[happymellon]

I remember back when I visited the US, and I took a taxi back to the airport. I asked how much it was upfront because I wanted to use up the last of my dollars.

I even remember telling him that this was the amount of cash I had up front, which was a little more than the quote and he was okay with it. That's how much i'd give him for the ride.

Only to get to the airport and have him getting cross because the amount I was going to give him wasn't going to cover some tip after I told him exactly how much I would be able to give him. A tip for a taxi? The American begging industry has to die.

[skinkestek]

Almost exact same happened to me: on my way home I agreed on a price, then as we arrived at the airport the taxi driver got mad (and asked if I was Russian :-).

I hadn't been so spesific though to point out that this was all dollars I had left.

[happymellon]

It might be something that could be excused if it was applied slightly more evenly, like never knowing how much something's costs when you buy it because "taxes", even though that is the most dick move.

I can't imagine having a builder perform some tasks on my house, only for them to tell me afterwards that the price we agreed wasn't going to cover it because actually it's not enough to feed their family.

[DyslexicAtheist]

> The American begging industry has to die.

the sharing economy slave labor where people need 3 jobs just to pay the rent is part of that problem. minimum salaries (or the lack of) is what separates barbarian societies from civilized ones.

[kapuasuite]

Somebody better let Denmark, Finland, Italy, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland know they are barbarian societies for want of a minimum wage!

[happymellon]

Most of those, such as Denmark, Norway and Sweden, have very strong unions which essentially guarantee a minimum wage for everyone without legislation.

Denmark has a $16 per hour average minimum wage and Finland and Sweden has a collective bargaining rule, even if you are not a union member and it is illegal to do anything anti-union.

The person you responded to talked about minimum salaries which those places absolutely do have, even if they don't have a minimum wage.

[throwagainanand]

The Scandinavian countries have de facto minimum wages because the unions have actual power there.

[throwaway45349]

Yes because improving quality of life is as simple as legislating it. You really think those drivers wouldn't be out of a job for charging 3x?

[happymellon]

No, not really. I would still have gone with the taxi if it was 15% more. I just would have known about it and come prepared, rather than being deceived.

[AniseAbyss]

This is what I hate about taxis: they expect you to haggle. I come from a culture where you pay the price on the label without any bullshit.

[koolba]

Haggling is fun! You should learn to enjoy it. What’s not acceptable is changing the terms after an agreement has been reached. A deals a deal, even with a dirty dealer.

In all those stories the drivers are preying on the weaknesses of the passengers. It’s like a bully berating someone at lunch in kindergarten. The answer is the same, you yell right back at them. Assuming you’re not stupid enough to pay up front you still hold the cards as you can refuse all payment as well.

[AniseAbyss]

Haggling is inefficient, tiresome and frankly demeaning for both parties.

[koolba]

You could say the same about picking up a stranger at a bar for sex but it’s still fun.