If you like to travel then it is likely that you also used taxi in a number of destinations around the world. Some locations however are not ideal for hailing cabs. This could be for a number of reasons including the taxi drivers charging too much or even trying to rob the passengers. Here is a list of some of the worst cities in the world to hail a taxi.
Jakarta, Indonesia
You might expect to run into some unsavory characters when you are in a different country but you wouldn't expect to be robbed by taxi drivers. Unfortunately this is exactly what has happened to a number of tourists in Jakarta. The drivers are known to trap you in your seat by pushing their seat back while an accomplish jumps in next to you and steals your cash.
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh is a very popular city for travelers but it does have its down sides. Getting a taxi won't be hard but getting rid of your taxi driver will be. Many of them take it upon themselves to tour you around the city. Tthey can be quite aggressive and of course the tour will cost you heaps of money. Hiring a rickshaw is a good option on touring the city or you could ask your travel agent for recommendation on transport companies that can be trusted.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
If you want to get a taxi in Kuala Lumpur there is great risk that you will not be charged a fair price. It can be quite tricky to get a taxi and if you do, there will be no meter and the driver will probably charge you whatever they want at the end of your journey.
Moscow, Russia
You shouldn't really need a taxi if you are in Moscow because there is an integrate transportation system that is well mapped and will cost you a fraction of the taxi charge. If you do need to hail one however, you should ensure that it is an authentic taxi. Many cabs are run by drivers who will attempt to drive you way out of your destination and overcharge you. Mostly they speak little to no English so communication is difficult.
Mexico City, Mexico
Unfortunately Mexico City is home to many "taxi drivers" that are in fact thieves, who will drive you to the nearest ATM and rob you. This is really common and the culprits are usually in green VW beetles masked as taxis so beware of these.
Bangkok, Thailand
The taxi drivers in Bangkok are not dishonest and getting a cab will not be a problem but getting to your destination might be. The roads are so congested with traffic that you can expect to be on the road for quite some time even if the distance you are traveling is quite short. Waterways are a transport method that would probably be easier.
Manila, Philippines
If you are hailing a cab in Manila then make sure the one you get in has its meter switched on. Many taxi drivers will keep their meter off and tell you how much the journey is going to cost first. They usually drastically overcharge so if this is the case, it isn't worth it.
Sao Paulo, Brazil
In Sao Paulo the streets are so busy that you are likely to be stuck in a taxi for hours. During peak times, it will be pretty much impossible to reach any given destination so you are better off walking.
New York City, USA
For a place that is famed for its yellow cabs, traveling around the city can be a long and tiresome experience. This is not always the case but it will definitely happen if you are hiring a taxi from JFK airport to your preferred destination. You will only be charged $45 maximum though so it isn't all bad.