The taxi "ไปไหม" ritual

In Bangkok you don't just climb into a taxi. You lean towards the open passenger window, say where you're going and wait: ไปสยามไหม, "going to Siam?". The driver decides, and a quick shake of the head is normal. It is rarely about you. Drivers turn down rides near a shift change in the late afternoon, when the car has to go back to its owner, when your destination is deep in traffic, or when they need to refuel. Arguing gets nowhere and costs both of you face. Say ไม่เป็นไร, step back and wave down the next one; the next one usually says yes. Once you're in, check that the meter is running. From the airport, a 50-baht surcharge and any expressway tolls are added on top of the meter.