Walk to a street corner or to a roadside curb if you are in a busy city district where taxi cabs are abundant. Face the oncoming traffic and look for an available taxi. If a taxi's roof light is lit, it means the taxi is available. If there is no light on or if the writing on the lights says "off duty," it is not available.
Reach out your hand and arm confidently when you see an available taxi. Make eye contact with the driver. Move toward the taxi. These body language signals tell the driver you want a ride. Whistle or yell "Taxi!" if these actions fail to get the driver's attention.
Find a taxi stand if you cannot find an available taxi on the street. Taxi stands are booths labeled with the word "taxi" and are found near train stations, airports, hotels or tourist attractions. Wait in line at the stand for the next available taxi. Ask a hotel doorman to hail a taxi for you if you cannot find a taxi stand. This is usually compensated with a $1 tip.
Tell the taxi driver your destination and ask him for the price of your trip. Confirm the destination and price before entering the taxi. Some cities regulate their drivers with meters that monitor mileage and time. If so, the price will depend on the distance and length of your trip. Confirm the method of payment. Some taxis accept credit card payments while others only accept cash.
Search for "taxi," "cab" or "car service" in your local phone book to find phone numbers for local taxi services. If you are without a phone book, call the National Taxi Directory at 800-TAXICAB (800-829-4222) or Taxi Services Nationwide at 800-TAXIUSA (800-829-4872) to be connected to a local taxi company.
Call the taxi company to arrange a pickup. Be prepared to tell them the addresses of you current location and your destination. If you will need a vehicle larger than a sedan, tell them the number of passengers and the amount of any additional luggage you need to transport. Confirm the time of the pickup and the price for the ride. Plan ahead, as there may be a wait.
Be on time for the taxi at your arranged pickup time and location. Confirm with the driver your destination, the agreed price and method of payment before getting into the taxi.
Reserve a taxi online through an online booking website available in some cities, such as Boston's Taxi Magic (ridecharge.com/s/ma-boston/taxi-sedan-limo-shuttle) or Denver's Yellow Cab (yellowtrans.com). Search nationwide on RideCharge.com for taxi companies with online booking.
Enter your current location, destination information and desired pickup time to hire a taxi on a taxi-booking website. Check to see the cost of the ride, if listed. Receive a confirmation in your email or as a text message to confirm your reservation.
Use a mobile application to connect to a taxi company. Some examples of these applications are Call A Taxi, Rocket Taxi or Taxi Magic. Download an application onto your mobile device. These applications will show you the closest taxi company to your location, then allow you to call the company or to book online to arrange your ride.
