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Hailing a taxi in a foreign country need no longer be a frustrating task, as an international taxi specialist launches its tips on taxi customs across the world.

Bussinesstaxis has compiled a list of dos and don'ts for holidaymakers trying to wave down a cab while abroad.

People taking a holiday in Japan are told that if a cab has a green plate in the lower corner of the front window, it means that it is available - a red plate means it is taken.

'In Japan when you board a taxi, note that the vehicle's left rear door is opened and closed remotely by the driver. You are not supposed to open or close it by yourself,' added Steve Waller from the firm.

Even the yellow taxis in New York may be more difficult to decipher than most people think, with Mr Waller saying that every cab has a light on the roof, but the taxi is only available if its registration number is illuminated.

Mr Waller also points to a problem that many holidaymakers may experience while trying to hail a taxi in Johannesburg.

'Pointing your index finger upwards generally means you are looking for a taxi travelling to the Johannesburg city centre,' he said.

'To stop a taxi travelling around a township, you draw a circle in the air with your finger pointing downwards.'

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