Taxis and rideshares seem simple—just hop in and go. But according to a former Secret Service agent, the most dangerous part of any trip is ground transportation. Whether you’re getting into a cab, an Uber, or a private car with a driver, criminals exploit distracted travelers. Here’s the expert advice I personally follow to avoid being an easy target.

The #1 mistake travelers make at the airport

When a limo or hired taxi meets you at the airport, the driver often holds up a sign with your name. It seems harmless—but it’s actually a security risk. Christopher Falkenberg, a former Secret Service agent turned security consultant, warns that displaying your real name in public makes you a target for muggings, scams, and even kidnappings.

Think about it: Anyone tailing you can Google your name in seconds. If they know what you look like, they can then use the information they find on you to decide whether to target you, or even pretend to know you.

The fix? Use a pseudonym. If you’ve pre-arranged a car service or taxi, ask the driver to write a fake name on the pickup sign. That way, you can recognize them, but no one else knows who they’re waiting for.

The other mistake that makes you an easy target

Nothing screams “tourist” like walking through a transit hub, staring at your phone. Falkenberg says looking distracted is the fastest way to invite trouble. Criminals rely on travelers zoning out, checking directions, or juggling luggage.

Instead, keep your head up. Put your phone in your pocket, and be hyper-aware of your surroundings—especially when walking to a cab or rideshare.

But what if you absolutely need directions? I use wireless earbuds. Start the route on your maps app, put one earbud in, and keep the phone out of sight. That way, you can still hear instructions without looking lost. If you’re traveling with a group, designate a navigator who looks at their phone and a point person who is scanning your surroundings.

Taxis vs. rideshares: which driver is safer?

Carissa Rawson, a travel writer for NerdWallet and Forbes, lays out key safety tips for choosing between taxis and rideshares:

• Hotel-arranged taxi drivers are safest. Reputable hotels work with trusted cab services. Some even have private car services for guests.
• If flagging a cab, use official taxis only. Unlicensed cabs don’t follow safety regulations and can be used for scams. Google what official taxis look like before you land.
• For rideshares, check driver details before getting in. Match the license plate, vehicle, and driver photo in the app. Never get in a car that “just happens to be waiting.”
• In some cities, women-only rideshares are an option. Services like Pink Cab (Egypt) and Just Her Rideshare (U.S.) provide extra peace of mind for solo female travelers.

Know the price before you ride with a taxi driver

One of the easiest ways to get scammed abroad is your driver overcharging for a taxi. Rawson recommends asking the driver to turn on the meter before starting the ride. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard “Sorry. The meter is broken.” If I remember to ask upfront, I just say, “OK, I’ll take a different taxi in the queue.” Somehow, the driver always manages to get their taxi meter fixed immediately.

In cities where taxis don’t use meters, negotiate the fare with your driver upfront to avoid surprise charges. Not sure what’s fair? Look up average taxi costs before your trip. A quick Google search can help you estimate what a ride should cost, so you know when a driver is inflating the price.

Bottom line: take control of your own safety

Even the safest city has bad actors looking for easy targets. Whether you’re hiring a driver, hailing a cab, or using a rideshare, a few simple precautions can prevent a nightmare scenario.

• Use a pseudonym for airport pickups to protect your identity from criminals.
• Put your phone away and stay alert—don’t walk distracted, especially in transit hubs.
• Use hotel taxis or verified rideshares to avoid unlicensed vehicles.
• Confirm the fare before the ride so you don’t get scammed.

One way to take control of your own safety is to always have a backup plan. Hotel sending a shuttle? Save the location of the airport’s taxi queue on your phone as well, just in case. Don’t like the looks of the first driver you chat with? Just move on to a different one. I once had my taxi get in a fender bender in Ecuador. I reminded myself, Not my problem, and while the driver waited for the police, I pulled up Uber and ordered another car.

The two critical aspects of moving independently in any foreign city are to never leave the airport without a working SIM card and some local currency. But that’s another article. In the meantime, be proactive, and stay safe.