Have you ever noticed how some taxi drivers are always on the phone? Perhaps it’s a polite way to avoid talking—and who can blame them when conversations with passengers can be a minefield of awkward and insensitive topics?
What is acceptable in terms of polite conversation differs from country to country. In some places, people can seem forward. Their cultural norms might not classify the same topics as off-limits. Or it could be the reverse—you could be seen as the forward one.
In either case, here are 15 awkward conversations you should avoid with your taxi driver when you’re overseas.
Asking Their Thoughts on Local Politicians
Politics, in general, is a sensitive subject. Asking a taxi driver’s thoughts on a local (or international) politician can be seen as very forward. In some countries, it can even be risky to have these conversations, so you could be putting them in an uncomfortable position.
Sharing Too Much of Your Travel Itinerary
As a rule, giving strangers a play-by-play of your vacation plans is never a good idea. It can compromise your safety if private details about your whereabouts and movements fall into the wrong hands. You’re not just revealing your itinerary to your taxi driver but to anyone they may share your information with.
Speaking About What You Earn
Speaking about your financial situation can be seen as really inappropriate. There are huge discrepancies between what people in the world earn. When different currencies come into play, your salary can be exponentially higher than what the average person earns in that country.
Talking about your income can come across as obnoxious and ostentatiously displaying your wealth. It can also put you in a dangerous situation—if this information falls into the wrong hands, you could become a target of theft.
Religion
Religion is a very sensitive subject. While it may be acceptable to have open discussions about your beliefs at home, the situation in another country could be very different. Discussing your religion and asking your taxi driver about theirs can be seen as an infringement on their privacy. It can also put them at risk if their country’s political and religious situation is unstable.
Comparing Countries Negatively
Expressing your thoughts on how the country you’re visiting doesn’t measure up to your own (or another) won’t go well. It can be seen as criticism, and you could come across as arrogant and rude. Just as you wouldn’t go to lunch at a friend’s house and say how your cooking is better than theirs, going to another country and negatively comparing them to other places is offensive.
Asking About Their Views on Gender Roles
Different cultures have different norms. Whether you agree with a country’s perceived common beliefs about gender roles or not, it’s not your place to share your opinion—especially with your taxi driver, who is a relative stranger.
Controversial News Stories
Be wary of any topics that could start a heated debate. If something in the local (or international) news has ignited opposing opinions and caused controversy, it’s not a good idea to bring it up. Your taxi driver might not feel comfortable discussing polarising current affairs—they could be seen as taking sides, which can be risky in unstable political situations.
Treating Them as Your Therapist
Leave conversations about your marriage problems, mental health, bowel movements, and your deep-rooted imposter syndrome to your time on your therapist’s couch. You taxi driver will likely feel like these subjects are an overshare.
Backseat Driving
You are not an expert in road rules in a foreign destination. However, your taxi driver knows them intimately. How people drive in one country can be wildly different from another. For instance, while the white line is an unquestioned lane divider in the U.S.A., it’s seen as more of a suggestion in rural Ireland. Sit back, relax, and don’t start a conversation offering unsolicited driving advice. If you feel unsafe, ask the taxi driver to drop you off and take another cab.
Social Justice Issues
You and your driver may have extremely different backgrounds and beliefs. The last thing you want is to be arguing, especially when they are trying to concentrate on the road. They might also feel it is inappropriate.
Asking for Recommendations Around Illegal Activities
This should go without saying, but confusion can arise when the country you’re visiting has laws different from yours. Make sure you comply with local laws and don’t put your taxi driver in a compromising situation.
Moaning About Taxi Drivers
Moaning about taxi drivers can come across as rude criticism. You are, essentially, being nasty about their profession and what they do all day.
Dirty Humour
Save the rude jokes for your friends. Your taxi driver may not share your sense of humor and might find it offensive.
Don’t Comment on Their Personal Hygiene
You might feel it’s no big deal to comment on their hygiene or even make a light-hearted joke, but don’t say anything—it will come across as demeaning. Your taxi driver might have had a long shift with no chance to shower, and customs can differ in different countries around personal style choices.
Don’t Say Nothing At All
As a taxi driver, having silent passengers all day can be disheartening. A little bit of small talk can make all the difference. If you’re going to a country where you don’t know the language, learn a few phrases—they will appreciate your efforts.
Good Conversation
Keep it light when having a conversation with a taxi driver overseas. Whether you have an outspoken taxi driver, one who prefers silence, or one who’s attached to their phone, the same rules apply—be respectful and keep your private information to yourself. You don’t want to be stranded on the side of the road because of a bad conversation.
More From Dukes Avenue
19 Movies and Series that Scream Quiet Luxury
12 Relatively Cheap Luxuries You Didn’t Know Your Life Was Missing
10 Luxury Foods To Try at Least Once
15 Luxury Traps: Are Your Desires Putting You at Risk?
