n unscrupulous taxi driver. Either firmly agree on the fare before you get in or insist on using the meter. No driver is likely to agree to a negotiated fare of less than would occur if the journey were metered. Taxis can also be hired for a minimum of 3 hr at RM25/hr. A good way to see the northern and western parts of the island if you don't have your own vehicle.
Trishaws cater to tourists and charge around RM30/hr. However, these trishaw rides are becoming more of a curiosity rather than the norm as the number of trishaw peddlers are now lower in number than before.
You may also rent your own motorbike or scooter to get around. These shops can be found along Chulia Street and also Penang Road. Cost is around RM25 for 24 hr rental. Deposit is often RM200.
Street names can be confusing: the street signs are in Malay, but locals will invariably use the old English names, e.g. Pitt Street instead of Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Beach Street instead of Lebuh Pantai. Lebuh, Jalan, Lorong, are the Malay words for street, road, lane, respectively.
Georgetown is a pedestrian nightmare as there are very few footpaths. In places without footpaths it is almost impossible to get around on foot due to the heavy traffic and prevalence of deep, wide open drains. You can always walk at side of the road without being endangered by traffic
