Where should a woman sit in a taxi?

All single woman traveling alone in Peru should feel free to sit wherever they are comfortable, just as any other passenger would. There is, however, a local social custom worth knowing about: in some Peruvian settings, women traditionally sit in the back seat when traveling with a male driver who is not their husband or partner. You may also notice this when traveling in a mixed group.

This is a social convention, not a rule or a requirement for visitors. At Gringo Taxis, passengers are free to choose whichever available seat makes them feel comfortable.

If personal safety is a concern, the back seat is often a sensible choice because it provides more distance from the driver, greater privacy, and a clearer personal boundary.

If you prefer to sit behind the driver, this can help keep your belongings away from the front seat and maintain some distance. If you’re more concerned about getting out easily at your destination, choose the side of the back seat that allows you to exit safely onto the sidewalk or another safe, public area.

When using a ride-hailing app such as Uber, Cabify, Yango, or DiDi, check the driver’s name, photo, vehicle, and license plate before getting in. Share your trip details with a friend or family member when possible. Keep your phone accessible, but avoid displaying it unnecessarily while waiting at the curb. There’s no need to share your hotel room number or other personal information with the driver. When being dropped off, you can ask the driver to stop a few doors away from your exact address if that feels safer and the area is suitable. If you feel comfortable doing so, wait until the vehicle has left before approaching your destination.

If you’re traveling with someone else, sitting together in the back is usually the simplest option. If circumstances require you to sit in the front, choose what feels comfortable and keep valuables out of sight.

Most importantly, trust your instincts. If the driver, vehicle, or route makes you uncomfortable, don’t get in, or ask to stop somewhere busy and public if the journey has already started.

For airport arrivals, especially late at night, an authorized airport taxi or a prearranged private transfer can provide additional peace of mind because the transportation and pickup arrangements can be confirmed in advance. Whichever option you choose, take a moment to check the vehicle and make sure you feel comfortable before setting off.

Looking for more answers? Visit our Lima Airport Transportation Questions & Travel Advice hub for practical information about airport transfers, taxi fares, Uber, and getting around Lima.