Avoiding Taxi Scams

Cities regulate the number of taxis on their streets so every driver will be assured a certain amount of business. In return every taxi is periodically inspected for safety, and must charge the same metered rate and wait time, which kicks in when the cab is stationary or moving less than ten mph. This compensates the driver for traffic.

In much of the developing world, however, there is little or no regulation of the taxi business. Anyone who has a car can become a taxi driver. It thus becomes dog-eat-dog for customers, with a bargaining system evolving that favors locals who know the score, and rips-off those who don't.

For starters, always use an established taxi company. This is easy in a developed country but in a developing country you are on your own. 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.

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