November 29, 2010
Man, today I got ripped off by a taxi driver. I HATE when that happens.
Taxis are weird in Kazakhstan. They aren't yellow or checkered. They aren't registered with any companies. Basically, if you want to BE a taxi driver, you just get a car and start driving around. If you want a taxi RIDE, you go to the side of the road and stick out your hand at any passing car. Basically, you hitchhike. It sounds really bad, I know. Before I left America, I was thinking, "Oh gosh, hitchhiking. That's dangerous!" But now that I'm here I realize it's really just the designated taxi drivers that stop. Average Joe in his car will drive right past you.
As for money, it's a pretty set rate for anywhere you want to go. Everyone knows the rate and you just pay accordingly. No questions asked.
After work today, I decided to go to the bazaar. The taxi driver asked where I was from… because one look at me proves I'm not Kazakh and as soon as I open my mouth, they can guess I'm not Russian. People are always kind to me, and I've never been taken on a price before. But either this guy didn't have change or he was playing me a fool since I'm foreign. I KNOW the taxi should have been 30 tenge, but the driver took my 50 tenge piece and didn't give me change.
I should have demanded change, but some taxi drivers I like and some aren't worth the effort. This guy was the latter. I just gave him the money and left. But now I feel cultural defeat. Darn you taxi driver!
When my brother was in KZ, I sent him into a magazine to get a bottle of water. He came out and I was like, "how much was it." He said, "ummm... I think she took 5000 tg. Is that about right?" 5000 TENGE!!!!! I still make fun of him for that! -Tobin
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