新视野大学英语读写教程听力 第三册 te-unit10-c

[04:52.71]There is a post-midnight charge in London and Singapore,
[04:57.46]which explains why Singaporean taxis disappear
[05:01.42]after 11:30 PM and reappear at midnight.
[05:06.71]Luggage requires an extra charge in some cities.
[05:11.90]10  A general knowledge of a city's taxi-taking customs
[05:16.33]can also make you more comfortable during your travels.
[05:20.61]For instance, it is customary for Germans,
[05:24.82]particularly male passengers,
[05:27.20]to sit in the front seat with their taxi drivers,
[05:30.37]a common practice in Australia as well. And in Mexico,
[05:35.37]don't be surprised if your driver picks up another person
[05:39.22]while your ride is still in progerss.
[05:42.17]11  In Thailand, back-seat passengers are advised
[05:47.18]not to rest their feet on the seat in front of them,
[05:50.67]which drivers consider rude as feet are considered the lowest,
[05:55.42]dirtiest part of the body.
[05:57.51]Japanese taxis have automatic controls to open and close the doors.
[06:04.71]"Don't stand too close to a taxi door or you'll get hit,"
[06:09.93]warns one Japanese man.
[06:12.16]Don't be alarmed by the bells ringing in Singaporean taxis,
[06:17.85]which are simply a signal warning drivers they have exceeded the speed limit.
[06:23.79]12  If you must travel to remote areas where taxis are few,
[06:29.15]or if you plan to make many stops throughout the day,
[06:32.97]you will probably find it easier
[06:32.97]and cheaper to hire a taxi for the day or half-day.
[06:38.77]Taxis outside hotels are usually the safest,
[06:43.45]but also the most expensive for day hires.
[06:47.30]If you're in a country where security is a concern,
[06:51.44]sick to hotel taxis,
[06:54.07]but in other places,
[06:56.62]it's likely that you'll be able to strike a good deal
[07:00.33]with a driver on the street.
[06:59.33]13  If you're going to spend a lot of time with a particular driver,
[07:03.97]plan ahead to ensure the day will go smoothly.
[07:08.44]For instance, in Asian countries,
[07:12.43]have your destinations and directions written down in Asian characters.