7 ms·

The majority of my unpleasant experiences abroad were taxi related, regardless of the country. -In SF got shouted at because I calculated wrong the tip -Seoul

by juusto 6y ago

The majority of my unpleasant experiences abroad were taxi related, regardless of the country. -In SF got shouted at because I calculated wrong the tip -Seoul a driver told me I owed him 10x what was agreed with other drivers joining in (scary) -In Lisbon the famous "this restaurant is closed today I will take you to another one" (from what I understood they get commission) got me twice -Barcelona the driver "hid" a high bill and told me I gave him 5€ bill instead (I showed him the receipt from the ATM where I just took the money before paying him since his machine "did not work") Since ride sharing apps became a thing? Way fewer problems and a way for me to influence positively/negatively a ride.

foolfoolz 6y ago
one of my favorite stories is when i landed in saigon i took a taxi to my hotel. literally my first experience in the city. and the taxi driver didn’t give me the right change, he kept a bunch of money. so i’m yelling at him. he’s acting like he doesn’t speak english. it goes on so long the people im with check in to the hotel. i move up front to the drivers side door, with it open, standing between the door and the driver telling him he’s a fucking thief and the hotel people are trying to calm me down and tell me to call the taxi company. eventually he relents and gave me my money. it wasn’t about the money (VND to USD is cheap) i just did not want to let this guy fuck me as soon as i landed
- haimez 6y ago
  Hey, I don’t blame you for being angry- but, and this is only an empathy exercise: where do you think that taxi driver is today? Right at this moment, even?
  - remote_phone 6y ago
    Why is this relevant? Rules and laws are there for a reason. If society lets taxi drivers steal from people because they are taxi drivers, where do you draw the line for expected fair treatment of everyone? Do only rich people have the expectation of behaving correctly?
    - haimez 6y ago
      > Why is this relevant? Rules and laws are there for a reason. I agree. > If society lets taxi drivers steal from people because they are taxi drivers, where do you draw the line for expected fair treatment of everyone? Do only rich people have the expectation of behaving correctly? I think this is where you missed the point. It’s an empathy exercise. Where do _you_ think that taxi driver is, right now? What do you think their home looks like? Are they pleased with having pulled one over on that foreigner fare? Their actions don’t have to be morally correct or even morally justifiable to be understandable.
      - darksaints 6y ago
        If you want to signal your magnanimous virtues to the world, do it on your own dime. Nobody should be shamed into feeling sorry for someone that defrauded them.
  - darksaints 6y ago
    In jail, hopefully.
    - boomboomsubban 6y ago
      People should not be in jail because one person's recounting of an encounter with them makes them sound like a thief.
      - darksaints 6y ago
        Whoosh.
  - ipaddr 6y ago
    Could be ripping people off still, in jail, dead, retired or bootcamp grad working in sf. Creating a sad story to explain motiviations shouldn't be an exercise one does in a situation like this.
- deleted 6y ago
  [deleted]
porknubbins 6y ago
Taxis were usually ok but hoping you don’t randomly get screwed over or worse was a horrible kind of lottery. Isn’t there a particular circle of hell in Dante for those who betray trust placed in them? I remember in NYC pre Uber certain times of day they wouldn’t take you to the airport.
- Scoundreller 6y ago
  The other issue being, in most cities, the argument was made to have high taxi fares but for it to be illegal to refuse rides based on distance/destination. But the bargain was never 2-way in practice, the high fares stayed but the refusals remained.
  - bspammer 6y ago
    I guess this makes sense, who is going to attempt to force their taxi driver into something they don’t want to do at the start of the journey? Even knowing I’m in the right legally, I don’t really want to be driven anywhere by someone pissed off at me.
    - vladvasiliu 6y ago
      I think the issue goes somewhat deeper than this. For example, in Paris, it was pretty common for taxi drivers to refuse to take you somewhere, even though there's a "starting fare", which is quite high, and you'd think that only that could make it worth their while. This would especially happen late at night, when public transport is basically non-existent. But taxis aren't just any random person with a car willing to drive people around. For example there are all kinds of arrangements done for them, such as dedicated lanes or authorization to use bus lanes. They have dedicated parking spots all over the city, etc. So if we, as the public in the city, make those concessions to them, I'd expect something in return. To me, they're a public service much in the same way the metro or the bus service. Sure, they cost a lot more, but that's because I can get them to come exactly where I am, when I want, and drop me exactly where I want to go. I'm not sure people would be so understanding if a bus driver refused to drive because he didn't feel like it / the weather was bad / it was too hot / etc.
