I hop in and out of taxis all the time in my hometown of New York City.  Even though I feel like I’m putting my life into the hands of a stranger in a NY taxi, who supposedly has taken a driving test, I at least feel secure that I won’t be ripped off. I always know to look at the meter and ensure it is on when we take off.  When traveling I make sure to be extra alert when getting into a taxi as I know I can be easily ripped off, especially if I am a foreigner.  Sometimes, however, I do let my guard down.

I was most recently ripped off by two taxi drivers, one in Yardley, PA  and the other in Boston . In Yardley I took a taxi from the train station and in my trusting mood that day I let the cabbie drive away. As we got closer to the destination I asked for the price. He quoted me at $20. I had taken that ride before for $15. He then called into his dispatch who gave him a fare of $25. I’m sure I fell into a trap somewhere in that ride, but what can you do sometimes? Because he called into dispatch he made me pay the $25. A similar experience happened in Boston, but I couldn’t help recall some of the crazier taxi rides I’ve had.

I believe my favorite has to been a ride in Abu Dhabi last year. I needed to go to the airport, which was about a 20-minute ride from the Beach Rotana Hotel and Tower. The time was approximately 4:45, if I recall correctly, and I wanted to make a quick stop at the  Emirates Palace  and take a photo of this palatial hotel.  The cab driver said no problem!  As we got closer to the Palace he started to say that his prayer time was at 5:00 and he should be off duty.  I was confused by his statement and asked him why he agreed to drive me in the first place if he knew it would coincide with his prayer time. I had no issue he wanted to pray as I respect the religion of anyone who wishes to practice, but again, why pick me up and agree to go to the hotel and the airport?

 I quickly began to get frustrated, but decided to take a deep breath and I started talking with the cabbie.  He started to tell me about the city and was quite happy to talk in English. Even in a short few minutes I realized getting into a cab in NY, or Abu Dhabi isn’t too different. A smile usually goes a long way and talking, instead of getting mad will usually help any situation.  Well, there was one difference I found. When I got out to take my pictures the taxi had to pull up and park. I did my rounds and when I returned to the car, the driver had taken off his shoes, pulled out a mat and started to do his prayers. Looking at my surroundings, seeing this gorgeous property, beautiful, ornate mosques in the distance and a clear blue sky, I was happy to take in another culture and considered myself fortunate to do so. I patiently waited and when the driver noticed I was there, he stood up, we both smiled at each other and happily went to the airport-and with time to spare! I suppose getting into a taxi is sometimes more than getting from point A to B!

– Alex Young,  Vice President