[Protect yourself!!] Why you have to sit in the passenger seat in an overseas taxi

Hello, it's Hiro.

I have traveled to more than 40 countries so far, and I would like to introduce the recommended taxi rides.

※This article can be read in about 3 minutes.

How to take a taxi in overseas

Recently, Uber and GRAB apps have become popular in various countries, but I would like to keep these four points in mind when taking a taxi using the app.

First, I will explain why it is better to sit in the passenger seat.

1. Why you should sit in the passenger seat in an overseas taxi

Simply, many drivers have guns and knives hidden in the passenger seat glove box.

When sitting in the passenger seat, the knees get in the way, so it is not easy for the driver to open the glove box in the passenger seat.

A few years ago, a Korean friend of mine complained that he would take the same route around the airport many times when heading to the hotel from Manila Airport, and he heard that the driver showed a knife from the passenger seat and was stripped of his clothes.

The next most common method is to control the air conditioner so that the liquid and powder that have a sleeping effect are sent to the back seat at the air conditioner outlet in the passenger seat to put the customer to sleep.

Once you fall asleep, they can do whatever you want. If the customer were sitting in the passenger seat, the driver wouldn't be able to do that either. Because I also fall asleep.

So, when you take a taxi overseas by yourself, be sure to get a passenger seat.

In addition, many drivers put various things in the passenger seat to prevent them from sitting, but let's make them go away and ensure their own safety. (I don't really know if I'm trying not to sit down, but I think this level of caution is necessary overseas)

Also, it's easy to get out of the passenger seat right away, such as when you have trouble with them.

（In the back seat, the driver may lock you and you may not be able to go out)

Try to Communicate with driver using English and local languages (English practice)

Is there any other way to learn English with such a good cost performance?

I feel that many overseas drivers are friendly and want to talk, but when they realize that their customers are Japanese, they don't talk much. (Probably because it is well established that Japanese = only Japanese can be spoken, sad but it's true Lol)

Let's try to communicate in English with driver. When the talk gets excited, the driver often lowers the taxi fare.

In addition, using the local language will make you more friendly and have a positive effect, and you won't have to worry about rip-offs.

Also, depending on the driver, in my experience of going abroad more than 200 times, more than 80% of taxi drivers are friendly and interesting.

2. Don't sleep carelessly

Congestion occurs on a daily basis overseas, especially in urban areas of developing countries. In the case of the Philippines, even if the distance from Makati in the center to Quezon City is less than 10 km, it will take more than 4 hours if it gets caught in the congestion. Is often. Even though I've been traveling abroad, there are times when more than half of the day is in a taxi.

Try not to sleep even if you make a mistake. If you fall asleep, there is a danger that they will be able to use the meter in the case of a meter taxi. You also need to be vigilant for valuables.

3. Give a tip

It's surprisingly cheaper to give a tip in advance than to ask for it. You don't have to give it, but in my case, I give myself a tip that I feel like as an English lesson fee. You don't have to give it, but it feels better to give tip from me.

Here are some things to keep in mind when you take a taxi overseas.

Then, please actively communicate with the taxi driver and enjoy a comfortable overseas trip.

Regards,

hiro