I Was SCAMMED Twice Before My Last Cruise (Avoid my mistake)

Unfortunately, I fell for a common tourist scam before my last cruise. I'm sharing how we we ripped off, so this doesn't happen to you.
Cruise passengers can be the target for travel scams, both in the US, Europe & Caribbean cruise ports of call. This video is a must-watch for both new cruisers & seasoned cruise travellers, as getting scammed while on vacation can happen to anyone!
If you're going on a cruise, this video includes helpful cruise tips as well as watch-outs you should know before you travel & board your cruise ship.
While we were sailing on an MSC Cruise from Miami, taxi scams & other traps can trick & rip off cruisers anywhere. Good if you're going on a Carnival cruise, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Princess Cruises, NCL, etc.
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Please note that I am unable to give personal cruise and travel advice. If you leave a comment I try my best to answer.
ABOUT ME
Hi! I'm Ilana! I live in Montreal, Canada with my husband Frank. We can often be found dreaming about and planning future cruises, ideally to hot and sunny destinations! I believe in having fun, being kind and that you are never too old, or too young, to live the life of your dreams!
Please note that I do not sell cruises on Life Well Cruised. This and all other videos are for entertainment purposes only. I share my own opinions, personal experiences and information with other cruise travellers, which I hope can be helpful. Please contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your booking.
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[@LifeWellCruised]

Planning a cruise? Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner. It's a 47 page printable cruise travel planner with packing checklists, shore excursion planning forms and much more! ($10 off for a limited time). Here are the details: lifewellcruised.com/ultimate-cruise-planner

[@JKOWARKO]

It appears to me that your common sense is gone, and that you are clickbait for counts-shame on you!

[@heatherscaife-arkley8297]

Who should we use from ft lauderdale for travel

[@Jimbowlcoach]

The same happened to me in Fort Lauderdale too. They don't allow Uber to pick up at the airport

[@rachaelrivera5481]

I’ve found Uber to be the safest way to travel alone. When we were stuck in 45 min of traffic in Puerto Rico Uber called me twice to ensure that I was okay because they saw that the drivers car hadn’t moved and the trip was still occurring.

[@davis9971]

Flat rate trips were made illegal in Miami/Dade county in 2022. If you are in a legit taxi, they must use the meter. The first “taxi” you encountered was an illegal one because the law requires a meter. The second violated the law by not using the meter. You do have the option to file a complaint with the Miami/Dade public transportation department.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks for sharing this

[@whistlebloer8254]

I would definitely report them. If you are not doing it for yourself, please do it for the sake of others who may fall victim as well. Even while taking Uber, I always took the license plate number. You can't be too careful.

[@horacecomegna335]

You also have the option of not paying them, it’s not like they’re going to report you to the police because they are doing something illegal as well and they are probably illegal aliens themselves. You could’ve gotten a free ride out of this just by busting the drivers balls! 😂😂

[@edanzore]

Not true

[@michellelove3580]

This happened to my brother about a month ago coming from Miami Airport as well. When he asked the driver about the meter, he said he doesn't use one it's a flat fee. This isn't right.

[@CandiPinki]

If you haven't been ripped off by a driver, have you even traveled? How not to get ripped off: 1) Ask about the fare before you get in. - Are you using a meter? - how much total (not just per person) - Is the place you want to go open? (They like to say your bar, restaurant, beach is closed but they can take you to a better one where they get a much back) 2) make a show of recording their Taxi license number when you get in (so they think you'll report if you need to) 3) Track the ride on a map to ensure they're taking you to the right place on the shortest route 4) Make sure you look behind when you get out to make sure you don't leave anything. Don't be in a hurry

[@JessiFayS]

This was info that she should have given in her video. Instead - we get the clickbait story that had very little helpful info for travellers. I'm disappointed - I thought this channel was more than just news designed to get the most viewers. Thank you for your valuable information.

