You should always have a map, decent directions, and a pretty good idea how long the trip should take before you embark on a journey outside downtown. New Yorkers complain about the relatively low incidence of English-language speaking cabbies in their town. Your cabbie is a driver, not a tour operator, and may or may not know where Chicago s best Chinese food, hottest nightclub, or cleanest washrooms are. If you are both inclined to conversation, well and good, but don t expect free advice with your fare. Cabs on the South side are far scarcer, even in Hyde Park, so be sure your travel plans include a ride or reliable public transportation if you go to visit friends there by taxicab from the Loop.
Some taxis are smoke-free environments, and others positively encourage smoking.
When you arrive, you can huddle by the building entrance with the rest of the addicts. Both airports are well served by public transportation.