What do you say when you call a cab? Greet the dispatcher or driver, state your pickup location and destination clearly, and keep it polite. Something like “Hello, I’d like to request a cab to my location in Vancouver, please” works well by phone or in an app message.
Requesting a cab by phone or app
Call or open your ride app about 5 to 10 minutes before you plan to leave so the driver has time to arrive. Greet the dispatcher or use the app’s messaging with a friendly tone.
Give precise pickup details: “I am at [your address or nearby landmark], please.” Then ask “Would you be able to send a driver here?” It shows consideration and keeps things clear. A simple example for the destination is “Hi, I need a cab from downtown Vancouver to Stanley Park.” Close with “Thank you very much. I look forward to the ride.”
If you use an app, turn on location services to avoid delays. Before you confirm, check the pickup address and destination. When the driver arrives, greet them with “Hello, thank you for picking me up.”
Special needs
If you need a child seat or extra luggage space, say so early and politely, so nothing is left to sort out at the curb.
Phrases for the ride
When you get in, say “Hello” or “Good afternoon”, then “Could you please take me to [address]?” Landmarks and neighbourhood names help in Vancouver or anywhere in Canada. “I’m heading to Stanley Park” works better than the address alone.
- To check an instruction or change a stop: “Is that okay for you?”
- To confirm a route: “Would you mind taking [name of road]?”
- To raise a concern: “Could you please check the GPS? It seems off.”
- To change plans: “Would it be possible to take a different route?” or “Could you please turn on the air conditioning?”
Courtesy
Speak calmly and clearly, and keep the conversation to directions and requests. Near the end, say “Could you wait a moment while I gather my things?” or “Here’s where I’ll be getting out.” Then thank the driver with “Thanks for the ride” or “I appreciate your help”, and add “Have a great day.”