It might sound quite threatening that taxi is one of the most dangerous means of transportation. The drivers of all countries are similar: they were cheated, deceived, and even rob, rape and kill their clients. What should we expect, stopping the car in a city of peace?
Thus when travelling you better understand all of the advantages and disadvantages of the cars offered by the specific country.
Mexico City, Mexico
At first glance, the problems with taxis in Mexico City there: visible green cars are omnipresent. However, the capital is full of frightening stories about taxis – about a quarter of the cars are pirated. Their drivers have been working in the genre of “express kidnappings”: the client is brought to the ATM and at gunpoint forced to withdraw all funds from the plastic card.
Tip: It’s better to use only those taxis that are brought by a hotel employee. And before getting into a car, check the place- whether it’s normal and nobody’s inside the car.
Seoul, South Korea
It seems that taxi drivers can not get lost on the streets of Seoul, as their cars are equipped with GPS-navigators. However, some drivers are replacing them with mini TVs: much more interesting to watch movies than to track the satellite path. Last year, city officials have declared the practice to be illegal, and even impose a fine of 500 dollars, but the court overturned that decision. Local police believe that such fans of TV in 2008 became the perpetrators of 200 accidents that have affected 350 people.
Tip: A trip by a white car would be cheaper, but safer to choose the black taxis, which are usually waiting for customers at the door of the hotels. Much less can be seen the orange cars, but more likely it is that their drivers can speak in English, and, hence, they can explain why they you should not watch soap operas at the wheel.
New Delhi, India
Market metropolitan taxi in India is divided between black and yellow Fiats and colorful moto-cars. They must use the meter and observe tariffs, but the trouble is that the drivers ignore the fact, and even more. Trip on a moto-car is more dangerous: in these small cars there are no seat belts, or even doors. Tuk-tuki (namely the so-called in India) continually fall into the news reports: that drivers are robbing and raping the passengers, the carriages suddenly ignite spontaneously.
Tip: many shops offer special cards on which you can calculate the cost of your travel. And to do your work well done when order a taxi, ask your hotel – they will certainly call into one of the two most reputable and reliable companies operating in India.
Johannesburg, South Africa
During the pre-revolutionary era minivans were rode to the workplace by the proletarians, and now these cars became shuttle buses, which can be found almost everywhere. But they obviously should not be used for those who suffer from claustrophobia: a salon can fit up to 10 seats, stuffed usually by 20 people . However after all you should think before you sit in this kind of wagon: drivers prefer not to think about the traffic rules and ride on a crazy speed.
Tip: on the black continent, existing customary law – addressed to the staff at the reception by the hotel – he will call a taxi for a solid company with the insured driver.
Lima, Peru
Yelling in the street, you are literally asking for been robbed or raped so you better be careful when making any kind of noise. The U.S. State Department reported that in 2007, a taxi was robbed even belonging to the American Embassy. What is the reason? The fact is that in this country to become a taxi driver one needs to rent or buy a taxi-like car and put him on a plate. And many non-resident drivers know the city much worse than the tourists. Thus the choice of the driver here is rather important task.
Tip: The hotel staff is there to ensure solving the problem and will offer a reliable taxi. But do not forget to make sure that the driver locks the door, because armed robbers sometimes jump into the car, standing at the crossroads.
Cairo, Egypt
It’s scary to watch on one of these black Fiats , even when they are on the spot. A lot of old cars, no lights, some body parts replaced with “non-native” and unpainted ones. However, if you happen to go in this car, you probably will forget about such trifles. The drivers say the rules are unnecessary formalities, like to drive the car, casually holding the steering wheel with one hand, and even at night prefer not to turn on the lights.
Tip: You better stop the choice on the “yellow” taxi of one of three companies: working on such machines, drivers are trained better than their Fiat colleagues.
Bangkok, Thailand
Sitting in a three-wheeled tuk-tuk, it is hardly worth it to seek for safety belts. This transport is not for those having a weak heart: delicate moto-cars are moving at a great speed into the dense flow of traffic, so that the passengers can only hear the wind whistling in the ears (although the doors are also provided in this form of transport, they seem to be useless ). On the road the driver will try to make you visit variety of shops, restaurants and massage parlors – from the owners of these establishments, he receives a commission for each customer.
Tip: To get a taxi in the heart of the Thailand- in its capital is easy when paying attention to its color. They say that the most multilingual drivers go in the green cars. North to the cabin, pay attention to the counter. If it does not work and the driver is not thinking about replacing it,you better look for another taxi.
Manila, Philippines
Sitting in a car with a stranger – a bad idea anywhere, but in this city it’s especially bad, because to rob those who sit in the back seat is one of the most common crimes in this country. First of all, do not sit in cars parked along the side of the streets.And even if you might not be attacked by your driver, it’s worth trying to get a normal taxi with an air conditioning as the climate here is too hot to left without it.
Tip: You refer to the hotel staff not only to bring a car but a driver and to check its number and license in advance.
Jakarta, Indonesia
Since in the 1990’s pedicabs were banned, the Indonesian usually use co-called mototaxis. Authorities are completely unable to regulate this minitransportation. And as a result – drivers are regularly robbing the passengers and most of the time suffer from the car-stealing themselves. Although the driver must wear a helmet and have a spare for the passengers, none of these items are being remembered.
Tip: Take care of your health! Use you our means of transportation- feet!
