Chicago is a big city and typically, taxis here are very much in demand.  If you’re new to the place, you will find out that it is easy to grab a cab here than in any other big cities in the country. There are thousands of taxicabs roaming around, but it would be a wise move if you would go to the major streets or more popular areas in the neighborhood because that’s where they usually are. There are the usual cabs and there are those that you could book through your smartphone, like the Universal Taxi service with its mobile app.If you don’t find the usual cabs where you’re currently at, you have to option to call for a cab or walk to the next or the nearest intersection, or you could do mobile booking.

Here’s a quick guide to hailing and riding a cab in Chicago:

• The minimum running rate for the ordinary cab is around $2.25. You will be charged about 20 cents for every 1/9^thof a mile. Additional passengers are charged too, at $1.00 for the first adult and another $0.50 for the next one. At standstill, during traffic jams, you would observe that the meter will add 20 cents every 30 seconds that the taxi is idle or not moving.
• Be prepared to pay the tolls. The taxis that come from or end at the airports are estimated to charge additional $1.00. Be informed that Chicago does not allow charges for baggage.
• Since you hired the taxi, you have the right to specify the route. You could ask the driver to make adjustments to the temperature of the AC or the volume of the radio. When moving and you notice that the driver is using his cell phone, you have the right to tell him that he shouldn’t be using the phone. In the city, tipping is optional. If you consider giving some, 7.5% is the fair minimum.
• All taxis are required to accept credit card payments. Be cautious about many drivers who say that their machines do not work, especially if they sense that you are a tourist and you could actually pay more. You could pay cash for short trips of less than $15. If paying with credit card, consider adding a dollar or two as a tip.
• You could demand a receipt. This minute piece of paper shows the driver’s taxi company affiliation, the driver’s name and number, as well as the date, time, and places you’ve gone to during the trip. You can use this if you have any complaints to file or report when you dial 311.

As there are many scams that drivers can do, passengers like you should be alert and attentive, especially on the amount charged to your credit card if you’re using one. Some taxi drivers in the past have used the card number of a passenger to drain the account. For most, it is still wise to pay cash.

To avoid fraud and abuse of any kind, you may want to consider getting the services of companies like Universal Taxi if you want to be assured of your security and safety.