127 A Shocking Experience

Taking a taxi in a certain Eastern European country can be a shocking experience. It is said that some
taxi drivers have metal wires stuck into the passenger seats. And when a button is pushed,the seat will give
you an electric shock. These taxi drivers don't do this for fun. They do it to tourists who argue about the
ridiculous fares they charge. Some drivers charge as much as ten times the legal fare. They have a secret
switch which makes the meters run faster. If you refuse to pay, you are really in for a shock.
In one case,a German woman had no choice but to pay US$120 for a US$20 ride from the airport. She said
that she was "really taken for a ride," but what could she do? Besides the electric shock,she was verbally
abused and threatened with physical violence. She has only one piece of advice to tourists:"Take the bus or
stay at home."