Navigating cabbing in Italy can be challenging. Here are some tips.

I sensed something was off when the taxi meter displayed 10.50 euros as we departed from the Roma Termini train station.

The cab driver, while navigating the evening rush hour traffic and using a translation app on his phone, proposed that the starting fare for all rides from Rome's main train station would include a surcharge.

I had become a statistic, one of the thousands of tourists who fall victim to taxi scams in Italy each year.

The taxi meter should have begun at 3 euros for all rides between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. on weekdays, with an additional euro for the second piece of luggage in the trunk, as stated by Rome's tourism authority.

Official sites do not mention a 2 euro surcharge for taxi rides from Roma Termini, but some travel sites suggest it.

The 5 km ride from Roma Termini to my guesthouse in Trastevere cost 24 euros, which was significantly more expensive than the suggested amount from a Google search and a local taxi ride hailing app that I used during the ride.

The concern is always about the extent of the overcharges. However, as a helpless tourist trapped in the back of a car in an unfamiliar city, it can be challenging to determine the best course of action.

Here are three things that can help on your next Italy holiday.

Download taxi apps

The taxi union and lobby in Italy have restricted the expansion of ride-hailing apps like Uber, limiting its availability to major cities such as Rome and Milan, with only a limited Uber Black fleet, resulting in higher prices.

To ensure a smooth ride in Italy, download the taxi hailing apps associated with major Italian taxi companies, such as ItTaxi, FreeNow, and Free Taxi. However, not all apps work in all cities, particularly the smaller ones.

While apps facilitate cashless payment, they do not guarantee a fixed rate. When booking a taxi through an app or over the phone, fares may still be calculated by the meter, starting from the moment the driver accepts the job. Some fares provide a range, with the high-end estimate serving as a worst-case scenario.

Although there are no set prices, it's still wise to download these apps because it's difficult to hail a cab from the street.

In cities, you can only board a taxi at designated stands or by ordering one over the phone or through an app.

Do your research

Recognize official white cabs and city emblems, and know where taxi drivers display their licenses and registration numbers.

Before paying for air travel services, it's important to understand tariffs, especially for journeys between airports and the city center. These trips often have a fixed price, advised Claudia Gualdi, travel intelligence data lead at Riskline.

The cost of a cab ride to and from Fiumicino Airport to parts of the city within the Aurelian Walls, which encompasses the city's historical core and parts of Trastevere and the Vatican, is a flat 50 euros each way in Rome.

In Rome, base fares for taxis are 3 euros from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, while in Florence, they are slightly higher at 3.30 euros.

The fare structure and surcharge for taxis can differ between cities, which may not always be clearly stated in the vehicle.

Avoid taxis unless absolutely necessary

During my week-long visit to Rome, I took only one taxi ride, which was from Roma Termini to my guest house.

I eventually paid the dubious amount on the meter, feeling both exhausted and relieved that the amount wasn't higher.

The taxi driver became angry when I asked for a receipt and tried to capture his license and registration number with a photo.

He pulled over on a crowded street, stepped out of the car, and ordered me to get out.

I stepped out of the cab with all my belongings, thinking he was going to kick me out. However, he stopped me from opening the boot to retrieve my luggage and advised me to remain calm and not act impulsively through the translation app.

He eventually pushed me back into the taxi and drove me to my destination across the Tiber.

I walked nearly everywhere I went in Rome, including a 45-minute walk to Vatican City. When I got tired, the city's trams and buses were convenient because you can pay for your fares using your credit card. Additionally, the city's underground metro is also an option.

A cost-effective and hassle-free option for reaching Fiumicino Airport from Roma Termini is the Leonardo Express train.

I opted for a cab because I believed managing two bags on the bus and tram would be a significant challenge. However, I later realized that taking the cab might have been even more difficult.