Would you do this?

[England4eva]

Would you go to a foreign country without checking distance and cost of a taxi from airport to the hotel and distance to restaurant and food prices etc?

Would anyone actually do this?

[DaveJord]

So, I have been to 19 different countries in my lifetime. And honestly the cost is the cost for a taxi... so you afford it, or you can't. But most countries outside of the United States, the most technologically advanced country in the world, have incredible public transportation systems.

Like I would be more apt to check out the prices of the public trains, subways and buses then a taxi. It's given the taxi is the most expensive. But honestly there is not an airport in Europe I believe that does not connect to the public transportation system... so I just go to the train station and get on the train or subway and pay whatever the cost is and know I got the best deal.

In places like Mexico or South America, just rent a car honestly, it's better that way and way cheaper than you would pay in the United States... expensive for them, but not for you.

[England4eva]

Would you be happy getting into a taxi in a foreign country and driving for an hour and a half and not even check the cost as you are driving?

[KostasKouvalis]

The US is NOT the most technologically advanced country in the world

[DaveJord]

@england4eva No, I'd have a plan.

[DaveJord]

@KostasKouvalis okay thanks

[KostasKouvalis]

I try to. Sometimes it's hard to find reliable sources, but after getting scammed at a restaurant in Antalya, then scammed by a fake taxi driver in Rome, and attempted to get scammed by an actual taxi driver, I am extra cautious now.

But honestly, knowing the rate doesn't help with anything if the taxi driver is fake. Like, how was I supposed to know that you need to stand in line at a designated taxi stand?

So in addition to checking prices, I will also now be researching the process of actually getting a taxi. In places like Canada, the US, Auba, Northern and western Europe, New Zealand, Australia, East Asia and places with heavy British and French influences I'm not too worried, but everywhere else, I will be very cautious.

[England4eva]

But I'd think it's obvious that you would research the cost before driving almost two hours in a taxi. Everyone knows taxi is expensive right? My friend did not check. It cost him hundreds. I cannot fathom why he didn't check

[KostasKouvalis]

Oh, you didn't say that in your post. Yes, that's pretty stupid that he would just get into a cab without at least asking the driver the price

[bowenw]

I determine how I will get from the airport to the hotel roughly what it will cost. I usually rent a car so it's not an issue, otherwise I plan for it.

[England4eva]

But you wouldn't just get into a taxi and drive for two hours with no clue if how much they will charge you right?

[bowenw]

I would not do that, no. I would probably arrange for a transportation like an airporter van or check out what Uber would charge.

[England4eva]

I'm in absolute disbelief that my friend did none of this. I just don't understand what guy wouldn't do the normal thing and organise everything properly.

[bowenw]

Maybe a rich guy wouldn’t worry about it.

[England4eva]

I did not realise how unorganized he is. He has not even got his money exchanged. He just asked me where he should get it exchanged? Its obvious the airport but he left the airport got in a taxi drive two hours from the airport and asked where he gets money exchanged?

[bowenw]

He does sound disorganized. Most people I know plan the trip to the hotel before leaving home and exchange money beforehand too.

[England4eva]

He booked the taxi but never asked the price. Anyone with common sense surely would ask the price. I would say "approximately how much will it cost to travel to this area from this place on this date" he booked it but never asked. It was a long trip too.

[England4eva]

Another thing. The reason I stopped pushing him in regards to finding out the cost is because he told me he was travelling with friends. So I thought to myself, agh ok even if it is expensive it will get divided up. Then I find out he only travelled with one other person. Absolutely baffled. Really frustrated with him for not sorting this out. Sorry I'm ranting but I also feel bad for him too and it's making me annoyed lol

[bowenw]

I agree most people would ask the approximate price when booking. I understand why you are frustrated. Is he your SO?

[zeitgeist057]

@england4eva It sounds like your friend is an inexperienced traveler who did not think about this situation. Maybe he never took a taxi before and had no idea they cost so much; he might have expected it would be a reasonable cost like $30-$50 to be driven from one point to another, since a bus ride would be a few dollars, and who would expect to be charged more than $50/hr for a basic service.

Honestly, I never take a taxi, because I think they are ridiculous. With the exception of moto taxis like in Thailand or Brazil, which charge a reasonable fee. I would rather take a bus or train for a few quid.

But also he didn't know to exchange money. Not a big deal, he can use a credit card for almost everything, and get some cash exchanged soon. If you go to dinner or an event, perhaps the group can let him pay with a credit card, then give him some cash so he has a little to get by.

It takes some people a little longer to learn their lessons, but eventually I think he will get it. I hope this doesn't become the focus of the trip and ruin the experience.

[Astarlessnightsky]

Yes, i never did this.

I never fly or take the taxi, but all the other prices i don't check either.

[England4eva]

My friend just spent £360 on a taxi cause he didn't listen to me when I told him to get a quote before he travelled

[England4eva]

I couldn't believe my ears when he told me how much it cost. I don't know why men sometimes don't listen to me. But I could have saved him £300 the train was only £50

[Astarlessnightsky]

Train is always cheaper than Taxi. Only problem with trains and busses are the infrastructure, sometimes there simply isn't a trainstation or busstop. It could also take forever taking the train...

A problem one often has is the tourist tax and not negotiating prices. But this would apply to everything in a foreign country. And a quick google search could tell you wether or not prices are usually negotiated or not.

[DannyUk2017]

Pu$$y power is Expensive...🤷‍♂️🤣🤣🤣

[CubaPirate]

I'm not an imbecile