Taxi scams cost travellers millions every year. Here are the 5 most common tricks drivers use worldwide, and exactly how to protect yourself in every city.
Taxi scams are the most common way travellers lose money abroad. They happen in every country, at every income level, to experienced travellers and first-timers alike. Knowing the playbook is the best defence.
The driver claims the meter isn't working and offers a 'special' flat rate. That flat rate is almost always 2–5x the metered fare.
Never accept a flat rate before asking what the metered fare would be. If the meter is genuinely broken, find another taxi or use a ride-hailing app.
The driver takes an unnecessarily long or circuitous route, running the meter up without you realising. This is particularly common from airports where you don't know the city layout.
Before getting in, open Google Maps and note the approximate route. If the driver deviates significantly, politely ask them to follow the GPS route.
You agree on a price before departure, but when you arrive, the driver claims the price was per person, or that traffic/luggage makes it more expensive. Suddenly the agreed 200 baht becomes 600.
Always confirm: 'This is the total price, for this journey, for [number] people, including luggage?' before you leave.
The driver insists your hotel is closed, full, or 'not safe' and takes you to a different hotel where he gets a commission. This is extremely common in parts of Southeast Asia and India.
If a driver says your hotel is closed, don't believe them without checking yourself. Call the hotel directly or show the driver a booking confirmation.
Touts approach you in the arrivals hall offering 'official' taxi services. They have lanyards, uniforms, and clipboards. They are not official. Airport taxi ranks are always outside the terminal, not inside arrivals.
Always use the official taxi rank (signposted by the airport), a pre-booked transfer, or a verified ride-hailing app. Never follow someone who approaches you inside the terminal.
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