Okay, so I’ve been doing a lot of traveling lately, and one thing that’s always on my mind is safety, especially when I’m in a new city and need to grab a taxi. I figured I’d share what I’ve been doing to stay safe, it is not that hard, and it made me feel better, I think it’s worth it.
Doing Some Research Beforehand
First thing I did was jump online. I started looking up common taxi scams in the cities I was going to. Just getting a feel for what to watch out for. I read some traveler forums and blogs – you know, real people sharing their experiences, good and bad.
Choosing My Ride
I tried to stick to official taxi stands when I could. You know, the ones you usually find at airports and train stations. I figured those were my safest bet. If I had to flag one down, I made a mental note of looking for a proper taxi meter and some form of taxi identification, like a license displayed somewhere inside.
During the Ride
- Keeping Track: I kept my phone out and opened up a maps app. I didn’t have data in some places, but I made sure to at least download the maps I will be using. It just helped me make sure we were going in the right direction, I mean, it is not a perfect solution, I can not always have a signal or battery.
- Staying Alert: I tried not to zone out too much. I kept an eye on the route, and the driver, and just generally stayed aware of my surroundings.
- Baggage: Kept my bags close to me, usually on the seat beside me, or at my feet if there was space. Not in the trunk/boot.
Paying Up
I tried to have small bills on me. That way, I could avoid any “Oh, I don’t have change for that” situations. Before even getting in, if I could, I asked for an estimate of the fare, just to have a ballpark figure in mind.
Using Ride-Sharing Apps
In some cities, ride-sharing apps were a solid option. I liked these because you get the driver’s details, the car’s info, and a fare estimate upfront. Plus, you can share your ride details with someone, which is a neat safety feature.
Trusting My Gut
This is probably the biggest one. If something felt off, I didn’t ignore it. Seriously, if a situation felt sketchy, I just got out of the car. Better safe than sorry, right?
That’s pretty much my routine. It’s not foolproof, but it made me feel a lot more in control. Travel’s supposed to be fun, and these little things helped me enjoy it without constantly worrying about getting ripped off or worse. Hope this helps you on your next trip!
