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Q: Is there an etiquette for catching taxis?
I was waiting to catch a bus last night, when a taxi conveniently enough pulled over directly in front of the bus stop.
Two guys next to me decided to take advantage of the rare and wonderful event that is a free taxi (they're like freaking hens' teeth around here). They signalled the driver, walked over to the taxi and opened the door.
At this moment, a girl ran over, ducked under the arm of the guy who was opening the door, bumped the other guy out of the way and jumped in the taxi. All protestations were to no avail. She left in the taxi, they came back to the bus stop.
Seriously. Is this normal? Is this okay? Is there any social etiquette surrounding taxis at all, or is s/he who gets their butt on the back seat first the rightful holder, no matter what the circumstance?
12 years 12 weeks ago in Transport & Travel - China
There is no etiquette here whatsoever. You just have to be pushy. I have never stolen someone else's taxi and never will, but if someone tries to steal mine I will push them out of the way.
Have you ever tried catching a taxi on the street when someone comes along and positions themselves before you so the cab will stop for them first?
That's when I walk around them so I am first am give them the stare.
And speaking a taxi etiquette how many times have you had a driver refuse to take you where you are going because they just don't want to?
I've even had a few taxi's go by me empty as I tried to flag them down. They smile and wave at me then stop down the street and pick up a local instead. I think they either hate laowai's or they think it's funny.
MissA:
Interesting. Thanks for the response. I've been here long enough to realise that you need to get in quick if you spot a taxi, and that even if a taxi stops for you, people can and will run over to get there first. This one was just a cut above!
It's a deathmatch, show no mercy!
And to comment on Thedude's comment, I think a lot of cabs just see your foreigner face, instantly conclude you're going in the usual foreigner districts, and since they don't want to go near those places, they don't even bother asking where you're going.
