When travelling to a new place, it’s always best to research the local customs and laws to avoid running into troubles such as scams, accidents, etc. One of the most common issues many tourists face in a new city is taxi scams. It is usually caused due to lack of awareness and understanding of how taxis operate in the city.
If you’re travelling to a new city for the first time, here are some helpful tips that you can use to avoid getting scammed by taxi drivers and stay safe while you’re travelling.
Learn About the Charges
Before booking a taxi service, you should learn about all their charges. This can include their travel surcharges, per kilometre charges, waiting time penalties, and any other important charges that may affect your total fare. Always use a service that has properly documented its charges and listed all the pertinent terms and conditions.
Make Sure the Calculations are Right
The total fare of your ride is typically a function of the distance travelled, travel time, and other surcharges. Before booking the ride, you should calculate an estimate of your total fare so that you know what to expect. You should also consider keeping the exact change with you to easily pay the driver.
Talk to a Trusted Local
Whether staying at a hotel or with a friend or family member, you should always ask them about reliable taxi services. They can tell you about ones with a reputation for being trustworthy and reliable. Even if the option is slightly pricier than others, you should go for it to keep yourself safe.
Use Online Maps Throughout
Some taxi drivers may take longer to get extra money from you. This is more likely to happen if they sense that you don’t know your way around the city. For this reason, you should always keep your map open and alert the driver if you find that they’re deviating from the fastest route.
Take the Receipt
Always make sure to ask your driver for an official receipt of the amount that they’re demanding. If they seem reluctant to give it to you, they could be scamming you because scammers typically don’t like leaving a paper trail.
To sum it up, don’t go for the cheapest option but the most reliable one. In a new city, your safety should be your number one priority, and if a deal seems too good to be true, it may very well be a scam. In this case, always use services recommended by someone you trust.
If you’re travelling to South Hampton, Hampshire, Heathrow, or nearby areas, Go Comfort is your best option. Our company offers the most reliable and comfortable taxi services, including airport transfer services and cruise transfer, in Southampton at the most competitive rates!
Visit our website to learn more about us, and get in touch with us today to book your ride online.