9 Tips to Use Taxis Safely Around the World for Senior Travelers

We have nine tips for how to be safe when using taxis globally whether you’re arriving in a new town, from the airport or even out to dinner. Taxi drivers notoriously often scam foreigners and newly arrived seniors because they are easy targets who may be a bit fearful and probably tired. Our tips for how to safely use taxis around the world will help you confidently get around in a new town, whether it’s the first trip from the airport or a ride to dinner.

Tip 1: Don’t use taxis.

The best way to stay safe and not get ripped off is to not use taxis at all when you travel. The better choice is to use one of the app-driven rideshare options like Uber, Lyft, Bolt, Grab or Didi. These taxi apps all work relatively the same.

1. You request a driver in the rideshare app.
2. The driver gets identified via a name, car, and license plate, and arrives to pick you up.
3. You can watch her arrive on the app.
4. She takes you to your destination all while you watch on your phone the actual pre-determined route, including the pre-determined price.
5. If at any time you feel unsafe, you can use the emergency button in the app.
6. At the end of the ride, the payment is done through the app so there’s no money exchanged.
7. You can tip, if you like, and then review the driver in the app. The driver also reviews you.

We like using Uber (click our link to get free rides) or Lyft in the US, Bolt/Grab/Didi in Europe and Asia.

Prior to traveling, make sure you’ve downloaded at least one or all of these apps, and set up your credit card. Practice using the app before you have to use the app. Take a quick trip to the grocery or someplace familiar. Watch how the app navigates you to a place you know.

Some apps will send you a code that you will need to give to the driver upon pick up. This ensures that the driver, the rider, and the car all are correctly joined. It’s a nice safety measure in larger cities, so be on the look out for any code that might come your way.

Tip 2: Use the bus/metro/subway/local transit

All around the world, people use the local transit system. The networks in the large cities of the world are well thought-out, easy to access, and safe. All you have to do is figure out how to use them. This can be a bit daunting. There are three things you’ll need to know.

1. How much a trip costs
2. How to pay for the trip
3. Where to get on and off

Fortunately, Google maps can answer most of these questions and you can often pay with your phone, so there’s no need to get actual tickets. But it’s different in every city, so you’ll need to check. How? Most transit routes are in Google Maps. So open Google Maps, type in the address where you want to go, select the bus/train icon, and see what Google pulls up. You can follow Google’s directions right to the bus/train stop, get on the bus, watch the route as you travel, get off the bus when Google says to get off, and arrive safely at your designation.

If Google Maps won’t map your transit, then you’ll need to find the local transit authority’s website and use their tools to map your route. On their site, you will be able to find how much and how to pay. Follow those instructions

Finally, asking someone at the bus/train stop is always helpful too. It might be the local employee or it could even be a local. Just smile and ask. People around the world are amazing and kind.

Tip 3: Use Google Translate.

If tip 2 fails you due to language issues, use Google Translate.

Tip 4: Walk.

If you have carry-ons bags, a walk might be the best way to get you to your hotel. Or, if you’re about town and you want to go to dinner, walk. Walking can not only be the quickest way to get you to your destination, it’s often the healthiest and best way to get to know a location.

Tip 5: Have your host call a taxi for you.

If you have to use a taxi because the uber-type apps aren’t available in your town, have your host call, hail, and instruct the taxi driver. She’ll know if the driver is honest and if he’s trying to rip you off. Locals know locals.

Tip 6: If the meter is broken, get out of the cab.

Taxi drivers are in business to make money. If their meter is broken, no locals will take rides with them. They are trying to scam you and charge you for more than what you should pay. Avoid that taxi and get in a different one. If there are no meters in any of the taxis because that’s how things work in your town and there’s a line of taxi drivers, discreetly go to a few of them and ask them the price. Once you have an idea what the price should be, confirm that it is for everyone in the party (not for each of you) and get in the car. If possible, text your host to let them know your itinerary and when you should arrive. Identify the vehicle you’re in so your host can keep an eye out for you.

Tip 7: Hire a pre-arranged car.

Although this can often be more expensive than a local taxi, at least you’re assured that you know who the driver is, you have a designated route, and your price is pre-agreed. You can find pre-arranged drivers via google or in Facebook groups of your local area.

Tip 8: Use a collective/shared van.

In larger cities, you can often find airport shuttles that collectively take groups door to door. They often have the same type of shuttles to take you into town or popular tourist sites. These shared vans have predetermined prices and charge by the seat. You’ll see this same type of model in small cities where the “van” might be a local’s car or truck. They, too, are collectively moving groups around on a per head charge, just not as formally and fancy as the bigger cities. Your safety is in the group’s number.

Tip 9: Load and unload your luggage yourself.

Regardless of the type of transit you take, be it Uber, Bus, Collective, or Hired, you should always load and unload you luggage yourself. Do not let anyone touch your luggage, including your driver. Never let your luggage out of your sight and don’t get into the vehicle until the trunk/hood/storage is closed and locked. For tips on packing light, read this post.

Traveling can be fearful, but if you become knowledgeable about ways to be smart as you travel, your fear will subside. Traveling as retired seniors is a fun way to adventure into the world.