Do You Have Trust Issues?
By Artgirl
@owstalaga (4707)
Philippines
October 19, 2015 12:46am CST
Recently I talked with a client who has been living in the US for years and they are here now planning to invest in properties. However I learned they do not trust the taxi drivers here because they feel like they will be ripped off since they do not know anything about the places in the city anymore.
I did not want to press the issue since security is their concern, so I will need to hear from my contact with regards to providing a shuttle service going to and from their hotel. Wouldn't want to lose them as a client right? 
Anyway I am not sure if I'd feel the same as they do with regards to trusting strangers in a "strange" land. I would make sure I'd know how to go about where I want to go if I were in another country. And a guide would definitely be good to have around. Dang, so that means I have to go with the shuttle service? I will be pressed for time! But then again I can sleep on the way there.
Eherm, so my point is, if it were you, would you trust a taxi in another country you came to for traveling to places or not? Would you rent a car instead or what would you do?
Anyway I am not sure if I'd feel the same as they do with regards to trusting strangers in a "strange" land. I would make sure I'd know how to go about where I want to go if I were in another country. And a guide would definitely be good to have around. Dang, so that means I have to go with the shuttle service? I will be pressed for time! But then again I can sleep on the way there.
Eherm, so my point is, if it were you, would you trust a taxi in another country you came to for traveling to places or not? Would you rent a car instead or what would you do?6 people like this
6 responses
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
21 Oct 15
Two reasons why people feel scared - 1. They are unaware of the roads, routes etc. - For this we now have Apps on phones/handsets that can give us the detailed maps - so this gets ruled out.
The other reason is - security. Media is definitely playing it bad. In my case, If I am on a foreign land, I might end up using trains or common transport, instead of hiring a cab or anything - as that is expensive - not because of the security issues. Also, being on a common means of transport may help me know more about the area/place I am in.
3 people like this
@owstalaga (4707)
• Philippines
22 Oct 15
That's true. Actually I just feel like they prefer to be treated like VIPs since they are from abroad. Some Filipinos are like that, just because they have been living abroad for years they feel they deserve a more privileged treatment in their native country after marrying a foreigner.
They don't want to take the taxi for security or they just don't want to spend money. 
3 people like this
@owstalaga (4707)
• Philippines
22 Oct 15
@thesids Ah so that's why now they refuse to reply to my texts and does not seem to want to work with me anymore. Tsktsk. Aren't they too much paranoid? Or that's just normal for Indians?
Now I feel sad. The property I was going to show them just told me they got a new service. I told the client and as I said they seem to not want to work with me anymore and said they already bought a property but could not tell me the name of the property and pretended that the line was breaking then disconnected the call. 
2 people like this
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
22 Oct 15
@owstalaga Many Indians who have settled abroad to are similar.And worst, they expect Indians whom they visit to fill in their bills
2 people like this
@owstalaga (4707)
• Philippines
20 Oct 15
Same goes for me. I don't like to drive so I'd rather have someone drive me to places I need to be.
1 person likes this
@artemeis (4194)
• China
24 Oct 15
@firef1y
There's another check you should go for these days and that is just how safe is the public transportation at your destination place. Some countries does not even vet the applicants if they are fit to drive a motorized public transport meant to ferry the general public and this is very scary for women like us.
@owstalaga (4707)
• Philippines
25 Oct 15
@artemeis Really? which country would that be? Who knows I might get to travel the world like you someday. I hate driving but if it is necessary then I will.
I hate driving but if it is necessary then I will.1 person likes this
@artemeis (4194)
• China
21 Oct 15
I know for a fact is that U.S. citizens are very wary people who would already have much information about the places they are going for leisure or business. Much more for the later, so I feel you should try and wean them by providing what they had requested. They can always be convinced to see it your way with time in your country and city. So for the sake of your business please try to accommodate them for I am sure their reservations aren't unfounded from the news and travel accounts of their peers.
I have traveled to other cities and countries, it is very challenging to trust public transportation like taxis in quite a number of countries and you will find that there are an increase of limo service in these cities' hotels. I would not want to name the country but I believe you would have learned from the news media that their taxi drivers are not well regulated and rapes are very rampant. Even Uber was being discouraged in that country.
1 person likes this
@owstalaga (4707)
• Philippines
24 Oct 15
@artemeis Too bad they already backed out and gave me some excuse. Really thought they would be nice enough to tell me upfront that they don't want me as their agent anymore instead of saying they already bought somewhere when in fact they haven't yet.
I got sad when it happened but life goes on. Plus points for experience. 
1 person likes this
@owstalaga (4707)
• Philippines
22 Oct 15
Oh I don't know which country that is. Now I'm curious.
Anyway, I have no way of providing the VIP treatment they are requesting. I do not have much money to pay for their fare. I would if I could. Too bad the land developer's marketing arm does not have any service available to pick my clients up. Tsk.
1 person likes this
@artemeis (4194)
• China
23 Oct 15
@owstalaga
I can see where this is coming from and I really sympathize your plight here. But, I don't think your client are unreasonable people, just be upfront with them that such services are chargeable and I think they would appreciate your forthcoming than you trying to accommodate them beyond your affordability. At the same time you have to understand that nothing is certain and always expect the turn of events that is against your expectations.
@owstalaga (4707)
• Philippines
20 Oct 15
Maybe, maybe they just need assurance too. At least they finally decided to take the taxi. Told them to try some better and popular taxi service.
2 people like this
@owstalaga (4707)
• Philippines
21 Oct 15
@wiLLmaH I suggested that too. Unfortunately they backed out today. Aw... Hopefully we really get to meet on Friday.
2 people like this
@owstalaga (4707)
• Philippines
20 Oct 15
Yes me too. Id' rather hire a taxi. Eventually they did decide to take the taxi.
1 person likes this
@KnehKnah (3584)
• Philippines
21 Oct 15
Honestly? I seldom trust taxi drivers in Manila but not those in Baguio City. Most taxi drivers in Manila charge more than what's seen in their meters. Or, they bring you round & round a place (which you are not acquainted with) for them to get from you a very high fee. But, let's talk about taxi drivers in Baguio City. They charge only what's read from their meters & they give you the exact change for your money (if you hand them a bill). They are the most honest people I've met! God bless them!
2 people like this
@owstalaga (4707)
• Philippines
22 Oct 15
Well it depends if you let them pull the wool over your eyes. Smart people can use the apps, or just use GrabTaxi or Uber if they are not familiar with any route. Why not refrain from traveling instead if they have issues with taxis? I'm sure they would not prefer to take the jeepney or buses.
I'm sure they would not prefer to take the jeepney or buses.1 person likes this
