When we are travelling abroad, we want to explore the whole place and discover its wonders. If we want to live like a local, we should take their public transport. However, before we hop in to any public transport, we have to make sure that they are safe, cost effective and comfortable.

If you’re visiting a new country, you have to be aware that taxis are not always the optimal way to travel around. Though taxis are comfortable, we have to consider that it can constrain us and it is not cost effective. Speaking of taxis, London Cabs recently released a list of Countries with the Worst Drivers. Here’s the list:

• Kuala Lumpur: Drivers in Kuala Lumpur concur that they are not the best. According to the very president of the taxi association in Kuala Lumpur, anyone can be a taxi driver there (even ex-convicts).

Both foreigners and locals in Kuala Lumpur feel that there should be tighter screening and training for taxi drivers in the city to improve their service and attitude. Taxi drivers in Kuala Lumpur are known for detouring and overcharging not to mention that the taxis are old and in poor condition.

• Rome: It is difficult to look for a taxi in Rome. Cars are uncommon there and when it is raining, expect doubling the price. The drivers are difficult to deal with and rude.

• Bangkok: In Thailand, tuk-tuk vehicles are more famous than taxis. Oftentimes, these vehicles deliberately detour passengers to get a higher price, with some drivers even feigning that they do not know the way. Some tuk-tuk drivers are farm workers who want to earn extra money.

• Paris: If we speak French, we can go around the city easily but if we do not speak their language, we have to expect rude and difficult French drivers. The best thing to do is print our address in a piece of paper and give it to the driver.

• New York: In general, New York cabbies are friendly and the ride is cost-effective, but there are more than a few drivers who do not know the district well, so not only do you have a chance of getting lost, you might have to pay a higher fare too.

Also included in the list are Mumbai drivers, Zurich drivers, Cairo drivers, Shanghai drivers and Moscow drivers. If we want a positive transportation experience, we have to avoid riding a taxi and try the public transport. Singapore is not included in the list but that doesn’t mean we can be complacent or confident. There are other areas in our taxi industry here in Singapore that needs improvement too!