Beginner Level Conversations- Series 1- Lesson 7
Taxis provide a convenient way to get around, whether you’re heading to a restaurant, an attraction, or back to your hotel. Knowing some key phrases can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. In this lesson, we’ll cover useful phrases for calling a taxi, hailing one on the street, and communicating with the driver to ensure a fun ride.
Previous Conversation Lesson
Conversation Questions in Airport
Main phrases for taking a taxi in English
Use these useful phrases to take a taxi in English right from ordering it to getting to your destination.
Calling for a taxi
The most common way of booking a taxi is on the phone. When you call up the taxi company, you can ask to book a taxi at a certain time by saying “May I book a taxi at (time)?” or if you would like one right away, you can say “When is the soonest I could book a taxi for?” Next, you need to tell the taxi operator where you are by saying “I’m at (address)” or “Could you send the taxi to (address)?” and say where you want to go to “I’d like to go to (address)”. Make sure to ask “How much will that cost?” so you don’t get a surprise when you get to the destination.
In a hotel
You are staying at a hotel and would like to ask a hotel employee to organize a taxi for you. You ask the receptionist “Could you get a taxi for me for this evening please? I need to be picked up at (time) to go to (place).” You could also ask the doorman “Excuse me, could you hail a taxi for me please?” and arrange the price and destination with the driver yourself.
Hailing a taxi
When you stop a taxi on the street and get in, it’s called ‘hailing’ a taxi. Before you get in the cab, ask the driver “Could you take me to (place)?” and either “How much will that cost?” or “Do you use a meter?” if you are in a place where drivers charge by the mile.
Inside a taxi
Cab drivers are often famous for being talkative. To practice your English in the cab, you could make conversation with the driver by asking about his day or whether he is from this city. If you want to get to your destination quickly, you could say “I’m really in a hurry, so can you take the quickest route please?” If you have more time free and want to do some sightseeing, you could say “Can we drive past (famous place) on the way?”
When you get there
When you get to your destination, if you haven’t agreed a price in advance, you can ask “How much is the fare please?” or “How much do I owe you?” to find out how much you need to pay. If you feel the service was good and you want to give the taxi driver a tip you can say “Keep the change” or “Here’s a tip”.
Remember, taxi drivers deal with customers from all over the world so even if your English isn’t perfect they will probably understand you. The most important thing is to stay safe, be clear about where you want to go and the cost, then sit back and enjoy the ride.
Sample English Small Talk for Using Taxi
Here is a sample conversation between a tourist and a taxi driver.
- Taxi Driver: Good evening. Where to?
- Passenger: Hello! The Hilton Hotel on Jefferson Avenue, please. I’m here for a week and I’ve already mapped out my whole itinerary. I’m really excited to see the Botanical Gardens and the Art Museum!
- Taxi Driver: Ah, the Botanical Gardens are a beautiful sight, especially in the spring, and the museum has a really impressive collection.
- Passenger: I’ve heard great things about them! I can’t wait to see them in person. What about you? Do you have any favorite spots in the city?
- Taxi Driver: I’m a big fan of the city park. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. Plus, they have a fantastic farmers’ market on Saturdays.
- Passenger: I’ll have to check that out! I’m here all week, so I’m sure I’ll find time to visit.
- Taxi Driver: Here, please take my card and if you need a ride anywhere give me a call. If I am available, I would love to drive you around.
- Passenger: Thanks, that is very kind of you. I may just take you up on that.
- Taxi Driver: Okay, here we are. It’s thirty-seven dollars and forty cents. Will you be paying by cash or credit card?
- Passenger: Cash please. Here you go.
- Taxi Driver: Here’s your change ma’am. Enjoy your stay and I hope to see you again.
- Passenger: Oh, keep the change. Goodbye and have a wonderful day!
Conclusion
By finishing this lesson, from booking a cab to tipping the driver, you’ve got the essential phrases to navigate your taxi rides with confidence. Remember, even if your English isn’t perfect, taxi drivers are used to dealing with folks from all over the world. Just be clear and polite, and enjoy the ride!
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Conversation Questions inside Hotel
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