As a native Chicagoan I have taken plenty of cab rides. I know how to hail a cab and the etiquette to use when interacting with the driver, which to be perfectly honest is very little. However, when taking a taxi ride in London, the procedure is sharply different.
Here is a list of the steps to properly hail a cab in London.
- Like in most cities, the taxi’s light on top of the cab must be on. The light signals that the taxicab can be hired.
- When tailing a cab in London generally I wave – I don’t yell out Taxi
- If you are at a busy train station or airport there is a chances that there is queue (line) for a taxi. This system is very orderly, and you must wait in the line unless you would like your life to end at the moment of jumping the queue.
- When the taxi has pulled over after you’ve hailed it, or it’s your turn in the taxi rank, politely go to the front window and ask the driver if he or she will take you to your destination. Unlike the U.S. destination is discussed before entering the cab.
- To talk to the cab driver there is an intercom system, usually located near the seats. Be polite and it is polite to say hello. Generally conversation should be on lighter matters. Most London cab drivers are friendly and be happy to chat.
- When you have reached your destination you may leave a tip. Usually round up to the nearest pound or 10% of the fare is acceptable. If you feel your cabbie has gone over and above service you are welcome to tip more.
- Generally avoid Mini-cabs – they aren’t licensed Black Cab drivers and you may not be able to trust them.
By using this tips to hail a taxi in London, you are assured not to make a cultural snafu. It is also important to know that London taxi cab drivers must study and take a test in order to drive a cab in London. I would argue that they are the most reliable cab service in the world. They will not drive you around the same block three times to run up the meter. Trust your London, cabbie, he or she is extremely qualified.
Do You Have Your Own London Taxi Tip?
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I had great experiences taking taxis in London and Edinburgh. Black cabs all the way! One trip in London, I had newly arrived friends with me. I met them at Victoria station and took a cab back to my flat. There was an accident in our route, and the driver took an alternate, which was great. They know their roads. HOWEVER as we got close to the flat he missed the turn! He had to drive “around” the block”. Once at the flat he reduced the fare! Now that was FAIR!
I miss the UK and long to go back very soon.
This is a good article – and there is a more comprehensive list of black cab etiquette that can be found here
http://www.londoncabtours.co.uk/etiquette.htm
and was actually written by a Cab driver from London.
I’m glad you have highlighted that black cab (London taxi) drivers are probably the best there is – they have to do the knowledge, and must take you the most direct route (they really don’t know who the mystery shoppers are who may well lose them their licence if they take the pi**)
But – as Americans, I would always recommend talking politics with a cabbie – it makes the journey so much more enjoyable, and, if you know anything about football (soccer) give that a go as well – especially if you have an opinion on how badly Tottenham Hotspur (Spurs) are doing. A copy of the Sun newspaper is usually good grounding for all taxi conversations – it doesn’t take long to read, and is actually quite cheap, although dont take pictures for ‘the folks back home’ whilst waving it in front of the camera. Another good tip is to hail a black cab after midnight and ask the driver to take you to an address ‘South of the river.’ You will, without doubt find them obliging on every occasion!
I will however seriously underline the comment about minicabs – only ever use them if they are pre-booked from a reputable firm. NEVER hail one in the street – the driver probably wont be insured, the car may well be an MOT failure (there are much stricter MOT rules for minicabs than private cars) and the driver may well be unlicenced and/or an illegal immigrant. BEWARE – stick to black cabs, and enjoy your trip in London.