How to Hail a Cab in Portuguese

When traveling in Brazil or Portugal, you have to get around. Most people get around the larger cities by taxi because it is the most convenient method of transportation. To get around by taxis in these countries, you need to know some basic phrases to communicate with the taxi driver. Here are some steps on how to hail a cab in Portuguese.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Portuguese dictionary or phrase book

1. Say, "Chame um táxi, por favor," when you want to tell someone, "Call me a taxi, please." This phrase is useful when you do not speak much Portuguese and you would like someone else to call a taxi ride for you.

2. Give directions by saying, "Para o...," which means, "To the...." With this phrase, you can express, "Para o aeroporto, por favor," which means, "To the airport, please."

3. Question the price of the taxi by saying, "Quanto é que vai costar a viagem?" This translates as, "How much is the ride going to cost?" You also should review your numbers so that you can understand the response from the taxi driver.

4. Ask the taxi driver to stop here by saying, "Pode parar aqui, por favor?" This translates as, "Can you please stop here?"

5. Order the taxi driver to wait for you by saying, "Espera para mim." This phrase literally means, "Wait for me," and can be used in many different situations.

6. Use a phrase book or dictionary when you travel in Brazil or Portugal. You never know the phrases and words you will need to use.