Just like when travelling anywhere else in the world, you need to keep your wits about you to ensure your safety and to make sure that you do not get ripped off if and when you have to take a taxi.

When taking a taxi in South America, do keep the following in mind:

• Don't let the taxi driver pick someone else up to share the taxi with you in order to get a cheaper rate. You might end up getting robbed of all your belongings.
• Most taxis have meters. Make sure that the taxi driver uses it. If he insists on not using it, bargain and agree on a fare BEFORE you even get in the taxi.
• In most South American cities, fares are higher on Sunday and in the evenings, after 9pm or so.
• Take a map with you and study the route which you may have to take. That way, you are not taken for a loooong ride.
• Make sure you have enough change before you even board a taxi. Some drivers pretend not to have enough change. If and when this happens, ask the driver to wait (at your hotel, preferably) so you can get your money changed. More often than not, they will suddenly have enough money to give you the right change.
• 
  
  Be safe!