In the city
Getting around town is a matter of having the money to pay for a ride or going it afoot. If you happen to have budgeted for it, there are three types of taxis, which can be easily hired for those with the available cash:
- Hand-drawn cart (danez ditufa)
These are the cheapest and most common mode of assisted transportation. These carts vary from a few boards hammered together to a wheeled contraption with a sunshade. They’re drawn by one or two men, usually either young and searching for financial independence from their parents or else strong but a little slow. For the simple kind, don’t let them charge you more than two or three heted per half hour, since the ride is uncomfortable and walking would probably be faster. For the more expensive variety, expect to pay closer to a bedetzha. Anything more than that is probably a scam. - Horse-drawn cart (kazhah ditufa)
An upgrade from the hand-drawn cart purely in that they tend to be faster (though not considerably). Avoid kazhah ditufa if the horse looks ill-fed or mistreated; since this is illegal, it means that the driver is probably operating under the law and you could be incriminated for patronizing him. A horse-drawn cart should cost around a bedetzha for half an hour. Be suspicious of anything that is supposed to cost less than five heted. - Horse-drawn carriage (kazhah tel)
The name means literally “horse fortress”. The name is because a carriage is usually hired by someone with the cash for anonymity or with a need for protection. Though the ride is considerably smoother than a kazhah ditufa, it isn’t worth the three bedetzha the typical driver will try to charge you. Unless you have need of curtains and a padded seat, this mode of transportation is probably beyond your needs.
Between towns
The best and cheapest way to travel between towns is to go by barge. These run products of all kinds from place to place, and most don’t mind a passenger or two along for the ride. Prices vary drastically, but barges are almost always less expensive than the alternatives.
If you’re headed somewhere like Hamrey, which isn’t connected by river to any major cities, you can either go by ocean on a ship—more expensive than a barge, but not considerably—or take your chances overland. The best method for the latter choice is to find a farmer taking his goods to market in the city—many will be happy to have you along for the ride, especially if you’re sociable. Alternatively, you can go by foot.
It is also possible to rent a carriage, complete with horses and driver, but this is undoubtedly the most expensive means of overland travel and you’re better off going by foot.
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