happymellon 6y ago
I remember back when I visited the US, and I took a taxi back to the airport. I asked how much it was upfront because I wanted to use up the last of my dollars. I even remember telling him that this was the amount of cash I had up front, which was a little more than the quote and he was okay with it. That's how much i'd give him for the ride. Only to get to the airport and have him getting cross because the amount I was going to give him wasn't going to cover some tip after I told him exactly how much I would be able to give him. A tip for a taxi? The American begging industry has to die.
- skinkestek 6y ago
  Almost exact same happened to me: on my way home I agreed on a price, then as we arrived at the airport the taxi driver got mad (and asked if I was Russian :-). I hadn't been so spesific though to point out that this was all dollars I had left.
  - happymellon 6y ago
    It might be something that could be excused if it was applied slightly more evenly, like never knowing how much something's costs when you buy it because "taxes", even though that is the most dick move. I can't imagine having a builder perform some tasks on my house, only for them to tell me afterwards that the price we agreed wasn't going to cover it because actually it's not enough to feed their family.
- AniseAbyss 6y ago
  This is what I hate about taxis: they expect you to haggle. I come from a culture where you pay the price on the label without any bullshit.
  - koolba 6y ago
    Haggling is fun! You should learn to enjoy it. What’s not acceptable is changing the terms after an agreement has been reached. A deals a deal, even with a dirty dealer. In all those stories the drivers are preying on the weaknesses of the passengers. It’s like a bully berating someone at lunch in kindergarten. The answer is the same, you yell right back at them. Assuming you’re not stupid enough to pay up front you still hold the cards as you can refuse all payment as well.
jasonkester 6y ago
Uber really shines in countries with a culture of haggling and gouging tourists. Landing in Cairo, step one was to buy a local sim and check the price for a ride into town. When the local taxi tout quoted me triple that price, I showed him the app and said I’d pay that. He pulled out a laminated card with his tourist rate printed on it explaining that this was the “official price” and that here was no way anybody could get a cheaper one. 50 feet further toward the exit, he tried pulling out a different laminated card, explaining that it contained the “old price”, which was now only double ubers price. So I hit the “go” button on the Uber. He never went lower double Ubers price, and followed me all the way to my driver before giving up. It’s the ultimate travel “screw remover”.
- beckman466 6y ago
  > Uber really shines in countries with a culture of haggling and gouging tourists. > It’s the ultimate travel “screw remover”. So why do you think this is? Are you aware that western capitalist firms fuck/screw these countries up, before their citizens fuck (with) us? [1] [2] Their dishonesty is based on having to survive to survive this original (and ongoing) exploitation. Do you really look at the global south and not see this? I'm not saying Uber doesn't help serve as an attempt at a digital system that helps sustain reputation (although it is one that can grossly exploit the driver). [3] [1] https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2017/jan/14/aid-in-reverse-how-poor-countries-develop-rich-countries https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals... [2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkV-eeXrlUg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkV-eeXrlUg [3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9abrZwnPThE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9abrZwnPThE
  - cko 6y ago
    The OP said these apps are a practical way to not get screwed as an individual traveler. I didn't read any negative generalization about the citizens of these countries. Also there are many posts here about taxi drivers of developed countries (the "oppressors" if you want to be reductionist).
  - jasonkester 6y ago
ipython 6y ago
On the other hand, I’ve been in several ubers in nyc where the driver clearly had no idea how to get anywhere. When confronted with some closed streets for a planned parade, he got stuck in traffic and had no idea how to get out. I hopped out of the Uber, hailed a yellow cab, and sailed to my destination. Cheaper too. Ended up using only yellow cabs since this was not an isolated incident. Taxis ended up saving us $3-5 on each ride over Uber and the drivers were not hopelessly dependent on google maps.

