Call a Taxi

5 Parts:

Hailing a Taxi Outside

Calling a Taxi Service

Book a Taxi with a Web or Mobile Phone App

Use a Ride Sharing App

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Whether you are in a new city, traveling, spending a night on the town, or simply without a car, there are a variety of reasons why you may find yourself needing a taxi service. We here at VisiHow want to make sure you have everything you need to successfully and easily get a taxi service wherever you are.

There are many ways to get a taxi, from hailing one outside in a large city to calling or even using a web or mobile application. In addition to cab companies, there also may be ride-sharing services available in your area. The following steps will help you get a taxi, whether it's your first time, or if you're a pro and just need help finding a better way to hail a cab.

A popular way to use a taxi service is by hailing a taxi or cab outside. This option is commonly used in larger cities. Do keep in mind when using this option that the area you are in may also have unlicensed drivers (drivers not hired by a cab company), or limousine services as well. The price for using these services may be different. If you are in a location with unmetered taxis, it's a good idea to agree on a price upfront. Flagging a taxi is quite simple.

1. 1
   Locate an available taxi on the street

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   If you are not at a taxi stand or in a queue line, such as at an airport or other public place with queued taxis, you will need to locate an available taxi. Many official taxis will have a light on top of the car signaling that they are available. Simply hold out one hand to flag a taxi. You can lower your hand when the taxi begins approaching you.

   • Many locations will have regulations that taxi fares must be calculated by a meter. If you do not see a meter, or if you are unsure that the meter is turned on, you should ask.
   • If no meter is available, or if you are using an independently operated taxi, you should always agree on a fare before the ride begins.
     

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If you are unable to get a taxi by simply walking outside, as may be the case if you are not in a city, you may need to call a taxi service. If you need to call a taxi service, there are a few things you will need to know. Keep in mind that after you have provided all of this information, you should normally get an estimated arrival time from the company.

1. 1
   Cab or Taxi company contact information

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   You may find that there are a variety of cab or taxi companies available, or that you prefer to use some companies more than others. If you do not have internet access or access to a mobile app, you may find that your best option is to call a cab company. Available taxi services will vary depending on the country and even city that you are in, so be sure to check for a contact number online, in a telephone book, or with a telephone operator.

   

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2. 2
   The address where you should be picked up

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   You will need to provide the cab company with an address where you should be picked up, including the street number and street name, or the name of a landmark if you are at a well-known location.

   

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3. 3
   The address or location you are going to / your destination

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   Provide the cab company with the address or location you are going to. If you are providing an address, you should have the street number and street name and city, especially if you are traveling a long distance. If you are going to a landmark, the name of the landmark (such as a tourist attraction, well-known hotel, airport or shopping mall) should be sufficient, but you may want to have the address and contact number handy, just to make sure.

   

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Web and mobile apps are becoming a popular way to call a taxi, with Taxify as one company that links licensed taxis and riders in a number of countries around the world. In order to use this type of service, keep in mind that you will need an internet connection or data plan on your phone. If you need information on how to download or use Taxify, please view our other VisiHow tutorials.

In many locations, ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft have become a popular alternative to a standard taxi service, due to their ease of use. These applications connect riders to drivers in different locations, with Lyft working in the U.S. and Uber currently working in 68 countries around the world. They differ from web or mobile apps such as Taxify because they do not connect you with licensed cabs that you would otherwise hail in the street. They connect you with independent drivers that are partnered with their companies.

Just remember to be as clear as possible when giving your location information to the taxi driver or taxi service in order to avoid being taken in the wrong direction. Don't forget to always keep the safety of yourself and others in mind, and never attempt to get behind the wheel of a car after you've been drinking. Calling a taxi can help solve this problem, as they can serve in place of a designated driver to get you and your friends home safely.

See more articles on calling services: Call the Police and Call an Ambulance.

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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