Taxicab etiquette may not seem of the utmost importance. You don't need it to get through dinner with the new in-laws, for example - but for those who travel frequently, knowing what to do and what not to do in a taxicab is essential. From knowing how much to tip to knowing what to do if you have a complaint, riding in taxicabs can involve walking a fine line between getting from point A to point B or being asked to get out and walk. The following offers tips on how to behave as a backseat driver.

Get an Idea of the Cost: Different cab companies can charge different rates, particularly in different cities. A cab in Boulder, Colorado may be relatively cheap while one in New York City may almost require you to put your first-born child down as a payment. For these reasons, it's a good idea to know what you are getting into before you get into it. Instead of just flagging down a cab and giving the driver the address of your destination, ask them how much it will be. They won't likely be able to give you an exact number unless they have flat rates, but they can easily give you a ballpark figure. This will help determine if you want to take a cab or if you would rather find some other means of transportation.

Ask for an Hourly Rate: If you find yourself in a situation where you need your cab driver to take you to a variety of places — perhaps from the airport to your hotel and onto a convention center — ask about an hourly rate. Not only may an hourly rate be cheaper, but it will also free you of the stress that comes from keeping the meter running. If you need the cab to wait for you while you run into your hotel and change, an hourly rate will allow you to be less in a hurry and less likely to forget something as you run out the door.