by juusto 6y ago

foolfoolz 6y ago

one of my favorite stories is when i landed in saigon i took a taxi to my hotel. literally my first experience in the city. and the taxi driver didn’t give me the right change, he kept a bunch of money. so i’m yelling at him. he’s acting like he doesn’t speak english. it goes on so long the people im with check in to the hotel. i move up front to the drivers side door, with it open, standing between the door and the driver telling him he’s a fucking thief and the hotel people are trying to calm me down and tell me to call the taxi company. eventually he relents and gave me my money. it wasn’t about the money (VND to USD is cheap) i just did not want to let this guy fuck me as soon as i landed

haimez 6y ago
Hey, I don’t blame you for being angry- but, and this is only an empathy exercise: where do you think that taxi driver is today? Right at this moment, even?
- remote_phone 6y ago
  Why is this relevant? Rules and laws are there for a reason. If society lets taxi drivers steal from people because they are taxi drivers, where do you draw the line for expected fair treatment of everyone? Do only rich people have the expectation of behaving correctly?
  - haimez 6y ago
    > Why is this relevant? Rules and laws are there for a reason. I agree. > If society lets taxi drivers steal from people because they are taxi drivers, where do you draw the line for expected fair treatment of everyone? Do only rich people have the expectation of behaving correctly? I think this is where you missed the point. It’s an empathy exercise. Where do _you_ think that taxi driver is, right now? What do you think their home looks like? Are they pleased with having pulled one over on that foreigner fare? Their actions don’t have to be morally correct or even morally justifiable to be understandable.
    - darksaints 6y ago
      If you want to signal your magnanimous virtues to the world, do it on your own dime. Nobody should be shamed into feeling sorry for someone that defrauded them.
- darksaints 6y ago
  In jail, hopefully.
  - boomboomsubban 6y ago
    People should not be in jail because one person's recounting of an encounter with them makes them sound like a thief.
    - darksaints 6y ago
      Whoosh.
- ipaddr 6y ago
  Could be ripping people off still, in jail, dead, retired or bootcamp grad working in sf. Creating a sad story to explain motiviations shouldn't be an exercise one does in a situation like this.
deleted 6y ago
[deleted]

porknubbins 6y ago

Taxis were usually ok but hoping you don’t randomly get screwed over or worse was a horrible kind of lottery. Isn’t there a particular circle of hell in Dante for those who betray trust placed in them? I remember in NYC pre Uber certain times of day they wouldn’t take you to the airport.

Scoundreller 6y ago
The other issue being, in most cities, the argument was made to have high taxi fares but for it to be illegal to refuse rides based on distance/destination. But the bargain was never 2-way in practice, the high fares stayed but the refusals remained.
- bspammer 6y ago
  I guess this makes sense, who is going to attempt to force their taxi driver into something they don’t want to do at the start of the journey? Even knowing I’m in the right legally, I don’t really want to be driven anywhere by someone pissed off at me.
  - vladvasiliu 6y ago
    I think the issue goes somewhat deeper than this. For example, in Paris, it was pretty common for taxi drivers to refuse to take you somewhere, even though there's a "starting fare", which is quite high, and you'd think that only that could make it worth their while. This would especially happen late at night, when public transport is basically non-existent. But taxis aren't just any random person with a car willing to drive people around. For example there are all kinds of arrangements done for them, such as dedicated lanes or authorization to use bus lanes. They have dedicated parking spots all over the city, etc. So if we, as the public in the city, make those concessions to them, I'd expect something in return. To me, they're a public service much in the same way the metro or the bus service. Sure, they cost a lot more, but that's because I can get them to come exactly where I am, when I want, and drop me exactly where I want to go. I'm not sure people would be so understanding if a bus driver refused to drive because he didn't feel like it / the weather was bad / it was too hot / etc.

