Avoid Taxi Scams While Traveling

Arriving in a new place is stressful enough without the added hassle of finding a taxi and negotiating a fare. Many airports have taxi stands right at the airport and travelers are often given a set price in advance.

But in other places, things are far from organized. Without solid regulations, cab drivers may be downright dishonest regarding fares.

Here are some tips to avoid taxi scams when traveling abroad:

Research in advance:

Research routes, fares and rules while you are planning your trip. Guidebooks and online travel forums are a great source. You can also request information from your hotel. Websites like TaxiFareFinder.com and  WorldTaximeter.com will calculate estimated taxi fares in major cities around the world.

GPS apps take some of the guesswork out of navigating a foreign place.  Compare your taxi’s route with that on the app. Keep in mind drivers may use alternate routes if they know a shortcut or want to avoid traffic. Although you may not be sure it’s the best route, you should be able to determine if you’re going in circles or in the wrong direction.

If you can’t beat ’em, beware of ‘em:

Unless there is a meter, agree on a price before you get in the taxi. Untrustworthy drivers tend to tack on extra charges once you’ve reached your destination. Never pay more than the agreed-upon fare. If an issue arises once you reach your hotel, summon a staff member or manager to help settle the dispute.

A driver may bring you to a different hotel than the one requested. He will try to persuade you to book a room there. This is a common scam overseas; hotels often give drivers a kick-back for bringing in new guests.

When in doubt, get out:

If you feel uncomfortable, opt to get out of the cab in a safe, populated area.