On several occassions I’ve gotten discounted cab rides in New York. (And I didn’t even have to perform favors!)

Here’s an easy step-by-step guide to getting a deal:

1) Be alone.
2) Be female.
3) Get in the cab and promptly tell the driver that you only have an X # of $s.
4) Tell the driver to drop you off anywhere when the meter gets to that X amount.
5) During the ride, remind the driver that you are totally OK with him dropping you off anywhere, just to seem honest.

He will be impressed with your respectfulness and feel a sense of macho honor. Since there’s a 99% chance that he is foreign, he will feel a deep sense of chivalry. In fact, he may even be shocked that you are out alone at 3 AM. If everything goes according to plan, he will drive you all the way to your destination for 50% of the real fare!