Know your route. It may take a little bit of research using the Internet or local maps, but familiarizing yourself with the shortest route to your destination can save you money. Request that the driver take the route that you've outlined to guarantee the shortest travel time and the fairest price. If you don't research the route, you should be prepared to be taken on a circuitous route or a route that is the longest distance from your destination--especially if you are traveling at night.
Check that doors can be opened and unlocked from inside the car before stepping into it. Some taxi drivers use child-locking features or remove handles to demand money from riders before unlocking the doors and letting them out of the vehicle.
Keep an eye on the meter. Taxi drivers who claim that the meter is broken, unnecessary or not part of the taxi driving protocol may be interested in overcharging you for your fare. They may also try to start the meter using an increased rate. Learn how much the usual starting rates are for taxi rides so that you can determine if you're being ripped off.
Listen to what a taxi driver says. Some taxi drivers may claim that the usual route or the one you want to take has a detour in it. Taxi drivers may cite riots, accidents, police investigations, celebrations or political demonstrations.
Note a taxi driver's behavior. Taxi drivers may offer to escort you to the door of a building or help with bags. These seemingly helpful offers can actually be ways for the driver to charge you more money on top of your fare.
Count the money that you give the taxi driver twice and say it out loud when you hand it to him. Taxi drivers may claim that you have not given him enough money the first time. Study the foreign currency before using it so as to not confuse small bills with larger ones.
Refuse to believe the claim that your money is fake. Some taxi drivers may take your money, examine it and give it back to you in exchange for a real bill. These taxi drivers are likely trading your real bill for a fake one before giving it back to you.
