Did you know that you can hire some taxis by the hour? This is especially useful if you have several destinations that you need to visit one after the other. Rates vary, but $45 per hour is not uncommon. You may get a better deal if you guarantee a two-hour minimum.

For courtesy's sake, don't smoke inside a taxi. Not only is it illegal in some jurisdictions (New York City is a prime example), it's something that only a schmuck would do. Not everyone wants to share your vices, especially when it comes to secondhand smoke.

You should never ride in a taxi that lacks a meter, or in which the meter isn't sealed to prevent tampering. While your driver might be as honest as the day is long, they might not be -- and you shouldn't have to take their word that they are. No sealed meter, no ride.