[@lindastradley9788]

As a former Lyft driver with my husband driving for Lyft since 2017 (with almost 20,000 rides, even taking a full year off during the Pandemic), we ONLY book Lyft rides when traveling.

[@jkhoover]

Did we need you and your husband's resume?

[@Ladychelle95]

Sorry this happened to you. Thank you for your honesty. I think we all can learn from this.

[@LifeWellCruised]

I think so too, thanks for watching

[@shatimar9069]

Right Excatly how I feel. Bc I have made notes already

[@user-km7vl2ze7s]

I was scammed twice in Miami too. First time was directed by uniformed airport staff to take an unmarked car too. Flat rate charge $50 for 1.5 minute ride to hotel. I was furious but could find no recourse. Taxi shuttle to cruise port arranged by hotel clerk. I gave driver the royal Caribbean boat name 4 times. We were taken to a different RC boat. I protested and wouldn’t get out. Till we were taken to the right boat after a 15 minute extra drive which was drivers fault. $75 later and contacting an officer at the cruise ship he said it should have been about $20 but he couldn’t do anything about it. I’m done with Miami departures. 😢

[@TropicLuv]

This is one of the reasons I love Uber. I have used it now in different places all over the world, and I have never been disappointed or ripped off.

[@sweetypatnett6123]

I totally agree!!!

[@jeanbutler6585]

I'm so sorry that happened. Quite a few years ago my son who was only 11, he's 32 now, so those situations have been going on for a long time. Anyway, we were visiting Orlando to go to Disney World. We got a taxi back to our hotel but all of a sudden he was heading out on a highway that I knew wasn't near our hotel. Fortunately, I knew that was not how to get back to the hotel. I mentioned it to the cab driver and he said "oh" and all of sudden we were at the hotel in minutes. I don't know what the cab driver was planning, but it was a scary situation. When we go on cruises we try to stay at hotels that have shuttle service that transfer you from the hotel to the cruise port. There's usually a fee per person, but it's worth it to us.

[@catwomanva]

Las Vegas used to have a problem with taxi drivers intentionally going a much longer route to fluff up the fare (you would have to tell them not to take the tunnel or they would go a long round about way to wherever you were going). So the city came out with set rates to go from the airport to the hotels. They can't go over those amounts, and it's based on distance.

[@madchatteress]

A taxi driver did that to me in Vegas years ago. I'm glad the city set up set rates for taxis but I'm still using Uber/Lyft.

[@amiehegeman]

Vegas was the worst. GPS changed a lot of that… “Don’t you dare long haul me!”

[@Catherine-wd9qt]

We got caught in the Vegas scam. We went from airport through the desert.

[@micheleyoungblood]

What is frightening is that the Hotel they stayed at was involved in the scam and can't be trusted to do a basic hotel service for their guests. She asked the hotel to get a taxi. What kickback is this person who called this Taxi getting? This needs to be reported to the hotel manager and then I would put a negative review about it. See what happens to the employee that called this so called Taxi for you. The Hotel manager should offer compensation at a minimum along with an apology and this employee should be fired. The Hotel has a reputation to look out for.

[@suziknowles396]

This was my first thought, too. Someone is probably taking a cut.

[@MAEUNC]

The person at the hotel likely had no idea the driver wasn't planning to use the meter. They pocket the money when they don't use the meter. When the trip is recorded on the meter, they must turn it in to the business.

[@HeatherTravels]

After our last cruise in Seattle, I got in the legitimate taxi queue with my younger two kids, who travel with me all the time, and I had to explain to my dad and my son not to go with the guys who were walking up to people and trying to convince them to go with them in their "taxis". In most major cities, taxis are strictly regulated and the best case scenario (which we encountered most recently at New Orleans airport) is when there is a taxi stand attendant who asks you where you are going before you get into the taxi, tells your destination to the taxi driver, and then tells you how much it's going to cost (so it's regulated by the city and out of the driver's hands completely). Those are the type that make me feel the safest. I have had this same thing with the "flat fee" pulled on me a couple times before (San Diego and London Heathrow with a "private" driver that the hotel called for me instead of one of the actual black cabs) and it made me mad too. I learned my lesson to always look up how much it should cost beforehand and to always come to an agreement on the price before getting into the car.

