We all know how world famous the yellow cabs of NYC are! I don’t think people outside of New York know now about the lime green cabs that have popped up the past couple years – they are green to indicate they travel to the boroughs.
I discovered the reggaeton song “El Taxi” once when I went to Meheeko and it easily became my favorite reggaeton song. That’s justva random comment cuz it goes with the theme haha! And I’m not posting the video here because yeah and also, my Latina friend told me the lyrics have a double meaning so yeah yeah lol.
Anyways! I thought it would be fun to check out what the el taxi’s around other parts of the world look like! So here you go:
VIENNESE FIAKER
Vienna is famous for its horse-drawn taxicabs, called Fiakers. Dating back to 1693, they are usually operated by family run companies and are part of the city’s rich heritage! Although today these traditional horse-drawn carriages are mainly used for weddings and ceremonies, a fiaker ride makes for a memorable, authentic experience for the visitor to the elegant Austrian capital!
INDIAN AUTO RICKSHAW
India’s auto rickshaw provides visitors with the cheapest and most authentic traveling experience throughout the chaotic streets. It’s definately worth the experience to travel in one, as you will never experience anything else like it!
UK’S ICONIC BLACK CAB
London’s black cabs are reputed as one of the world’s best taxis! It could be due to the fact that the origin of taxi can be traced back to 1605, which was when the first ever public hackney coach service for hire began operating in London.
THAILAND’S THREE WHEEL TUK TUK
Taxis in Thailand come in various shapes and colors, but you can’t leave the country without experiencing the thrill of a tuk-tuk ride! Extremely popular in Bangkok and other Thai cities where traffic congestion is a serious problem, these exciting, three-wheeled vehicles, also called auto rickshaws, are a quick, fun way of getting around!
VICTORIA, CANADA’S H2O TAXI
Victoria’s water taxis are so cute you’ll want to circle the harbor continuously! Launched by Victoria Harbour Ferry, the H2O Taxi service runs daily from March to October.
PHILLIPINES TRICYCLES
Locally known as tricycles (traysikel in Filipino), auto rickshaws in the Philippines come in various shapes and styles. The most common design is a motorbike with a right sidecar. Nevertheless, you can always find a well-equipped Toyota taxicab in all major cities throughout the country!
CHINA’S SANLUNCHE
Various types of taxis and auto rickshaws are used to transport passengers around China. A distinctive vehicle, however, is the sanlunche, a three-wheeled pedicab or cycle rickshaw introduced in 1950s to replace the pulled rickshaw.
MEXICO CITY’S BIKITAXI
The bicitaxi (electric bike taxi) is a wonderful, eco-friendly alternative for transportation throughout Mexico City’s bustling downtown.
PARIS BIKE TAXI
There are currently 4 companies offering bicycle taxi service in and around Paris. Although slow (about 13 km/hour), these chauffeur-driven electric bike taxis are an efficient and sustainable mean of transport. The French capital is also home to a couple of companies offering upscale motorcycle taxi services.
HONG KONG’S RED TAXI
There are 3 types of taxis in Hong Kong, each painted a diverse color and serving different parts of the territory. The most common, however, is the red taxi, which can be found all over Hong Kong Island.
SPETSES ISLAND’S HORSE-DRAWN BUGGY
On an island where cars are officially banned, horse-drawn buggies are the most pleasant and romantic way to travel around. Unfortunately, these beautiful one-horse carriages are only available in high season.
CAMBODIAN REMORQUE
Consisting of a two-wheeled trailer pulled by a motorcycle, the Cambodian tuk-tuk, also known as a remorque, is still the most common form of urban transport. Tourists here can hire them together with the drivers, who also qualify as tourist guides.
DUBAI’S TRADITIONAL ABRA BOATS
From the traditional to the modern, Dubai’s water taxis come in a variety of forms. One of the most charming, however, remains the old-fashioned wooden boat called abra. These traditional vessels have been used to transport people across the Dubai Creek ever since the 1700s.
LISBON’S TUK TUK
In the last few years Lisbon has been invaded by Asian-inspired tuk tuk taxis. Nevertheless, these motorized, three-wheel vehicles painted in vibrant colors are a great alternative for tourist looking to explore the narrow, hilly streets of the city’s old neighborhoods.
SRI LANKA’S THREE-WHEELER
Auto rickshaws, or three-wheelers, are a convenient way to move around a city in Sri Lanka. While some of them come with distance meters, the fare is usually negotiated with the driver. Either way, they’re fairly cheaper than typical taxis.
ISCHIA CLASSIC PIGGY
The Italian island of Ischia is famous for its fun, traditional micro-taxis, derived from the legendary Piaggio Ape. Designed by the same engineer who created the Vespa, these quirky vehicles have provided a convenient means of transportation in post-World War II Italy and are still in use nowadays.
CUBA’S COCOTAXI
Cuba’s traditional Cocotaxi is an auto rickshaw type of vehicle with three wheels and seats for two passengers. Popular in Havana, these cool cabs stand out for their peculiar coconut shape and bright yellow hue.
VENICE’S GONDOLAS
With waterways instead of streets, it’s no surprise that people in Venice use gondolas and water taxis to get around the city. Locally known as taxiacquei or motoscafi, these speed boats are the fastest but also the priciest way to move around! If you’re on budget, you can always opt for a Traghetto (gondola ferry) to cruise down the canals.
THE MALTESE DGHAJSA
Dghajsa, the traditional Maltese water taxi, was used to transport passengers within the Grand Harbour during the 19th century. Although they no longer serve the same purpose, it is still possible to enjoy a ride these days.
-Karen Bahri