did they go? You had your luggage with you the whole time!

Little did you know that while you were driving to Manhattan a man was in the trunk of the limo with a flash light going through your bags. He is quite adept at rifling through things in close quarters. But hey ... you still saved money on a taxi.

I don't want to make you paranoid about traveling ... but it's good to be aware of just how far people go to separate you from your money.

Times Two Scam

Somewhat less amusing is the "times two" hustle. Suppose you and your friend have tickets for a big soccer match in Rio. The stadium is far across town so you hail a cab. You're wise enough to reach agreement on a price before you enter the cab. But when you reach the stadium, the cab driver demands double the price you agreed to, insisting that the price he quoted was for one person. You think there might have been a genuine misunderstanding. There wasn't. It's a common scam!

If you decide to object, ostentatiously write down the taxi's license number. Mention the police. It's important to stay calm because losing your temper could turn bystanders against you. Move the discussion off the street and into a store or hotel lobby if you can. If you want help, ask a clerk to call a police officer. The more time you take up, the more likely the driver is to hit the road.
Always keep perspective. A small amount of money doesn't justify spoiling your day, let alone missing the soccer match.

Brazil

Taxi drivers in Brazil (except in São Paulo) are notorious for trying to stiff tourists, but there are things you can do to ensure you're treated fairly. Know where you're going—have your destination and the best route written in Portuguese on a piece of paper; check the rates (posted on the back window); make sure that the taxi meter starts when the car does; and be aware that the special air-conditioned taxis parked in front of finer hotels usually cost almost twice as much as standard taxis. If you're hailing your own taxi, stand on the curb and point your index finger down, not up.

Mexico Taxicab Crime

Robbery assaults on passengers in taxis are frequent and violent, with passengers subjected to beating, shootings and sexual assault. U.S. citizens visiting Mexico City should absolutely avoid taking any taxi not summoned by telephone or contacted in advance at the airport. When in need of a taxi, telephone a radio taxi or "sitio" (pronounced "C-T-O"). Ask the dispatcher for the driver's name and the cab's license plate number. If you walk to a "sitio" taxi stand, use only a driver known to you. Ask the hotel concierge or other responsible individual calling on your behalf to write down the license plate number of the cab that you entered. Passengers arriving at Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport should take only airport taxis (yellow, with an airport symbol on the door) after pre-paying the fare at one of the special booths inside the airport. Radio taxis may be called at tel. 5-271-9146, 5-271-9058, and 5-272-6125 (within Mexico). U.S. citizens should avoid taking taxis parked outside the Bellas Artes Theater, in front of nightclubs, restaurants or cruising throughout the city.

Taxi cabs in Mexico City are a good way of getting to specific locations, but there are some guidelines you should follow to avoid being overcharged. There are several official cab lines which operate in the city, any of which should be fine to use. Always look for a cab that is either yellow, tan, or green and gray. All official taxis will have a plastic roof signs which say TAXI, and will have TAXI or SITIO painted on the doors. They will also have meters. Be sure to keep your eye out for drivers stating that their meter is broken or drivers going past your destination to run up the fare, these are just two of the many scams taxi drivers have been known to commit, so beware! If the driver says his meter is not working, politely decline and find another cab. Dishonest cab drivers are the exception and not the rule, so don't be afraid to use a taxi, as most will be fair.

How to pay

Be sure to have small bills on hand to prevent the cab driver from helping himself to an exorbitant tip

Ask airport or hotel personnel general taxi questions

You can also ask these same resources what the charge basis is for cabs in the area. Some drivers will charge you a metered, per-person rate. Other cabbies will try to tack on surcharges for baggage, rush-hour service, or additional passengers. Find out if these unusual fees are to be expected in the area you are traveling through before getting in the cab. Also, be on the lookout for drivers in foreign countries who expect you to haggle over fares. In these cases, negotiate your price first.

For starters, always use an established taxi company

Independent, non-licensed drivers are not obliged to follow industry regulations, though they will try and tempt you with lower fares. If you can't distinguish a legit company from a fraudulent one, inquire at the airport information desk or your hotel's concierge desk. They might also be able to help you with any communication problems you may encounter--if you don't know the language, have a local write down your destination on a piece of paper for the cab driver to read.

What to say to a taxi driver

When you get into the cab or shuttle, tell the driver your destination. When he pulls out of the parking space, say something like, "You're going to take so-and-so boulevard to the hotel, right? You know, past the ITT building?" (You'll have known this information from your pre-trip research.)
But by asking this type of leading question, the driver won't know that this is your first visit. He'll think you'll recognize—and be suspicious of—any route variations. He may test you and say, "First time in this country?" or "Returning here on business?" Disregard any such questions and say politely, "Really, I need to get there. I have a briefing I have to prepare for." Then casually look at a document or two in your briefcase.
By doing this, you have presented him reasonable doubt. He won't know whether you are familiar with the area and its schemes and scams, or if you're a first-timer. And you won't have offended him, you'll just have taken control of the environment.

When you are in a cab:

Upon entering the cab, jot down the cab's registration number and make sure the driver hasn't left any time on the meter. If he has, ask him to turn it to zero. Then, request a signed receipt, specifying pick-up and drop-off points. This will make him think twice about taking any "secret shortcuts," and it will give you more leverage if you're forced to report your driver to the taxi authority. Finally, ask the driver to take you on the cheapest, most direct route. Bring along a map of the area (you can pick up a free copy at any major car-rental desk) and point the route out to him if he goes astray.
Always sit behind the driver
"Please slow down," is better than, "Heygoslow!" The same holds with directions: the clearer, the better.
Respect the cabby's choices. It's unwise to tell driver, "Turn off the music," since that could antagonize your driver. Ditto with a choice of directions: Unless it's a route clearly designed to ratchet up miles, which path you take to your destination is hardly worth arguing about.
Pick your fights carefully. Some things aren't worth a confrontation; others are. For example, getting over-billed is something that's often best taken up with a regulatory agency (if there is one).

Our site contains over 100 pages of travel safety tips and security tips that are useful for any traveler. You will find tips involving luggage theft, avoiding pickpockets, laptop theft, hotel burglary, and airplane, train, automobile, and boat travel crimes.

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