Auto & Taxi Safety
When entering a taxi, you surrender a portion of the control you would have if you were driving your own vehicle or a rental car. Always take the steps to ensure your personal security while traveling in any unfamiliar city by car.
Many taxi drivers are good sources of information about local customs, museums, sporting events, restaurants and entertainment. They may be authorities on where it is safe or unsafe for foreigners to frequent, what neighborhoods should be avoided and what threats or hazards may lurk near your hotel or your destination. If you feel comfortable and safe with your driver, engage him in conversation about his city.
To avoid potential disputes with taxi drivers, know the local tipping customs. Ask a hotel staff member, police officer or your host for the typical price range to your destination and the amount of an appropriate tip.
Try to get a firm or estimated fare from your driver before you start and ask if there is an additional fee for luggage.
Know enough about the local currency to identify the bill or coin you should use for payment. Unscrupulous drivers may attempt to return your change in discontinued and worthless bills.
Take only what you need when traveling and, if possible, take only carry-on luggage to prevent loss of your bags.
Checked luggage should be hard-shelled and lockable. Keep your well-used and worn luggage because new luggage is an attraction to thieves.
Choose soft-sided, lockable, zippered bags for carry-on bags. Professional thieves can pose as taxi drivers. Do not accept unsolicited guide offers from taxi drivers.
It is always safer to travel with an acquaintance than alone.
Taxis ordered by phone are safer than those hailed on the street. Ask for the cab number when ordering.
Do not enter a taxi if someone is already in the taxi in addition to the driver.
Do not enter a taxi that the hotel doorman has selected out of line or from a stand where taxi drivers have a say as to who they take as passengers.
If you have a choice of taxis, select the largest and safest-looking vehicle.
Ask how frequently taxis travel and the hours of operation to and from your destination, as well as about any changes in normal operations during off-time periods. (For example, taxis travel in convoys at night and at irregular time intervals to thwart roadside bandits in Lagos, Nigeria and Georgetown, Guyana.)
Take only taxis that are clearly identified with official markings.
Take only licensed taxis in which drivers display their licenses. Identify the license prior to entering the vehicle and closing the door.
If you place luggage in the trunk, stay outside of the taxi until the trunk is closed and locked.
Know the route or general direction to your destination.
Have the address of your destination written in the local language and, if possible, have the name and telephone number of someone at your destination.
Be Alert! Pickpockets and petty thieves target tourists at taxi stands.
Driving your own vehicle or one that is rented can give you an inflated sense of security. The reality is that you may face threats, particularly when you drive an unfamiliar car in an unknown location with foreign rules of the road. Do not be complacent; you may be vulnerable to attack by those who want you, your vehicle and/or your belongings.
When you rent a car, choose one that is in good repair, is a type commonly available locally, and not ostentatious in style or color. You want to blend in.
Sport utility vehicles (SUVs or 4x4 vehicles) and luxury cars are prime targets of car thieves and carjackers.
If available, select a car with an alarm system, preferably one with a “panic” feature; a steering wheel or brake locking bar or similar device; lockable gas cap, spare tire and engine compartments; air conditioning; universal door locks and power windows; a spare tire in good condition; both right and left side rear-view mirrors; and emergency gear such as a flashlight, flares, fire extinguisher and first aid kit.
Ask that any rental car markings be removed.
Carry vehicle registration documents with you. Never leave them in the vehicle.
Before leaving, let someone know your itinerary and your expected time of return.
As you approach your car, scan the surrounding area for anyone loitering. Look under the car and before opening the door, glance in the back seat.
Consistently vary your routes from your lodgings to repeat destinations.
Always drive with at least half a tank of fuel.
Keep all doors locked and all windows rolled up all of the time, especially when you are stopped or parked. Thieves can snatch purses through open windows of slowly moving or stopped cars. Keep your valuables and any packages on the floor or in the trunk, but never in sight on the seat or dashboard.
Never let anyone place a package inside or enter the car unless you are present.
On trips to isolated areas, keep extra water and oil in the trunk. Fuel should only be stored in approved metal containers.
If possible, keep a communications device, such as a two-way radio or cellular phone, in your car, turned on at all times.
Avoid driving at night or during inclement weather, and never drive alone.
On streets with more than one lane, try to drive in the lane away from the curb.
If you see any indication that a street you are on has a work zone or other possible congestion ahead, try to avoid it.
Be wary of anyone who hails you on the road or tries to get your attention when you are in or near your car. Never pick up hitchhikers.
Avoid being boxed in by other cars.
When coming to a stop, make sure you leave enough room to pull around the car in front of you in case someone attempts to enter your vehicle. When you stop, leave your car in gear (if it is a stick shift) so that you can start quickly if needed. Be prepared to drive onto the sidewalk or over a curb to get away quickly.
Move quickly, but safely, through intersections and stop signs. Be aware of persons approaching your car. If threatened proceed through the light or stop sign only if it is safe. In some countries, drivers will not come to a complete stop at stop lights and signs to avoid carjackings; be aware.
If you have a flat tire, drive on it to a safe location to change it.
If you are threatened at or when approaching a red light, drive through it carefully. Trips to isolated areas can be dangerous. If possible, travel in a convoy and carry extra water, fuel and a second set of keys.
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