When you see a cab, stretch your hand in the air. Some people give a little wave, some don't. But if you do wave, know that once is enough. If you make eye contact and see the car heading toward you, you can put your hand down.

Hailing a taxi is a localized art form with distinct rules across the globe. In New York or London, a simple raised arm suffices—just look for the illuminated "Taxi" light on the roof. However, in South Korea or Thailand, a palm-up wave is considered rude or aggressive; instead, you should beckon the cab with your palm facing down, moving your fingers toward you in a "reverse shooing" motion. In Greece, never use an open-palm "stop" signal, as it is an offensive gesture; instead, keep your fingers together or shout your destination as the cab passes. In Japan, remember that a red light in the window means the cab is available, while a green light means it is occupied—the opposite of Western logic. In many modern cities, the traditional "wave" is being replaced by apps, but knowing these physical cues remains essential for quick transit in areas where street-hailing is still the primary method.