Common Taxi Scams Around the World and How to Avoid Them
While most taxi drivers are honest and just making a living, there are the occasional unscrupulous drivers located around the world. Don’t fall prey to a taxi scam. Review the common scams and how to avoid them when you travel with a complaint review from Island Trader Vacations.
Overcharging Taxis – No matter where you are, chances are that if you are taking a “real” taxi cab, there are set fares for certain times of the day. If you take a taxi, look at the fare and what it should be before you go. Watch to make sure you are not getting scammed out of your travel dollar.
Getting the “drive around” – Otherwise known as longhauling, this is when a taxi driver takes the scenic route to add money to your bill. Know where you are going when you get in and about how long the drive should be.
Meter Scams – Look at the meter when you get in and be sure that it is at zero when you step in. A less honest cabbie may try to tack on extra miles for a few extra dollars at your expense.
Fake Cabbies – Never use an unlicensed driver. Anyone who has a car can claim to be a taxi but real taxi drivers will be licensed and have a medallion to prove their legitimacy. Look before you get in.
Dropped cash – The cash swap can happen anywhere but it is quite easy in a rushed and crowded place as a cab. Carry local currency and in small bills. Double check before you hand the money to the driver and if you can, pay your fare in exact change. To hand a big bill to anyone if you don’t have too.
Kickback Scams – From hotels to museums, know where you are going and have your accommodations booked and be sure the destination is open before you go to avoid this scam. Sometimes cab drivers will be working in conjunction with tourist traps or accommodations and use well designed lies to convince you to change your plans and go where they want you to in order to get a kickback. Stand firm and politely decline.
You can avoid scams and complaints by simply knowing before you go. Do your part to become more informed and make the most of your travels with travel reviews from Island Trader Vacations complaints.
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