Taking a taxi we focus on our comfort, but we should be also concerned about our safety. We reduce a risk when we order taxi online or find it in Yellow Pages, but if we do not do it, there is a list of taxi tips you should know before getting into a cab.

1. Always use only licenced Taxis and PHVs.

The driver must have their ?badge? and the car its ?plate?. Identify them prior to entering the vehicle and closing the door. They should display licence number, expiry date and the picture of the driver or description of the vehicle. You should never agree to travel in an unlicensed vehicle with an unlicensed driver. If they are not licensed, have not been vetted for safety purposes and are not insured for your journey.

You can hail a taxi in the street or get one at a rank, or pre-book it. Private hire vehicles (PHVs, known as minicabs) must always be booked through a licensed operator. If you are approached by someone in the street offering you or your friends a taxi or any other type of vehicle for hire, ignore them.

2. If you pre-book your taxi check that the taxi that arrives is the one you booked.

Ask the Operator for a description of the car and check these details when the vehicle arrives. It would be good practice to also ask for the name of the driver beforehand.

3. Let someone else know the details of your journey.

If you are especially cautious, you might consider sending a text message to friends before entering the taxi. In your message, be sure to include the license plates, driver's name, and identification number.

4. Do not get into the cab if there is someone else in addition to the driver

Be wary of getting into taxis that already have strangers on board or of being asked to share with strangers. Anyway, splitting the bill is confusing and shared taxis are not nearly as comfortable.

5. Always sit in the back of the vehicle behind the driver and carry your mobile phone in your hand so it is easily accessible.

Know emergency contact numbers and if a taxi driver starts giving you trouble, let him or her know that you know the appropriate emergency contact numbers, and you're not afraid to use them.

6. Know where you are going

It is harder for taxi drivers to cheat you if you know exactly where you're going. Before you accept shortcuts, detours, and special stops, make sure you know where you are, where you were, and where it is you ultimately want to go. Know the route or general direction to your destination.

7. Fares and tipping

To avoid potential disputes with taxi drivers, know the local tipping customs. Ask a hotel staff member or your host for the typical price range to your destination and the amount of an appropriate tip. Try to get a firm or estimated fare from your driver before you start.

8. Pay while in the cab

Know enough about the local currency to identify the bill. Make sure you have small bills as drivers won't always be able to break large notes. Exchange money while you are still in a taxicab. That way, you can have your purse or wallet properly stored once you exit the taxi.

9. Avoid travelling on your own

There is safety in numbers, so traveling with a companion minimizes your risks and makes it much less likely that you will ever encounter a potential problem.

10. Ensure your safety outside the taxi.

When you get to your destination, ask the driver to wait and watch until you are safely inside or ask to be let out in a well-lit area where there are plenty of people.

You do not need to bother much about your safety if you place your taxi request with online booking company. For example, with http://www.FairFare.co.uk you receive all your journey details and taxi operators contact details to your email box, and you have saved a clear record of all your journeys. When your request is booked, your price is guaranteed. Obviously, with www.fairfare.co.uk you are sure that you travel with fully registered taxi operator.