[@laureljaneg]

Myself in a group of women had a reservation for tea in London we were leaving the hotel. We asked them to call a taxi which they did. We’re waiting, waiting waiting and it’s not coming so we walked back into inquire and they claimed that somebody else took our taxi. The hotel in general had a lack of communication. The TQ in New Orleans is fantastic.

[@johngarrecht1046]

Hi There Ilana, I watched another video on KZbin about travel scams about a few years ago from Don's Family Vacations that included taxi scams that occur outside the United States of America and that talked about having all of your luggage out of the taxi before you pay the driver or he/she might drive off with your luggage still inside the taxi and that is worse than being overcharged for a taxi ride.

[@LeeSiewert-ug4eu]

Great point about getting your luggage before paying, thanks to you I will be sure to do that!

[@madchatteress]

Good point. Thank you for mentioning this.

[@davegedeon3767]

Iliana, lots of comments on this topic. This deserves a follow up video. You should go through all these comments and pick the top 5 taxi rip offs that your viewers have sent in. That would make for a very interesting and informative video. Thanks.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Hmmm good idea to share the scams of others

[@Rimxsha]

All major airports have warning signs not to take the so cslled taxis. Im happy you are ok because this seens dangerous too. I always take uber or lift

[@LifeWellCruised]

Agree, I’ll be more aware in the future

[@sallylewis5332]

Miami is the ONLY city that we have ever been ripped off in with a taxi. We left our hotel in a taxi that the bellman called for us and he charged us $12 to drive us to a marina for a short harbor cruise. It was less than a mile. When we got back from our boat ride, there were taxis lined up and we got in one for the ride back to the hotel. When we got to the hotel I had $15 in my hand to pay him. He said it was $35! To go a mile! I said nice try buddy and gave him a $20 bill. Now I ALWAYS ask when I get in a taxi what the fare is going to be if I don’t see a meter being turned on.

[@leonecribb417]

Happened to myself and my son in February in Miami. Unfortunately, when you arrive after a long flight, we grabbed what we thought was a legit taxi. Way overpaid, no meter or identification. I sort of realized halfway through the ride and was worried that "maybe this guy will kidnap us or something'. Won't make that mistake again!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Sounds exactly like our experience. True the fatigue after a flight doesn’t help

[@hannah4708]

Or steal your luggage.

[@jessica-jc1up]

I had the same thing happen in Miami. Never again...Uber or Lyft only for me while in Miami.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Sounds similar to us

[@robsloan7492]

We use lyft the whole time.. them drivers like shady asf

[@ryanm7171]

In a regulated market like Toronto, if the legitimate taxi driver didn't put on his meter, your trip is free. The only exception is if you had pre-negotiated a price before the trip.

[@lorilea1513]

Thanks so much for posting this. Some responders here are so rude. If you don't live in a big city, or never take taxis, you wouldn't know what to look for. This happened to my sister in NYC and the driver tried to charge her $400 for a short ride. When she told him she didn't have that much money, he started yelling and became very scary. He refused to accept a credit card (which she could have disputed later), so she told him she needed to go to an ATM. When they were pulled over, she and her teenage daughters jumped out with their bags and escaped so she didn't actually end up paying anything at all. It could have been a really bad situation as the driver was clearly a criminal. This post is so valuable for people who would never think someone was lying about being a taxi driver!!

[@denalanham107]

We made the same mistake in NYC at the airport even though I had seen several videos on how to avoid getting scammed. It's so easy when you are excited and traveling to get tripped up.

