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As you are getting all geared up for your study abroad trip, there could be a couple of concerns that you don't want to leave lingering for long. One of the more common worries that Americans may have when it comes to traveling revolves around taxis, especially because of language barriers that could cause issues. Even if you don't speak the local lingo of wherever you're headed this summer, you can quell any concerns and guarantee countless stress-free cab rides by following a few tips.

A frequently accepted misconception about European taxi drivers is that they are scammers – and it doesn't help that prevalent Hollywood plots have fueled this erroneous assumption. The truth of the matter is that you will likely encounter a number of kindhearted cabbies who are willing to go the extra mile for you, engaging in genuine conversation with you and sharing advice about the area you are visiting. In the incredibly off chance that you do happen to come across a crooked taxi driver, you can instantly spot a scam and avoid any unfortunate incidents by following a set of guidelines that will heighten your awareness and ensure that you have your guard up.

Look before you leap
According to Rick Steves, you should always scrutinize the appearance of a taxi to determine whether it is legitimate. Just as you would in the U.S., before you set foot in a cab, you want to make sure that it is clearly marked, being attributed to a real and reputable company. The car itself may have a decal that prominently displays the name and logo of the organization with which the taxi is associated. 

If you want to take this even further to absolutely guarantee that there's nothing dodgy about a cab, you must look to see if it has an official permit from the local government. Normally, taxis throughout various European cities have to register with the nearby authorities and obtain a license. This documentation should be placed somewhere within the cab so that it is in plain sight. Additionally, this permit could also be showcased in one of the windows of a vehicle. Some elements usually featured on these permits include a registration number and even a picture of the driver to whom the license belongs. By paying careful attention and looking out for this document, you can verify that you are getting into a licensed car, which will greatly reduce the risk of being taken for a ride instead of the other way around.

Check a map
Another manner in which you could encounter taxi trouble is by familiarizing yourself with a city to a certain extent. While studying abroad, you will be jumping from place to place, most of which you probably never seen before. Because of this, you could be getting into a cab without having any bearings whatsoever, which means that you have to fully trust that your driver will go the right and most direct route possible. That being said, even cabbies in the U.S. occasionally go a roundabout way so that they can score some extra cash, and the chances of this occurring are the same overseas. 

To avoid this situation, you may want to glance at a map before or during your ride. By being certain that every twist and turn is necessary, you can prevent drivers from taking unneeded detours that will leave you with lighter pockets. On top of this, you should consider settling on a price prior to starting your journey. Before getting into a taxi, ask the driver how much it would cost to go to your intended destination. If the price sounds unreasonable, refuse. When the figure sounds fair, you can hop in, knowing that they won't suddenly hike the price on you or drive in circles to land more money.

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