Traveling in a foreign country can be exciting, but figuring out the right way to get around can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Whether we’re new to the city or just visiting, knowing how to handle buses, subways, and taxis can save us time, money, and stress. Today, let’s explore some practical tips to make our journeys smooth and easy.

Understanding the Options

Different countries have different ways of getting around. Each transport method has its own rules, costs, and tricks. By understanding these details, we can plan our routes better, avoid mistakes, and get to our destinations faster. The three main options we’ll focus on are buses, subways, and taxis.

Buses: Affordable and Reliable

Buses are often the most budget-friendly choice in cities around the world. Look for buses with clear signs and find their designated stops along streets. Before hopping on, we should know our destination, the stop where we’ll get off, and the fare. Many buses abroad don’t have conductors, so passengers are expected to pay the fare directly, often with exact change.

Once on the bus, it’s polite to move toward the exit doors so we can get off easily when we reach our stop. Paying attention to stops and keeping coins ready makes the ride stress-free. Observing local rules, like offering seats to elderly passengers or not blocking aisles, helps us blend in like locals.

Subways: Fast and Convenient

Subways are the backbone of public transport in most major cities. Stations are usually near busy areas and connect with buses, train stations, and airports, making travel super convenient. Before entering, we should check the subway map carefully, find our starting point and destination, and buy a ticket. Automated machines often make this easy—just follow the instructions and insert coins or a card.

When passing through the turnstiles, insert the ticket, and retrieve it after it slides out on the other side. Boarding and exiting should be orderly, waiting for passengers to leave before entering. Once we reach our stop, insert the ticket again to exit. If problems occur, asking station staff is safer than trying to jump the gates, which can result in fines.

Paying attention to station signs and train directions ensures we don’t take the wrong train. Also, following basic rules like avoiding littering, keeping noise low, and standing on the correct side of the escalator makes the ride smoother for everyone.

Taxis: Flexible and Direct

Taxis are everywhere in cities and airports and are a quick way to get from point A to point B. They usually have clear signs, either on the roof or as a lighted “TAXI” indicator. Most have meters that calculate the fare automatically.

To hail a taxi, we should stand on the correct side of the road where cars can stop safely. Once inside, buckle up, tell the driver our destination clearly, and stay mostly quiet during the ride. When we arrive, pay the meter amount and leave a small tip to show appreciation. Before stepping out, double-check that we’ve got all our belongings.

Taxis are convenient, but they’re usually pricier than buses or subways, so weighing time versus cost helps us make the best choice. In some countries, rides can be shared via apps for a more efficient option.

Plan, Observe, Enjoy

The key to stress-free travel abroad is preparation. We can save money by choosing buses, move quickly via subways, and enjoy the flexibility of taxis when needed. Observing local rules, being polite, and planning ahead ensures our rides are smooth.

Lykkers, the next time we step into a new city, let’s ride confidently. With these simple tips, we can navigate public transport like locals, make the most of our travel time, and enjoy every moment of our journey!

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Video by Sammi - life in Rome