When I moved to New York 14 years ago, I opted to sell my car and live in Manhattan.  Which meant walking, riding subways, taking buses, and riding in taxicabs would become a part of my everyday life.  Whether you are trying to get from point A to point B or you just want to be a part of the action…the following tips can help you have a safe and enjoyable taxicab ride.  These tips are in no particular order.  As of 02-01-09, the taxi rate was $2.50 upon entry, and .40 per unit. TLC's website has more information on rates.

1. In NYC, only get in cars that are “official NYC taxi cabs” 
A New York City cab is commissioned and governed by the NY Taxi & Limousine Commission.  The car has an official number called the medallion number.  It is a number and a letter followed by two more numbers (for example 3C34).  It’s printed on the door and on the top of every official taxi.  The cab is a uniform yellow and has a meter.

2. Time of day
Shift change for cabs occurs between the hours of four and five pm everyday.  This means, this is one of the worst times to hail a cab.  Try going to a hotel (and tipping the doorman) to get one.

3. The light
If the medallion number light is on, the cab is for hire…unless it’s “off duty” light is also illuminated.  In general, no light on the top means the cab is busy.

4. The destination
There are specific places a NYC taxi can go (and not go).  It is all listed on the T&LC’s website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/industry/faq_ind.shtml

However, if you are staying pretty local, then have the street address and cross street. This means, if you are going to 725 Broadway, you would say to the driver “Broadway and 50th Street please”.

5. The ride
A passenger has a bill of rights that a driver must adhere to.  These rights are printed on a card in the back seat.  For the most part, drivers are in the business of getting you in and out of their cab quickly.  The more they turn the meter, the more money they make…and most of them are keenly aware of that.  In addition, most drivers are very safe. They will take greater risks than you might behind the wheel, but for the most part, they do know what they are doing.  Traffic in Manhattan can be a bit unnerving, but everybody has a pretty good idea of what everybody else is doing.  

6. Buckle up
All Taxis have working seat belts.  Use them (just like any other car).

7. Take your receipt
You may now pay your fare (and a tip) with a credit or debit card.  In addition, you may pay with cash.  Try to give small bills. 

8. Having fun
This is not taxicab confessions.  Just because YOU are out for a fun night, doesn’t mean a NYC taxicab should be “part of the experience”.  Do not do ANYTHING illegal in the back of a taxi.  This puts the driver in a very awkward position.  If your plans include booze, try this tip: Before you go out, write on a piece of paper - I have been drinking tonight, I know my trip will cost about this much money to get home/hotel.  My home address is or my hotel address is: (whatever it is).  Paperclip whatever that amount of money is to the note and hand it to your driver when you get in the backseat at the end of the night.

9. Tip
Yes, you must tip for good service.  Rounding up is a good idea.  Anything from over a dollar to three dollars is customary.  The days of rounding to the nearest dollar (from $7:35 to $8:00 etc) are over.  If the trip is a bit longer (an airport ride or such) then a larger tip is appropriate.  For outstanding service, I tip 5 to 6 dollars on an airport trip.

10. Get out and file a complaint
If you are having an issue with a driver, ask the driver to pull over immediately.  Pay for whatever is on the meter and file a complaint.  Unless of course it is serious, then find a police officer or call 9-1-1.