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Interesting note. To counter, I have lived longer times in just two cities, Helsinki and Beijing, and in neither one was I ever cheated by a taxi driver. Stories about bad Beijing taxis were everywhere, but they do not reflect my experience. I used taxis on a daily basis for well over a year, and never had the driver try to cheat (the worst experience being that a Xiali with no air conditioning is not fun in the summer). This might have something to do with myself being about 30 cm taller and 40 kg heavier than the average Beijing taxi driver. The drivers might refuse to drive to the suburbs because they can't get a paying ride back, though. But that's upfront refusal, not cheating. In Helsinki (or Finland in general), the taxis are not cheap but they are very reliable. You could give them your wallet and keys and pass out at the backseat, and find yourself in your bed in the morning, with your money left, minus ride price, and a receipt. Stockholm, on the other hand, is Wild West, particularly regarding pricing. Check, really, before you take a ride. Paris experiences: nobody suggests just flagging a random taxi, everyone recommends to call a known company. When I've flagged a random taxi, the service has been unenthusiastic but not disastrous. Berlin/generally Germany experiences: very good and reliable. U.S. experiences: how the F am I supposed to know what is the right amount to tip? That is infuriating. I just avoid anything where the tipping rules are not clear. |