Taxi drivers are an important part of the tourism industry. During a brief ride or a cross-town rush hour journey, they can become a traveler's best friend. Or worst enemy. Sure, the odd unscrupulous driver might have a faulty meter or, worst-case scenario, a friend waiting to jump in and rob you at the next stoplight. In my experience, though, these guys are simply characters. Many times, they are the closest contact a foreign traveler has with a local person. They are the drivers, but also the political and social commentators, the fixers, and the joke tellers.

Check out this video from Cairo, a city of messy traffic and colorful taxi drivers. It will make you want to head to Egypt for a white-knuckle ride in a shoe-less driver's taxi.



Want some advice about taxis in Cairo? OK.