[@rrwoodruff]

Ilana thanks for the information. Stories like this are very useful. Please include any stories like this in the future. We are cruising out of Ft. Lauderdale in November. Any stories about that cruise port would be appreciated.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Sure thing! Glad this was helpful

[@ronnyc7287]

I live in south florida and even "legit" taxis are a rip off! Even the honest ones cost more than ride shares but they usually turn their meters off or drive you in circles to run the meter up! Always uber or lyft!

[@annastory349]

I don't travel all that often so appreciate these stories also.

[@am7884]

I just took a taxi from the airport to the cruise port in Fort Lauderdale last week. There is a taxi stand outside of the airport that will get you into a taxi and give you a business card with the taxi number in case you forget anything in the taxi. It costed about $23. Although, I felt that was a rip out since it was about a 5 minute drive. The signage was posted on the window that there is an extra charge to the cruise port and extra charge per person.

[@sondraking902]

Greed is the worst! Thanks for the information. Sorry for these events.

[@cherylwilliams42]

I’ve just shared your video and tagged my traveling friends. The cautions is to keep your head. We are often a combination of tired of traveling while excited to finally arrive. We need to check our thoughts and prepare our minds for the arrival once we know we are I the process of landing. Thank you so much for sharing this. It could easily happen to us, to any of us.

[@heathahlee]

I’m so sorry this happened to you! We are cruising out of Miami next year so we will keep this in mind!

[@donnaschindlbeck7457]

So sorry this happened to you. Thank you for giving us the details of how it happened and what to look for. I saw on another channel about taking a picture of the license plate, vehicle and even the driver and sending it to a friend. And not being shy about it!

[@madchatteress]

Good strategy. Thank you for mentioning this.

[@jcskidd]

Really enjoy your channel. Thank you for being vulnerable and real by sharing the scam that happened to you.

[@peggychu3002]

Wow, definitely something to keep in mind. Thank you for this information!! Very informative ❤

[@MsTee1974]

I am so sorry that happened to you. You have helped my travels so much. I have been thinking about a cruise out of Miami this is great advice.

[@christineainslie4239]

Thank you for putting this out there, always a good reminder.

[@traceychiang909]

Thanks for sharing this. I’m glad you are safe. That sounds scary and could have been so much worse.

[@Traveler-nu8xc]

Thank you for sharing this, very helpful heads up.

[@cocob6366]

We had something similar at the La Guardia airport last fall. We almost got in the car but luckily a legit taxi driver warned us that the other was a scam. Thank you for the warning. Love your channel and clothing recommendations!

[@constancecook-cruisetravel1166]

😩. So sorry. So glad you are all ok

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks

[@sf3413]

Yes! I've heard of this happening literally all over the world. I'm so sorry you experienced it. We've been advised to use uber/lyft/grab or take the public transportation. That's what we stick to and I think it's saved us a lot of money. Sending a hug!

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks for watching! True it’s something to watch for

[@user-yk4hp2zv7t]

You are surprisingly naive. You don’t travel overseas. You never get in a taxi that doesn’t turn on the meter.

[@jeffnpat]

Recent trip to Las Vegas, taxi rates to the strip hotels was indeed a flat fee posted at the airport, and was cheaper than Uber

[@joykruczay]

Thanks for the info, as I was surprised and disappointed that this happened to you and your family. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. . I hope your candor will help others. Happy cruising!

[@edclearwater9891]

A great heads up and public service , Thank You

[@marylouleforce5777]

Great information, thank you.

[@billysr10]

Thank you for that wonderful information that really opened my eyes as to what to watch out for

[@LifeWellCruised]

Glad it was helpful!

[@edanzore]

​@@LifeWellCruisednot really

[@faleciahenry9646]

This is scary, especially for solo travelers like you mentioned! Thanks for sharing your unfortunate experience!

[@alisonpetrolino877]

Thank you for sharing!

