Public transportation is common in Latin America. Public buses are inexpensive but are often cramped. If you have baggage you might have to pay an additional fare for the space it will take up. The nice thing about buses is that you can get on and off anywhere; there are few designated bus stops.
Taxis can be more comfortable and have space for luggage but cost a little extra. Prices are flexible, but it is helpful if you know what is reasonable. I usually ask a driver what he would charge, barter a little bit, politely turn him down, and use his lowest price as a point of reference for the next driver I talk to.
Public transportation can be relatively safe if you are wise. It is best to travel in pairs. If you split up a larger group, be sure to get the number from the outside of each taxi your group is using. It is not a bad idea to let the driver know that you are taking down this information.
It is best to be polite when traveling. You will get a better rate and feel safer during the ride if you are respectful to the driver and other passengers. Make polite conversation if you are comfortable with the langauge. Remember to keep the volume at a low level, and restrict the conversation to the person beside you.
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Are the cab drivers good drivers or do they drive like crazy people? Are there a lot of accidents involving cabs?
ReplyDeleteThere are traffic laws, but they are rarely observed by any driver. However, there are surprisingly few accidents. I think that knowing that others are not going to observe driving conventions makes drivers have to be more aware. This makes for fewer distracted drivers and fewer accidents.
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