You may also want to read about taking taxis and taxi safety.Foreign taxi drivers are not out to rip off traveling Americans; it happens, though -- learn by studying the top five ways to avoid being ripped off in a foreign taxi. If you *are* ripped off in a taxi, try not to sweat a buck or two. If you feel it's important, you can get the cabbie's name and license number and report it (look for a sign on the back of the front seat with a governing authority's phone number or address) - but don't hold your breath while waiting for a refund.
1. Use Taxi Stands
Find a taxi stand on the street in any country -- even if you can't read the words, you'll notice taxis congregating near the sign. Generally, only taxis authorized to carry passengers are allowed to stop at these taxi stands, meaning the taxi driver is licensed and therefore using a locally set metered fare. Look for these taxi stands at airports, too: don't let aggressive taxi drivers or their helpers steer you into a taxi without sussing out the scene for a sign first.
2. Look For a Taxi Meter
A legitimate foreign taxi should have a meter, just like taxis in the US. Look for one before you get into a foreign taxi -- if you don't see one, you can always wave the cab on. Check to see whether the cab driver turns on the meter -- if not, ask him to do so. If you've negotiated a price, you can watch the meter to see whether it's going to be close. Some rides, like to and from airports in mini van taxis, may not be metered -- just try to stick to the original price when paying.
3. Ask the Fare First
Ask a local, like a concierge or waiter, what a going cab fare should be. If you know, you can negotitate price to the going rate, and you'll know by watching the meter whether you're getting a fair price. Don't hesitate to point out the money ticking by on the meter if it doesn't seem right.
4. Negotiate Up Front
If you know what the going rate should be (see above), you can negotiate a taxi fare up front. You can always just state a destination and offer a price; if it's fair, chances are the taxi driver will simply indicate that it's okay. Don't try to bargain a below-market fare; it's unpleasant for everyone -- remember that the cabbie is just making a living. And he could decide to drive off, rather than deal with you -- your objective is a fair price *and* a ride.
5. Know Where You're Going
If you have a general idea where you're going, you can ask the cabbie what's up if you appear to be headed in the wrong direction on a soon-to-become-expensive taxi ride and he might subsequently change course. At least know whether you want to go north or south, and remember that the driver may be using a quick, but seemingly circuitous, route known only to locals before you decide you're being taken for a ride.
