Transportation edition
Ask multiple people for directions. If people don’t know, they will make something up just have something to say.
Take public transport, when possible. It's probably about 1/10th the price of a private car or taxi. On the other hand, when you’re tired, stressed, worried about getting lost, or worried about being somewhere dangerous, remember that even the private car is probably costing you a tenth of what it would in a developed country.
Clarify that you are traveling on the meter as soon as you get into a taxi (or before you get into it). If the driver tries to argue with you and keep driving, threaten to get out and find another taxi (and do it, if they won’t listen). Don’t be tempted by offers of special off-the-meter deals. Think about it – what incentive would they have to offer you a deal that would cost you less than the meter? They will never offer you something less than the meter rate.
Keep your eye on the meter in taxis, even after it is turned on. Plenty of taxi drivers will add miles when you’re not looking.
Keep valuables in the seat with you rather than in the trunk so that the driver is not tempted to drive off as you get out. Also, don’t pay until after you have removed your belongings from the taxi, including the trunk.
Have all of your travel documents with you when you cross international borders. Some countries will want to see your departing ticket before issuing a tourist visa. Others will want to see proof of yellow fever immunization (mostly in Africa). Most importantly, do not be like me and leave your passport on the other side of the country when you are trying to get home.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
oh yeah, learned some of those meter lessons the hard way.
Also - wear a helmet when riding on the back of a motorcycle. Even if no one else has one and your local friends call you a paranoid American. Head trauma isn't worth it.
Sage advice. Although, I will admit that I have broken this rule.
Post a Comment