London Taxi

London

London's famous black cabs (www.londonbldckcabs.co.uk) are as much a feature of London as its famous red double-decker buses, although these days they come in a variety of colours (and advertising motifs). They are an excellent, if expensive, way of getting around town and the cabbies know the ins and outs of London streets like the back of their hands. A cab is available for hire when the yellow sign is lit. Fares are metered and a 10% tip is expected. They can carry five people.

Minicabs (or 'hackney cabs') can carry four people and are cheap, freelance competitors to the official black cabs. Anyone with a car can work as a minicab driver and, although they can supposedly only be hired by phone or at a minicab office (there's at least one on every high street), hawkers abound in busy places such as Soho. Beware: some of these guys haven't got a frigging clue how to drive, never mind how to get you to your destination. Neither do they have meters so it's essential that you get a quote before you set off. Some of these cabs are driven by unsavoury characters and solo women travellers should think seriously before catching one of these cabs at night (and steer well clear of the lunatics who tout for business on the street).

Small minicab companies are based in particular areas. Ask a local for the name of a reputable company or phone one of the large 24-hour operations (7272 2672, 8340 2450 or 8567 1111). Women can phone Lady Cabs (7254 3507). Gays and lesbians can choose Freedom Cars (7734 1313).