This post is brought to you by MyTeksi.
Taxis are a convenient way of getting around in the Klang Valley. But there are a couple of tips and tricks to ensure a safer and more enjoyable taxi experience in Kuala Lumpur.
1. Look for the Registration Number and SPAD Driver Card
As soon as you enter a taxi, look for its registration number and SPAD driver card, which should be clearly displayed in the front and/or on the side of the vehicle. Text a friend the registration number just in case and note it down as well.
2. Call Someone While in the Cab
Make a phone call to a friend or family member and inform them that you are in a taxi and give them your destination and estimated time of arrival. Inform them that you will text or call once you have reached safely. Make sure you give them the registration number of the taxi as well, or simply use the safety feature in the MyTeksi app to share details of your ride with a friend or family member. See below to find out more.
3. Don’t Enter the Taxi if Someone Else Other than the Driver is Already in the Taxi
Do not get in if you spot another passenger in the taxi. That person could be an accomplice. It is also best not to share a cab with a stranger who offers to split the ride with you.
4. Exit the Taxi if the Driver Picks Up Another Passenger
If the taxi stops to pick up another passenger during your journey, exit the taxi immediately.
5. Don’t Agree to a Shortcut or Detour
During your journey, if the taxi driver says he wants to take a shortcut or a detour to beat traffic, say no, or stop the cab and exit immediately. He could be saying that to take a different route, such as one with fewer cars, to rob you.
6. Trust your Instincts
If you feel uncomfortable about getting into a taxi, then don’t. No matter how late you are or how persuasive the driver is.
7. Don’t Ride Alone When Intoxicated
If you are intoxicated or even sick, it is best to ride with a friend than to ride alone.
8. Avoid a Smash-and-Grab Situation
Keep your handbag and valuables out of sight and make sure the windows are up to avoid a smash-and-grab situation with motorcyclists.
9. Don’t Sit in Front
Sit in the back, not in the front passenger seat, and sit on the opposite side of the taxi driver.
10. Use a Reputable Taxi Booking Application
It is safer to get a taxi by booking through a reputable taxi booking application, like MyTeksi.
Why You Should Use MyTeksi in KL
MyTeksi was founded in Klang Valley, and it has expanded to 17 cities across 6 countries in Southeast Asia. Up to 620, 000 people in these six countries use GrabTaxi (MyTeksi) at least once a month. The same app can be used in all the cities that MyTeksi operates in. This saves you the hassle of downloading more than one app to book a taxi.
Using MyTeksi to book a taxi is safe. When you use the app to book a taxi, the app will give you the details of the driver (name, license number, contact number and his/her picture).
You can also use the “Share My Ride” feature, which allows you to share details of your ride with a friend or family member for safety purposes.
Also, MyTeksi has a strict no haggling policy in the Klang Valley. Drivers must charge according to the meter. Action will be taken against drivers who overcharge a passenger. Action for overcharging or any sort of wrongdoing may include suspension or, at worst, a permanent ban from the app.
Tourists can also use the app to book taxis via booking kiosks placed at major tourist hotspots in KL.
To date, there are 60,000 taxi drivers registered with MyTeksi. The app has been downloaded onto 3 million mobile devices and there are at least 6 GrabTaxi bookings made per second across the region.
When you request a taxi through the app, it will automatically detect your current location and give you an estimated metered fare. After that, the app will contact nearby drivers and check their responses in real-time. You will then be assigned a driver in less than a minute. You can also track your driver as he approaches your location.
To download the MyTeksi app, click here for Android phones, here for iOS phones, and here for Blackberry.
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Absolute nonsense. KL taxis are dirty and dangerous. Two words of advice if you want a taxi here. “Download Uber”
If you are taking the taxi as a couple, the guy must not let the woman go into the cab first (forget chivalry!). A few years ago, a man told me his male cousin let his young wife get into the cab… the cab drove off and she was never seen again. This happened in Bangkok – no reason why it could not happen in Malaysia. Am I being paranoid? Better safe than sorry!
If ur going 2 take a taxi also know ur rds. U can actually tell them using ur phone which areas r jam & u can actualli tell them which way 2 drive instead 2 avoid not onli da jam but sky higher prices whilst stuck in traffic. I’ve done it b4.
If you must use a taxie everyday. Get the driver’s HP so you can book them often if you like them. My driver made an extra effort to come on time and always rushed me to the airport when I needed. Staying safe is also about developing relationships with people. If you don’t know your driver then ride in pairs (share-a-ride) with a friend. Don’t be a loner and follow the sms rule ” I just left and will arrive in X-minutes” tip. 😉
Xun Zhen next time u better use this app to call teksi
Good advised .
Make sure Driver not intoxicated……..
Jismi Johari…mcm muka hg la mamat ni…hehe
I highly recommend Uber instead of my teksi
A good list. Alternatively, clean up the industry. Get rid of rogue drivers, don’t allow licenses to be rented out, especially to foreigners, introduce fines and improve no introduce enforcement and a bunch of other stuff that should be on page one of any city hall manual.
I always prefer Chinese old man. They are honest, polite n helpful. Not like others , cunning , slow , n dishonest
Not bad, model of the day, he looks cool
Yup, my taxi experiences have significantly improved with MyTeksi.
Peter Cheah haha it is it is 🙂 model of the day
Amelia Ervina Goh that looks like Wan 🙂
Don’t agree with Brandon Vidrine (don’t be white). I’m black and was attacked whilst using my teksi! Now wherever possible I don’t take cabs and if I do, I rarely ride alone!
Do not agree with No.9…sitting diagonally across from driver…easier for him to pull a knife etc!
Always use an app, not worth the risk.
Tip #1 – Don’t be white.
Taking a cab sounds more like gambling your life to get from point A to B …
Lee JetjaguarHobson
The government should be ashamed that this is the reality in kl….
Nah, they’re thick skinned.
Rather, don’t use a taxi at all.. Just use Uber and be stress free