Holiday special: how to take a taxi abroad

For taking a taxi abroad without surprises, four rules are enough: always use the official rank or a recognised app, check before setting off how the price will be calculated (meter, fixed fare or agreed amount), find out about tipping customs in the country and carry your destination address written down. That way you avoid most of the problems travellers run into, especially when landing tired at an unfamiliar airport.

Each country has its own system, colours and customs (if you are curious, we look at the most recognisable taxis in the world and the most unusual ones). This guide sticks to the practical side: what to do before you leave, when you arrive and during your trip.

Holidays start at your front door, and the first journey is the one that causes the most nerves: suitcases, timings and wondering whether you will get to Barajas on time. Two things worth doing before you go:

• The outbound taxi. You can book your airport taxi days in advance, with a fixed price according to your area and at whatever time you need, including the early hours.
• The return taxi. This is the one you will appreciate most. With airport pickup you give your flight number, we check the terminal and confirm the meeting point. If the flight changes, just let us know by phone or WhatsApp.

The same thing happens at almost every airport in the world: as soon as you walk into the arrivals area, people appear offering a taxi or a “transfer”. The golden rule is to ignore them and follow the signs to the official rank, or go to the airport taxi desk if there is one. It is the same in Madrid, as we explain in the article on unlicensed taxi touts at Barajas, and away from home the risk is greater because you do not know the language or the prices.

Taxi apps are another safe option in many cities. If you are going to use them, download them and register before you travel, so you do not depend on the airport's connection.

Before setting off, make clear how the journey will be charged. There are three common systems:

Meter

This is the norm in Europe and in most large cities. Check that the driver starts it at the beginning of the ride and that the tariff it shows matches the time and day. If they do not switch it on, ask them to before you leave.

Fixed fare from the airport

Many cities have a fixed price between the airport and the centre, as in Paris or between JFK airport and Manhattan, and also in Madrid with the M-30. Check the current amount on the airport's official website before you travel: that way you will know whether you are being charged correctly.

Agreed price

In countries where taxis or tuk-tuks do not have meters, the price is negotiated. Always do so before getting in, and make clear whether it is per person or per vehicle and in which currency.

• Ask about card payment before getting in. It is common in many countries, but not in all. Carry some cash in local currency just in case.
• Carry the address written down. In destinations with a different alphabet, such as Japan or China, have the hotel name and address in the local language, on paper or on your phone.
• Follow the route on your phone's map. There is no need to distrust everyone, but it helps you get your bearings and spot an unnecessary detour.
• Note the licence. Discreetly taking a photo of the taxi number is useful if you leave something behind or need to complain.
• Ask for a receipt. For complaints and for expense claims if you are travelling for work.
• Mind which side of the street. In countries that drive on the left, such as the United Kingdom or Japan, get in and out on the pavement side, which is not the one you are used to. We explain the origin of that difference in why we drive on the right.
• Children. The rules on child seats in taxis vary a lot from one country to another. If you are travelling with young children, find out beforehand or book a transfer that includes one.

After a long flight, the last thing you feel like doing is looking for transport. If you have booked your taxi, the driver waits for you at the terminal and the price is the same as on the way out: from inside the M-30, €33, and in the other areas the price shown on our fares page. If there are five or more of you, or you have a lot of luggage, ask for a larger vehicle when you book.