Before I visited New York City in 2001 for the first time, I had only taken a cab a few times, and had hailed one on the street. So I know the prospect can be intimidating for first-timers. But after the first couple rides it was no big deal.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. When to take a taxi (instead of walking or using the subway)

• You are tired, overwhelmed, your feet are sore, and you just can’t deal with public transportation.
• Late at night.
• You’re in a group (good because the fare is per ride, not per person).
• You are loaded with packages.
• Public transportation to your destination is complicated (several transfers) and seems too confusing.
• Or you simply do not like to use the subway (I use the subway frequently and find it convenient, but many people – native New Yorkers and visitors alike – do not agree.)

2. Use Only the Yellow Cabs.

They are New York’s official taxicabs and are licensed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). Easy to recognize: they are yellow, have a light on the roof, a medallion on the hood, and rates displayed on the door.

Do not use any of the unregulated “gypsy cabs.”

At the airport, ignore any hustlers inside or just outside the terminal. The legitimate city cabs are easy to find in designated, well-marked areas outside the terminal (see below**).

3. Don’t try to get a cab at rush hour (around 5pm).

You are better off walking, taking the subway, or arranging your plans to leave earlier or later.
5:00 is a great time to be taking a break in your hotel room before another night on the town!

4. How to hail a cab:

• Stand at the curb and hold out your arm while looking for an oncoming cab whose numbered roof light is turned on.
  If the light is turned off, the cab is occupied.
  If the words “off duty” are lit, it means the driver is ending his shift and is not available.
• Try to hail a cab which is already headed in the direction you want to travel.
  For example, if you are going “downtown” (south) from where you are, try to stand on the southbound side of the street, or walk a block or so to a southbound one-way street. This will save you money and travel time.
• You may also have your hotel doorman hail a cab for you.
  In that case, tip him $1-$2 (see Tipping Guide).
• **From the airport, follow signs to Ground Transportation, and look for the uniformed dispatcher at the official taxi stand. Tell the dispatcher the general area you are going to (e.g., just “Midtown” or “Brooklyn,” not the street address) and they will summon the proper cab for you.

5. Speak clearly. And if possible, try to tell the driver the closest intersection for your destination, not the numeric address.

For example, “The Fitzpatrick Manhattan Hotel on Lexington (’Lex’) between E. 56th and E. 57th” (instead of just “687 Lexington”).

“But Carol,” you ask, “how will I know the intersection?”

Most NYC resources, including this one, will include the cross street in their listings. You can ask your hotel concierge, or call to your destination and ask. If you are headed to a well-known landmark (The Empire State Building, Lincoln Center, etc.) you can just give the name.

Remember that many drivers have limited English-speaking skills. Don’t be patronizing, but do speak clearly and try to be sure they understood that, for example, you said “50th, Five-Oh” not “15th, One-Five.”

6. How much will it cost?

• An average fare within Manhattan is $6-$7 plus tip.
• From LaGuardia, about $25 plus tolls and tip.
• From Newark airport, about $45 plus tolls and tip.
• From JFK, it’s a flat rate of $45 plus tolls and tip.

At the time of writing, the cost of the ride (displayed in a running total in the meter) is $2.50 for the initial charge, plus 40 cents per 1/5 mile or 20 cents per minute when stuck in traffic.
There will be a $1.00 surcharge for rides begun 4-8pm, and a 50 cent surcharge at night (8pm – 6am) which are not displayed on the meter; you also pay for any tolls.
The cost is per ride, not per passenger.

7. Tip 15% - 20% of the fare (excluding tolls).

8. Have your money ready as you approach your destination.

You do not want to be fumbling for your wallet, causing a traffic jam and an irritated NYC cabbie. This happened to me once, and I learned my lesson. These guys are trying to make a living, and can get pretty testy when you slow them down.

9. Pay in cash with bills no larger than $20.

I like to keep a supply of $5’s and $1’s handy, in a separate wallet.
You may want to ask for a receipt (I admit I usually forget to do this.)  If you have a problem or forget something in the car, the receipt will have the taxi registration number on it.

10. Exit the cab from the curb-side door.

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