10 Countries with the Worst Taxi Drivers

When travelling, there are some things that we take for granted, such as being able to find and take a cab any time that we need. If you are travelling away from home and you want to be able to rely on safe, comfortable and cost effective transportation, then you should be aware of the fact that taxis are not the way to go in every city or country. The following is a look at 10 countries that have some of the worst taxi drivers imaginable. These are taxis that you may be better off avoiding if you want to have a positive and uplifting transportation experience.

1. Kuala Lumpur taxi drivers
Taxi drivers from Kuala Lumpur are well known for overcharging clients and detouring. Even though they are supposed to charge by the meter, many taxi drivers refuse from doing so. The best advice is to simply wait for another taxi if the driver resists from using the taximeter. Taxi cars in Kuala Lumpur can often be rather old and in poor condition.

2. Taxi drivers in Rome
Rome comes next, and the biggest reason for this is because most people cannot even find a taxi available in Rome. Taxis are scarce and the drivers are often rude and difficult to deal with. If it’s raining, expect to pay double or triple the price for a taxi in Rome.

3. Taxi drivers in Bangkok, Thailand
Although many consider Bangkok, Thailand to have some of the best taxi cab drivers in the world, there are many taxi drivers and tuk-tuk drivers that do not know the way. Some travellers expect that they get lost on purpose for a larger fare, but the truth is that many taxi drivers in Bangkok are out of work farmers simply trying to make some extra money.

4. Paris taxi drivers
Paris France is another tricky city, because Parisian taxi drivers are known for being rude and difficult at times. If you speak French, it’s obviously much easier to get around in the French capital. If not, it’s advised to print out your address on a piece of paper.

5. Taxi drivers in New York
Although New York taxi cabs are regarded for being cost effective and generally friendly, many drivers do not actually know the area and so the fare can be a lot more than what you expected.

6. Mumbai taxi drivers
Next comes India, but not because Indian taxis are scarce. The Indian taxi drivers will actually fight over your business, which is really not a good sign. On the negative side is the safety, which is not always the best in Mumbai. Many old cars don’t have seatbelts.

7. Zürich Taxi Drivers
The next place on the list is Zurich. English is not always spoken, and Zurich cabs are often quite expensive. Unless your destination is a very well known destination such as the airport or a very large hotel, come prepared with your own directions or hope that the driver has a GPS.

8. Cairo Taxi drivers
In Cairo, Egypt, taxi drivers are known for following people around and stalking them trying to get more business.

9. Shanghai taxi drivers
In China, you’d better have your destination written down on paper in Chinese, otherwise you are never going to find the destination that you seek.

10. Moscow taxi drivers
Finally, in Moscow, drivers can be inconvenient, but they are at least generally inexpensive and honest. Availability is not always the best and it can be really hard to find taxis in some areas of Moscow. Many illegal taxis are driving around in Moscow and trying to get your business, which you should avoid to any price.