When there's no Uber

In each new city there are things to learn.  How to unlock the door to our apartment or hotel room.  How to turn on the lights once you get in.  But it doesn’t stop there does it.  How to get around? to use their public transportation and if Uber isn’t available,  how to hail a cab. 

Must you be at a cab stand?   Can you wave one down on the street?  And if so, how do you know if a cab is available?  Light on?  Light off? Sometimes you need some advice from a friend.

And fortunately a friend recently sent the following short guide: 

In Paris, you (generally) must go to a taxi stand, get in, and instruct the driver.

In London you can hail a cab without going to a taxi stand -- but it is the custom to tell the driver through his window where you want to go and THEN get into the cab.

In Japan you do not open the doors, they open automatically!  And most drivers do not speak or understand English so if you do not speak Japanese it is wise to have your destination address written in Japanese on a card you can hand to the driver.  (That’s great advice in Hong Kong too).