Stand on the curb and hold your arm straight up and out. Only Yellow Medallion cabs may legally pick you up. You can recognize an occupied cab by its roof light: if it is fully illuminated, it is not available. When you get in and out of the taxi, be sure to do so on the curb side of the vehicle so that you are not injured by oncoming traffic. You should also observe etiquette and avoid "stealing" someone's cab. Pay attention to who is standing at the corner and trying to hail a taxi ahead of you.
Speak loudly and clearly so that your driver can hear you through the partition. Know in advance where you are going and have a specific address if available.
Taxis will accept cash and credit or debit cards. Use small bills as the drivers do not usually have change for bills greater than $20. There will be a flagfall charge of $2.50 (as of 2010) and 40 cents for each 1/5 mile or minute idling thereafter. You can also expect to pay a surcharge during peak hours and at night. Tax and tolls are extra. You can expect the taxi meter to click-over about every four or five blocks. If you need to report any issues with a particular taxi, you can contact the Taxi and Limousine Commission and reference the medallion number shown on your receipt. You can also report any items you left behind in the cab. You should avoid using taxis at peak hour because you will incur greater charges due to traffic. You are expected to tip 15-20 percent of the total fare.
Be sure to wear your seatbelt when traveling in the vehicle. It is against the law to smoke in New York taxis, and as a rule, only four passengers may ride at any one time. You should be respectful and courteous to your driver so that he or she may get you to your destination safely.
Flat fares apply for travel to and from New York City's airports (JFK, LaGuardia and Newark), and these do not include tolls or tip. If the driver helps you with your bag, it is customary to tip $1 per bag.
