[nabs-l] Getting Drivers?

[Greg Aikens]

Ah, I didn't realize that this new town was in another country…

I made extensive use of cabs while studying in Spain.  Like everything else about studying abroad, it was challenging at first  but I got the hang of it quickly.  The ease with which you make use of cabs in another country may depend on your fluency in the native language.  You will at least need to know how to clearly say the name of your destination, and understand numbers up to 20 or 30 to understand what the fair is.  It would also help to be able to describe a couple of key landmarks near your destination if they have difficulty with the address, but that is above and beyond.  

As far as payment goes, if you are in a European country, you will find that the euros are far more accessible than our dollars and knowing what you are giving a driver is far easier.  

What Arielle said about letting them know ahead of time to identify themselves because you cant see them is good advice.  Some companies always call when they arrive, but it doesn't hurt to mention it.  I also take that opportunity to let them know I will be traveling with my Seeing Eye dog because I have run into some access issues recently with drivers who tried to refuse taking the dog.  I just find it easier to be up front from the beginning so that no one can complain I was trying to deceive them etc.  

Anyway, hope this helps.

-Greg

On Oct 14, 2012, at 11:49 AM, "Brandon Keith Biggs" <brandonkeithbiggs at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hello,
> The difficulty is with the payment. If I'm in another country especially I'd be a little phreaked out with a cab situation. Is a cab like an outreach where you have to call them the day before to schedule like 2 or 3 rides, or how does that work? I've never tried using cabs for more than a ride or two.
> Thanks,
> 
> Brandon Keith Biggs
> -----Original Message----- From: Greg Aikens
> Sent: Sunday, October 14, 2012 6:30 AM
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Getting Drivers?
> 
> Hi Brandon,
> Does the area you are going to have cab companies?  This is generally what I end up using.  It isn't cheap, but the few times I have price compared between the cabs and local car services, the cab service was cheaper.  I guess that all depends on the length of your trip etc. and whether or not it is worth it to possibly pay more for a more reliable service.  For longer trips, the car service may  have the better price.  If you schedule rides ahead of time and plan to arrive early, the cab option really isn't too unreliable though, in my experience.
> 
> I hope this helps.  Let me know if you have more questions.
> 
> -Greg
> On Oct 13, 2012, at 8:30 PM, "Brandon Keith Biggs" <brandonkeithbiggs at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
>> Hello,
>> I'm wondering if anyone has any driver's contracts or has any personal stories with using Car Services? I'm starting to plan for when I go to a new town for a 3 week stay and need super reliable daily transportation to a place and I won't have any kind of Public transit.
>> Thank you,
>> 
>> Brandon Keith Biggs
>> 
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