Safety
How to Avoid Taxi Scams Abroad: Riding Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps Safely
How to avoid overcharging, detours and change tricks at airports and tourist spots, use ride-hailing apps safely, and what to do if something goes wrong.
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Overcharging happens most at airports and tourist spots
Fare disputes happen when travelers are least sure of the way and carrying the most luggage: arrival halls, train stations and famous sights. The basic rule is simple: don't follow drivers who approach you asking "Taxi?".
Most airports and big stations have an official taxi rank. Queue there and you'll get a regulated fare system and a clear record of which company you rode with if anything goes wrong.
Check before you get in
In a metered taxi, make sure the meter starts when you set off. If the driver says the meter is broken and quotes a flat price, it's safer to take another cab. Where there are no meters or flat fares are normal, agree on the destination and price clearly before leaving.
Save your hotel address in the local language on your phone to show the driver. Checking the route and time in a map app beforehand makes a big detour easy to spot.
- Official rank or booked through an app
- Meter on, or price agreed in advance
- License plate and company name (a photo helps)
- Hotel address ready in the local language
Why ride-hailing apps help
Apps such as Grab in Southeast Asia or Uber in the US and elsewhere show an estimated or fixed fare before you ride, and record the driver's name, plate and route. You give the destination through the app, so there's little to haggle over even with a language barrier.
Popular apps differ by country, and airports often have a designated pick-up area for app rides. Install the local app and add a payment method before you go. Our city guides list the common apps under Getting around.
Safety rules for app rides
When the car arrives, check that the plate, model and driver match the app before getting in. You can also ask, "Who are you here to pick up?" to confirm your name.
Share your trip with family or a travel companion using the app's share feature. Decline requests to pay cash off the app or to change the destination.
- Confirm plate, model and driver before boarding
- Sit in the back and turn on trip sharing
- Refuse off-app cash deals
- Check for your phone, wallet and passport before getting out
Common tricks and how to avoid them
Typical tricks include a "broken" meter followed by a high flat price, deliberate detours, and short change when you pay with a large note. Carry small notes and say the amount out loud when you pay to avoid change mix-ups.
Some drivers claim your hotel is closed or a sight is shut today and try to take you elsewhere. Don't change your destination until you've checked for yourself.
Late at night or riding alone
At night, a car booked through an app or your hotel's front desk is safer than one hailed on the street. If you split from your group, send someone the plate number and message them when you arrive.
Judgment slips when you've been drinking or are exhausted, so ask your hotel to call a reliable car on those nights.
If something goes wrong or you leave something behind
If a fare seems unfair, avoid a heated argument. Get a receipt, note the plate number, and report it to the taxi company or the app's support. App rides keep a trip record, which makes fare reviews and lost-item contact easier.
If you feel threatened or unsafe, get out in a bright, busy place and call the local emergency number. If you've lost your passport or wallet, see our lost passport guide as well.
FAQ
At the airport, is a taxi or an app ride better?
Both the official taxi rank and app rides are fine. What to avoid are touts approaching you in the arrival hall. App rides usually have a set pick-up area, so follow the signs.
What if the driver won't turn on the meter?
Ask before you leave; if they refuse, get out and take another taxi. Where flat fares are normal, agree on the price clearly before getting in.
Should I tip taxi drivers?
It varies by country: tipping is expected in some places, while elsewhere rounding up is enough. Check the tipping note in our city guides.
I left something in a taxi. What now?
For app rides, contact the driver or report a lost item from the trip history. For regular taxis, contact the company with your receipt or plate number, and file a police report if needed.
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