GoTravel

Meesthare, for what it's worth, on my first trip to the city years ago, my best friend spent the better part of the trip lecturing me making sure I didn't get robbed (this was when New York was a tough city), not to leave stuff in taxis, not to hang your handbag on the back of a chair, etc. She was riding in a taxi to meet me, pulled her wallet out of her handbag, paid the driver, set her wallet on the back seat of the taxi, got out of the car, shut the door, and watched her wallet drive off in the taxi. Don't feel stupid, you certainly aren't the only one.

GoTravel

Forgot to add, same friend did the exact same thing about 4 years ago and the cab company returned the wallet with everything intact!

Luli

There's a reason why a few years back TLC decided that those annoying tapes be played in cabs. It looks like people don't listen to them - they still forget stuff in cabs. FYI, the cab company does nothing to find the client, they make the driver take care of it.
Mary dear, one word for you: you'll get what you give - the universe and human nature works such. I for one, would love to hear the results of your tactics, that might make a very funny thread.

Sarah

This is hysterical. MaryT another way to protect yourself is swinging your handbag at anyone with dark straight across the forehead eyebrows. Perhaps you are not a traveler if you are this suspicious? What about engaging your driver in friendly conversation, mapping out your route before you go? Most cab drivers I encounter want to get to the destination quicker than I do. They want the next fare.

PS for anyone worried about loosing something in a cab you don't need to jot down any numbers simply ask for the receipt.

Faina

It's a good idea to know the taxi number, and not only for fair fare purposes. Once in Vegas a taxi cab's window was broken and permanently opened, it was windy, and I couldn't even say a word to the driver - he was on the cell phone during the ride! I complained, and I was surprised the authorities sent me an apology and informed that they pulled this taxicab out of service till it gets fixed. I remembered the cab company's name and the number on the side of the taxi.

Sarah

getting the receipt works in Manhattan anyway. The cab number is on the receipt. If you make a habbit of this you don't have to worry about left luggage. BY THE WAY I have left things in cabs and had them returned. But that is nothing next to YoYO MA leaving his priceless chello and getting it back a couple of years ago.

Yes you can't expect a cabbie to remember your things if you can't. Also remember that they rent those vehicles and don't have the same one every day.

Sarah

Cello that is

giro

Mary: as a former cabbie during my college days, I would like to ask you what you think a fair tip is?
My sense is that you enter a cab believing you're about to be cheated, and but for your cleverness you would be so when it comes to a tip you probably give a minimum amount.
If I'm wrong it is only because your ideas and actions telegraph a certain type of person.