While taxi drivers might accelerate a bit faster than other drivers, most are good people working hard to make a living. However, tourists arriving at airports and train stations should be aware of a handful of taxi scams.

Knowing what some cab drivers do can help you save time and money. If you are worried about taxi drivers taking advantage of you, consider scheduling a ride in a shuttle bus by booking an airport transfer from JFK. You can use public transportation when traveling to a major city like New York City. If you must travel by taxi, be aware of these taxi scams so you can avoid them.

1.   Choose a cab with a prominent logo

If you’re choosing a cab, pick one with a large logo and phone number. Avoid the cabs without logos and typical taxi lights that are a sign of taxi scams. If the cab that stops for you has a plethora of dents, let the driver continue on without you. The safest taxis come from professional companies that share their contact information and keep their cars in good condition. Drivers usually drive the same cab, so a cab full of dents tells you something about the person driving it. Many airports and train stations have dedicated stops for certain cab companies. If you wait at those spots, you’ll get the cabs that pay for that additional service or have been vetted by travel agencies.

2. Ask about prices before you agree to the ride

While researching your destination, investigate average taxi prices for the rides to and from the airport and your hotel. Before you get into a cab, ask the driver about the approximate price to your destination. If the amount is close, you should be safe to get in the cab. In most communities, cab drivers charge rates based on the combination of miles and time. Traffic and road construction could affect the rate, but it shouldn’t be far from what you learn about local cab rates online.

3. Pay your bill with small bills

When you travel and you know you have to use taxis and public transportation, bring along small bills. The last thing you want to do is ask the cab driver to make change for $50 or $100, especially for a short ride. You can expect that the cab driver will tell you they don’t have change, leaving you to pay with what you have. When you bring small bills, you can pay the exact fare and take control of your finances. Tell the driver what money you are giving them so they don’t try to trick you into paying more.

4. Ask the hotel or restaurant employees to call a cab

If you are worried about unsavory cab drivers taking advantage of you, ask a local to call a cab for you. At your hotel, call the front desk so they can arrange a cab to arrive when you need to leave. You can do the same at restaurants by asking the host or maître d’ to arrange a cab at the end of your meal.