[@debburr2419]

Thank you for sharing your experience. This is a very important message for folks to read. Especially for those of us that do not travel frequently.

[@tammyp2041]

I'd not pay the 50.whats he gonna do

[@marybusch6910]

Great information!

[@sandrabruce1676]

I’m sorry you had such a terrible experience. Thank you for sharing your experience to help the rest of us be more aware.

[@Ccdurko]

I'm so sorry that you were scammed! I really appreciate the heads up!

[@user-rf4lc3vt7o]

Yes thank you 👏😊

[@LifeWellCruised]

That’s why I’m sharing. Really just a bit of money, but it could be worse for some people

[@SugaBee98]

Thank you for this important information !

[@LifeWellCruised]

Glad it was helpful!

[@deborahsugden8028]

As a solo cruiser I'm really cautious when it comes to transfers. For my cruise in January, my travel agent has booked a shared uber to get me from the airport to my hotel. I haven't been scammed but appreciate you sharing your experiences as it makes for good reminder to all of us.

[@kerinusbaum8788]

Very good information- we are planning to travel more, and this is something I probably wouldn’t have thought about.

[@faleciahenry9646]

Me too!

[@karenhughes8124]

We had this happen in Boston outside the train station. same exact situation no meter no picture of the driver. Lesson learned. Cruising out of Miami this November so I really appreciate your share Ilana.

[@vanstrength806]

Great reminder and it's happened ONCE to most of us who are running late or stressed getting from point A to B. Only Lyft from now on for us. TY for the reminder.

[@patriciachirgwin3238]

Thanks for this - I’m going to share it!❤️

[@Cruisinjules]

Good information. Thanks

[@and0069]

Always agree a price upfront! This is a good solution

[@wendysoulliere1305]

Thank-u for posting.

[@joycecajala2565]

Thank you for sharing this info ❤

[@monicashort3216]

I hate this happened to you. I’m glad it didn’t ruin your cruise. Thanks for sharing..We have to be mindful about how we travel.

[@nyghtnurse.savealife3605]

I’m heading to FL. in a couple of weeks, so glad I watched this. Thanks 😅😊

[@DrivingFree]

Thank you for this post I’ve learned from this

[@LifeWellCruised]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DreamsDeals]

That is really great info, thanks for sharing- I would have never thought that Miami was known for scam taxi’s

[@nmraidernation.6092]

I have seen those very guys in Miami & Ft Lauderdale and just recently in March at La Guardia , these guys are sure are scammers, yeah $35 is not much but you were one of the possible many who were scammed like this, this adds up for these scammers. I always use Uber and or Lyft as I know the cost upfront and no fishy stuff like this, plus you bring up a great point, SAFETY..... Never again with these "unregulated" drivers.... Great vlog as usual!!

[@lillianblair6071]

Good afternoon Ilana. It happens in Canada too. I had gone to a convenience store and due to me not having any cell I asked the store clerk to phone me a certain cab company. I stood outside waiting and it was pretty cold out but a another cab company pulled up and said he was my ride. I looked at him as no you are not with the company I had asked for. He said the clerk called him. I took it as I wanted to get out of the cold was charged properly as we have regulated taxis. Never again asked from that store to call a cab. You just never know nowadays what people will try and pull. Thanks for sharing the information and hope your next cruise rides go smoother.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Wow, awful

[@peggywoods4327]

Well I have to admit this backs up my penchant for traveling light (carry-on only for cruises) and using public transportation. My last cruise in Miami was super easy to ride the bus and train. In Europe I book most of my rail travel ahead of time using RailEurope. A side note: WOW I can't believe you are almost to 300k subscribers!! You weren't even to 100k when I discovered this channel. So proud of all your achievements 😊🎉

[@jenniferperkins4529]

Thank you for sharing! This is very helpful!! We love using Lyft or Uber in Miami area, as they have so many drivers at anytime we checked. Taxis are expensive, but we did use a taxi when leaving the Miami airport.

