Radio dispatched taxicabs tend to be the most reliable and are recommended for nighttime use. Be especially careful about overcharging when taking a cab from an airport, bus or train station, but remember that the vast majority of taxi drivers are honest, friendly and helpful. Some airports and bus stations have taxi booths where you can pre-pay a fare on a zone basis, avoiding any hassles with the driver. Taxis can also be hired by the hour or the day for touring. Personal safety must always be considered foremost and extra caution is advised to women travelling alone.
Some roads have very little traffic while in other areas rides can be quite easy to come by.
For long hauls, a good place to wait is by a gas station at the edge of town where truckers fuel before heading out. Also make it very clear whether you will be riding in the cab or in back with the fish and pineapples. Cycling can be an excellent way to get around Latin America, offering the physically fit a degree of versatility unmatched by any other means of transport. Adequate clothing is essential and cyclists must be entirely self-sufficient, as there may be long distances between towns. A rugged mountain-bike is a good choice for anyone venturing off the main roads.