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By Harriette Halepis

Whether you’re moving to a new city or just visiting, it helps to know how to tell a safe taxi from one that you should avoid. Believe it or not, there are a lot of taxi thieves out there, so make sure to follow these tips:

1. Choose only authorized taxis. How do you know if a taxi is legitimate? Most of the time, legal taxis are the same color, have the same brand, or look the same. If you aren’t sure, find a local taxi stand, and ask drivers how you can spot a legal cab.

2. Pay attention to the condition of a taxi. If you are contemplating getting into a taxi that doesn’t have door handles or seatbelts, you could be setting yourself up for danger. If a cab doesn’t look safe, then wait for the next one to come along.

3. Make sure that a drive knows where you are going before you hit the road. Some drivers don’t know where they are going, and this can cost you extra money. Bring the exact address of your destination with you (including a telephone number) just in case your driver doesn’t know where to go.

4. Carry a GPS tracker. In some countries, taking a taxi can be dangerous. If you aren’t sure where you are going or how to spot a safe taxi, then having a GPS tracker on you will give you some peace of mind. Just in case you wind up in a dangerous situation, authorities will always be able to find you.

5. Lastly, use your head. If a taxi doesn’t look safe to you (in any manner), then you are probably better off walking.