[@barbo1106]

I love the info you share in your videos. Thank you for being real and sharing your mistakes. We are cruising to Alaska this summer, and I’ve been watching your videos. It is like a full-time job to try to remember all these great tips and prepare for our cruise. So much to remember. 😵‍💫🫠🤗 But these videos are so valuable and help us to know what to look out for. I love how eloquently you describe your experiences and tips. Great work! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🫶🏻

[@bethcole7909]

Who would think? Thanks for sharing.

[@janicew6222]

Wow, this is good to know. Scammers are everywhere these days and constantly changing their MO.

[@user-bo6vo7ne9r]

Great advice!!

[@elizabethmartell3258]

That is why you should use uber or lyft

[@alwilliams64964]

So sad that this is 100% true. I can't imagine riding in an official taxi ever again. Never would have said this a few years ago but have had a similar rip off experience with a "taxi". Never had a problem with Uber (don't use Lyft but assume similar experience).

[@LifeWellCruised]

It seems so. I’ve had mixed experiences & always thought at least a taxi has “fair” pricing, but you’re probably right

[@mrlogboy]

These are fine if you get them through an app, there are different cities state countries that have an official Taxi app that have vetted the Taxi

[@johndrenning5453]

@@LifeWellCruised One experience we had with Uber was in San Francisco. We were headed to the cruise port from our hotel about ten minutes away. We called for an Uber ride and accepted a driver for a ride that could accommodate four of us with four suitcases and four carry on bags. As the driver approached, he saw us standing on the corner (I identified him by his license plate) and kept right on going past us and our ride was cancelled in the app. Another 20 minutes later, we got an Uber driver who actually picked us up and said many Uber drivers there don't want to go through the hassle with all the bags and passengers and taking them to the cruise port. Then they shouldn't accept the ride in the first place!

[@elizabethmartell3258]

I live in FL, and Miami is the worst. I only use FL airport because of the disgusting people in Miami...sorry Miami but the truth hurts sometimes

[@studogman]

Thanks for the good info!

[@geneparsons9528]

Thank you for sharing

[@julieb7882]

We always arrange transfers before arriving at airport or cruise terminal. In seattle we talked with hotel front desk and they arraged a town car which was less than uber or lyft at that time of day.

[@harlanabraham7772]

Howdy Ilana, Subscribed and hit the like button. The lesson, beware.

[@Lwblove]

This is very common in New York City. Town car will approach you and ask if you need a taxi and then charge an exorbitant “off” rate because it’s a town car. It’s illegal but they do it all the time.

[@kathybrem880]

Good info!!

[@user-lk8in3rb5d]

Thanks, very informative. We use Lyft when we can.

[@talon2pro]

# 1 rule I learned in the service(before Uber) ALWAYS use a metered taxi. Sometimes I had to make them turn it on, to their dislike...

[@laurenschenck5355]

Have a fabulous weekend llana and thanks for wonderful videos I love and enjoy them 🫶🏻💙🌻🌻🌻💐🫶🏻🫶🏻🧡🩵🩵🌼🌼🌈🌈💛🌞🫶🏻💙🌻🌻💐💙🛳️🛳️💕💛💛❣️🫶🏻🫶🏻💙💐💐🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵🧡🪻🪻❣️🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thank you! You too & I appreciate you watching 😊

[@laurenschenck5355]

@@LifeWellCruised of course thanks my friend 🫶🏻🧡🫶🏻

[@meddyven]

Ilana, What an unfortunate situation for you to have to deal with, and twice. Morseo, shame on Miami for not regulating these services. This will lead to more people avoiding Miami, or potentially cruising out of that port. My last cruise was out of there. I took an Uber, but the ride was a little hair raising. As you know, as you enter the cruise port area, there are a series of sharp turns. My driver I swear was going around on two wheels. 😮 Thank you for the heads up and info to keep us on our toes. We have each others back here. Glad you, Frank and Ethan are ok.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thanks for sharing as well 😊

[@cindywatson3083]

Thank you! Will be in Miami in a few weeks!!