happymellon 6y ago

I remember back when I visited the US, and I took a taxi back to the airport. I asked how much it was upfront because I wanted to use up the last of my dollars. I even remember telling him that this was the amount of cash I had up front, which was a little more than the quote and he was okay with it. That's how much i'd give him for the ride. Only to get to the airport and have him getting cross because the amount I was going to give him wasn't going to cover some tip after I told him exactly how much I would be able to give him. A tip for a taxi? The American begging industry has to die.

skinkestek 6y ago
Almost exact same happened to me: on my way home I agreed on a price, then as we arrived at the airport the taxi driver got mad (and asked if I was Russian :-). I hadn't been so spesific though to point out that this was all dollars I had left.
- happymellon 6y ago
  It might be something that could be excused if it was applied slightly more evenly, like never knowing how much something's costs when you buy it because "taxes", even though that is the most dick move. I can't imagine having a builder perform some tasks on my house, only for them to tell me afterwards that the price we agreed wasn't going to cover it because actually it's not enough to feed their family.
AniseAbyss 6y ago
This is what I hate about taxis: they expect you to haggle. I come from a culture where you pay the price on the label without any bullshit.
- koolba 6y ago
  Haggling is fun! You should learn to enjoy it. What’s not acceptable is changing the terms after an agreement has been reached. A deals a deal, even with a dirty dealer. In all those stories the drivers are preying on the weaknesses of the passengers. It’s like a bully berating someone at lunch in kindergarten. The answer is the same, you yell right back at them. Assuming you’re not stupid enough to pay up front you still hold the cards as you can refuse all payment as well.

jasonkester 6y ago

Uber really shines in countries with a culture of haggling and gouging tourists. Landing in Cairo, step one was to buy a local sim and check the price for a ride into town. When the local taxi tout quoted me triple that price, I showed him the app and said I’d pay that. He pulled out a laminated card with his tourist rate printed on it explaining that this was the “official price” and that here was no way anybody could get a cheaper one. 50 feet further toward the exit, he tried pulling out a different laminated card, explaining that it contained the “old price”, which was now only double ubers price. So I hit the “go” button on the Uber. He never went lower double Ubers price, and followed me all the way to my driver before giving up. It’s the ultimate travel “screw remover”.

beckman466 6y ago
> Uber really shines in countries with a culture of haggling and gouging tourists. > It’s the ultimate travel “screw remover”. So why do you think this is? Are you aware that western capitalist firms fuck/screw these countries up, before their citizens fuck (with) us? [1] [2] Their dishonesty is based on having to survive to survive this original (and ongoing) exploitation. Do you really look at the global south and not see this? I'm not saying Uber doesn't help serve as an attempt at a digital system that helps sustain reputation (although it is one that can grossly exploit the driver). [3] [1] https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2017/jan/14/aid-in-reverse-how-poor-countries-develop-rich-countries https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals... [2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkV-eeXrlUg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkV-eeXrlUg [3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9abrZwnPThE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9abrZwnPThE
- cko 6y ago
  The OP said these apps are a practical way to not get screwed as an individual traveler. I didn't read any negative generalization about the citizens of these countries. Also there are many posts here about taxi drivers of developed countries (the "oppressors" if you want to be reductionist).
- jasonkester 6y ago

ipython 6y ago

On the other hand, I’ve been in several ubers in nyc where the driver clearly had no idea how to get anywhere. When confronted with some closed streets for a planned parade, he got stuck in traffic and had no idea how to get out. I hopped out of the Uber, hailed a yellow cab, and sailed to my destination. Cheaper too. Ended up using only yellow cabs since this was not an isolated incident. Taxis ended up saving us $3-5 on each ride over Uber and the drivers were not hopelessly dependent on google maps.