English for Taxi Drivers

Phrases | Wordchecker | Conversation with test

Example phrases

Phrases that taxi drivers can use with English-speaking passengers.

Welcome

·         Hi / Hello

·         Good morning

·         Good afternoon

·         Good evening

·         How are you today?

·         Hi. I can take 4 passengers.

Destination

·         Where can I take you?

·         Where are you going?

·         What's your destination?

·         I don't know that place. Do you have a map?

·         Can you show me on this map?

·         Are you in a hurry?

·         It is very close.

·         It is pretty far away.

·         It will take about 15 minutes.

·         It takes about one hour to get there.

·         It is faster to take the expressway but you have to pay the toll.

Understanding the passenger

·         Speak slowly, please.

·         Sorry, I don't understand.

·         Yes, I understand. I'll take you there.

·         Please ask someone to write it in Thai / Chinese / etc.

·         No problem.

Special instructions / requests

·         I'll put your luggage in the boot / trunk.

·         Put on your seat belt, please.

·         Is it okay if I open a window?

·         Is the air-conditioning okay?

·         Please don't eat in the car.

·         No smoking, please.

·         Do you want me to wait?

·         I have to get some gas.

Traffic conditions

·         It's rush hour.

·         There's a traffic jam.

·         The traffic is bad over there. You'll get there faster if you walk from here.

·         I think there's been an accident.

·         I'll try a different way.

Fare and fees

·         The total price is $10.

·         Thank you for the tip.

·         Do you have smaller notes/bills?

·         I don't have any change.

·         The customer pays for the expressway, OK?

·         You in a hurry? Take the expressway?

·         There is a tollway fee. You pay the fee, ok?

Goodbye

·         Watch out for motorcycles before getting out!

·         Don't forget your things.

·         Thank you for your business.

·         Hope to see you again.

·         It's been nice chatting with you.

·         Enjoy your stay in Thailand / China / etc.

·         You're welcome.

No service

·         Sorry, that is out of my boundaries.

·         I can't go there. I would have to come back without a fare.

·         Sorry, I don't go to the airport.

·         I'm all done for the day / night.

·         I have to return the car on time.

·         My car needs servicing.

·         I'm sorry. Have a nice day.

·         I can call another driver / company for you.

Small talk

·         Have you been here before?

·         Are you from around here?

·         How do you like Bangkok / Beijing / etc?

·         Are you here on business?

·         Are you staying long?

·         Good weather, huh? Not too hot, not too cold.

·         I hope the weather gets better for you.

Things a passenger could say

·         Can I get a ride?

·         How many people can you fit?

·         How long will it take?

·         Please wait for me.

·         You can keep the meter running.

·         Do you have a flat fee to the airport?

·         I'm in a bit of a rush.

·         Can we get there by 10 o'clock / noon / 4pm / etc?

·         Could you slow down, please?

·         Is this the quickest way?

·         Do you take credit cards?

·         Do you have change?

·         Keep the change.

·         Thanks for the ride / lift.

Wordchecker

·         passenger: person travelling in car, bus, train (not the driver)

·         destination: place where you want to go

·         map: diagram or picture showing streets and roads

·         in a hurry: rushed; need to go fast

·         expressway / motorway: fast road

·         tollway: fast road with fee

·         toll: charge; fee

·         boot / trunk: box at back of car for luggage, cases etc

·         seat belt: strap to hold somebody in their seat in a car or airplane

·         accident: crash; a car hitting another car or a person

·         fee: price; charge

·         note/bill: paper money

·         boundaries: limits

·         fare: price for taxi; passenger

·         flat fee: fixed price

·         in a rush: in a hurrry; late; want to go fast

Sample conversation

Read this conversation between a taxi driver and passenger. Then do the test to check your understanding.