Before you get in: take a moment to observe
Choosing a taxi safely starts before you open the door. Take a few seconds to look at the vehicle and the driver. A taxi in visibly good condition – bodywork without major damage, properly inflated tyres, working lights – lowers the risk of a mechanical incident. Also check the interior: cleanliness often reflects how well the vehicle is maintained.
If the vehicle looks unsafe (bald tyres, a door that won't close, erratic driving even while parked), don't get in. You are not obliged to take the first taxi that stops. Wait for the next one.
Identify the driver and the vehicle
Make sure the driver matches the person you booked if you used an app or a service. Note the licence plate, make and colour. If something doesn't match, decline the ride and report the discrepancy to your operator.
Check the interior
- Seatbelts present and working in every seat.
- Windows that roll up and down properly.
- Interior door handles in working order.
- No suspicious smell (gas, fuel) or signs of makeshift repairs.
During the ride: stay in control
Once seated, stay alert. You don't have to put up with behaviour that makes you uncomfortable. A few simple principles:
- Agree on the route or the pricing principle before moving. If the driver refuses to clarify, get out.
- Follow your own route. Use your phone map to spot major deviations, without jumping to conclusions.
- Keep your belongings close. Bag on your lap or at your feet, not in the boot.
- Share your ride. Send the plate and route to someone you trust if you're travelling alone, especially at night.
If the driver takes an unexplained detour, ask for an explanation calmly. If they refuse to stop or keep going despite your request, look for a safe, public place to get out as soon as possible.
Red flags
- The driver pressures you to get in when you hesitate.
- They refuse to show ID or a licence if you ask.
- They suggest taking you somewhere other than your destination.
- They lock the doors for no reason or turn off the AC to intimidate you.
In these cases, trust your instinct. A cancelled ride is better than a risky situation.
On arrival: pay and double-check
Ask to be dropped at the main entrance of your destination rather than further away. Before getting out, check you haven't left anything behind: phone, wallet, bag. If you used an app, payment and rating go through the service. Otherwise, pay the agreed amount and ask for a receipt if available.
If a problem arises – a pricing dispute, inappropriate behaviour, a lost item – contact the taxi service or platform quickly. Report the facts precisely: time, location, plate, driver description. This helps process your report and improves safety for everyone.
In short
Choosing a taxi safely comes down to three habits: observe before getting in, stay in charge of your ride, and check on arrival. No trip is worth putting your safety aside.
