Taking a Taxi
§Vocabulary
1taxiˈtæksi
2airportˈeəpɔːt
3terminalˈtɜːmɪnl
4trafficˈtræfɪk
5approximatelyəˈprɒksɪmətli
6fixed ratefɪkst reɪt
7credit cardˈkredɪt kɑːd
8cashkæʃ
9routeruːt
10highwayˈhaɪweɪ
11tolltəʊl
12tiptɪp
13farefeə(r)
14receiptrɪˈsiːt
15recommendˌrekəˈmend
16restaurantˈrestrɒnt
17luggageˈlʌɡɪdʒ
18downtownˌdaʊnˈtaʊn
19city centerˈsɪti ˈsentə
§Dialogue 1: Getting a Taxi
20Tourist:
21Excuse me,
22I need a taxi to the Grand Plaza Hotel.
23Taxi Dispatcher:
24Certainly, sir.
25Where are you now?
26Tourist:
27I'm at the airport, Terminal 2.
28Taxi Dispatcher:
29A taxi will arrive in about 5 minutes.
30It will be a black car with the number 237.
31Tourist:
32Thank you.
33How much will the fare be approximately?
34Taxi Dispatcher:
35It's about 25 dollars to that area,
36but it depends on traffic.
37Tourist:
38Is there a fixed rate from the airport?
39Taxi Dispatcher:
40Yes, airport to downtown is a fixed rate of 30 dollars,
41but the Grand Plaza is just outside the fixed rate zone.
42Tourist:
43I see.
44And can I pay by credit card?
45Taxi Dispatcher:
46Yes, all our taxis accept credit cards and cash.
§Dialogue 2: In the Taxi
47Driver:
48Good morning!
49Where are you heading today?
50Tourist:
51To the Grand Plaza Hotel, please.
52Driver:
53Grand Plaza.
54Nice hotel.
55Is this your first time in the city?
56Tourist:
57Yes, it's my first visit.
58How long will it take to get to the hotel?
59Driver:
60About 30 minutes in current traffic.
61Where are you from?
62Tourist:
63I'm from Canada.
64Is there a faster route we could take?
65Driver:
66We could take the highway,
67but there's a toll of 2 dollars.
68Would that be okay?
69Tourist:
70That's fine.
71I'm in a bit of a hurry.
72Driver:
73No problem.
74I'll take the express route then.
75Do you need a receipt when we arrive?
76Tourist:
77Yes, please.
78I need it for my business expenses.
§Dialogue 3: Arriving at the Hotel
79Driver:
80Here we are, the Grand Plaza Hotel.
81The fare is 27.50.
82Tourist:
83Here's 30 dollars.
84Please keep the change as a tip.
85Driver:
86Thank you very much!
87Let me help you with your luggage.
88Tourist:
89That's very kind of you.
90Can you recommend any good restaurants near the hotel?
91Driver:
92"The Blue Olive" across the street is excellent for dinner.
93And "Morning Cafe" two blocks down has great breakfast.
94Tourist:
95Thank you for the recommendations and the ride!
§Useful Phrases
96Could you call a taxi for me, please?
97How much will the ride cost approximately?
98How long will it take to get there?
99Can I pay by credit card?
100Is there a faster route?
101I need a receipt, please.
102Keep the change as a tip.
103Could you recommend a good restaurant nearby?