Travel long enough, and you start to notice a pattern: no matter where you go (bustling bazaars, tiny mountain towns, neon-lit night markets), people ask you the same five questions. Some are friendly. Some are curious. And some are… well, strategic. Here are the big five, what they actually mean, and how to answer like a seasoned traveler.

If you’ve traveled for more than five minutes, you’ve probably met that  taxi driver. The one who smiles warmly, helps with your bag… and then, somewhere between your hotel and your sanity, suddenly announces: “Sorry, meter broken.” Ah yes. The international phrase meaning: Prepare your wallet, you sad adventurer. But fear not. Here are the tricks I use to avoid taxi scams in an attempt to keep both my money and my dignity intact. A taxi with Yeni Camii (New Mosque) in the ba