Taxi / Airport Transfer Disasters
On the way to Heathrow airport we were stuck behind a funeral procession, the hearse and two more stretch black limousines, all doing under 20 miles an hour. In front was a marching band, a brass band, the Salvation Army. Their headquarters was just around the corner.
Taxi Success
Luckily our driver was able to turn right into a handy slip road and zoom up parallel, then cut back into the road ahead of them.
I imagined trying to explain why we had missed our flight, "We were stuck behind a hearse!" No need.
Some countries' airports have fixed rate shuttles and taxis where you pay in advance and get a ticket. Look for these in Singapore and KL.
London - Heathrow and step free
From London Heathrow there are underground trains but you need luggage you can pull along the walk to the station, along corridors and up and down steps. London also has some all night buses but limited routes. If you plan on using these, either definitely or only in case of emergency or delay, find a hotel on the route.
Money
Money change for taxis at Heathrow is expensive. It may be cheaper to get money from a machine or from your bank, but you may need to order money from your bank a week in advance.
In Singapore when drivers change over (twice a day) the new driver often has no change.
You do not tip drivers in Singapore nor in China. In fact it is frowned upon. Locals think you are queue jumping or bribing, being condescending, or in China they might lose their jobs for taking bribes. Australia also has a no tipping culture. People are paid a proper wage and do no expect tips.
You don't tip a bus driver or bus ticket collector in London.
In some countries drivers will be pleased to have American dollars. Some taxis take credit cards.
Angela Lansbury B A Hons is a travel writer, photojournalist, author and speaker.
On the way to Heathrow airport we were stuck behind a funeral procession, the hearse and two more stretch black limousines, all doing under 20 miles an hour. In front was a marching band, a brass band, the Salvation Army. Their headquarters was just around the corner.
Taxi Success
Luckily our driver was able to turn right into a handy slip road and zoom up parallel, then cut back into the road ahead of them.
I imagined trying to explain why we had missed our flight, "We were stuck behind a hearse!" No need.
Some countries' airports have fixed rate shuttles and taxis where you pay in advance and get a ticket. Look for these in Singapore and KL.
London - Heathrow and step free
From London Heathrow there are underground trains but you need luggage you can pull along the walk to the station, along corridors and up and down steps. London also has some all night buses but limited routes. If you plan on using these, either definitely or only in case of emergency or delay, find a hotel on the route.
Money
Money change for taxis at Heathrow is expensive. It may be cheaper to get money from a machine or from your bank, but you may need to order money from your bank a week in advance.
In Singapore when drivers change over (twice a day) the new driver often has no change.
You do not tip drivers in Singapore nor in China. In fact it is frowned upon. Locals think you are queue jumping or bribing, being condescending, or in China they might lose their jobs for taking bribes. Australia also has a no tipping culture. People are paid a proper wage and do no expect tips.
You don't tip a bus driver or bus ticket collector in London.
In some countries drivers will be pleased to have American dollars. Some taxis take credit cards.
Angela Lansbury B A Hons is a travel writer, photojournalist, author and speaker.
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