[@alallen2767]

Since Uber and Lyft started taxis have become scandalous. Suggest using hotel and airport shuttles, or Uber or Lyft.

[@shareea202]

Keep sharing these nuggets of “lessons-learned” knowledge❣️That’s WHY you’re a trusted travel/cruising advisor. I’ve always followed the advise of, if they aren’t in the inside lane at the airport or are across the street, DON’T use their services or do so at your own risk. I use Uber or Lyft, when I schedule my ride, I know exactly what I’ll be charged at the end of my ride. As a frequent solo traveler, I can “share” my ride with a family member (who’s I’m already in contact with to make sure I get to the hotel and checked in). If there are any issues, the company can be made aware of it to take action). You’re not only educating your subs but also ANYONE who happens on your videos. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER! 💪🏾✈️🚢

[@shelly6123]

I’m going on a cruise out of Miami in September. This is really good information thank you. Sorry that you got scammed.

[@raisafrancisco7323]

OMG!! It is hard when you go to another city and you don’t know you ways around and depend only on a taxi driver, that on top of that, is fake. I would use Uber everywhere. I am so sorry that this happened to you in my city.

[@SharronDenise]

Thx for sharing 😮

[@BeefromSC]

Oh my, this is a very good scam to share 😮 So thankful you were not alone! But for this to happen a 2nd time, this should be reported but to who??? You can’t trust the cab services anymore 🤷🏾‍♀️ I have to share video with a friend because her husband feels safer using a taxi, instead of Uber/lift from Miami airport over the past years and probably been getting ripped off! Wondering if legit taxes display licenses in windows so customers know they’re licensed? Thanks for sharing

[@LifeWellCruised]

I think if you take a taxi from the taxi line at the airport you’ll likely get a legit taxi. Mine was just across the exit

[@madchatteress]

Regarding the idea that taxis are safer than Uber/Lyft, keep in mind that the rides with Uber/Lyft are documented in the app so there's a document trail if anything goes awry. With Taxis, there's no record or document trail of you taking a ride in a taxi. That reason alone makes me feel safer with Uber/Lyft. I've had so many questionable taxi drivers that ask inappropriate questions or made me feel uncomfortable whereas with Uber/Lyft, I've always felt comfortable and I may have done a total of 1K rides between the two apps.

[@user-bu3he9nk2h]

Same scenario happened last month when my wife & I were in Fort Lauderdale. What should have been a $15 ride (at most) from the airport to our hotel turned out to be $29 via the so called "flat rate".

[@LifeWellCruised]

Ugghh thanks for sharing

[@johnbachinski4711]

Many cabbies use creative charging practises. Always confirm the fare process before getting in. Then be prepared to challenge the driver if things go sideways.

[@jobee1]

We never use a taxi service in Florida, we’ve been scammed in Tampa and Miami. We always use Uber Black now.

[@faleciahenry9646]

Uber Black?

[@Forced2DoThis1]

I'd forgotten about that sort of thing happening in Miami and a few other places. SUCKS! You are correct for pointing out that it's not only about the amount of $ but that 'it's a safety issue as well.

[@kathybellamy5207]

We had something similar happen to us in Vegas years ago. My husband noticed and called the guy out right away. He took a photo of his ID and then said, hey, you are long hauling us. The guy tried to say, no sir, the freeway is faster and my husband said, no it’s not and you are not allowed to long-haul passengers. The driver shut off the meter and took us to our hotel. Usually, when commuting from your hotel to airport or cruise port, the concierge or desk clerk can let you know approx what the cost should be to taxi over. We have been using Uber lately taking into account surge pricing. Sometimes, the hotel will offer shuttle service.

[@fobbdeep888]

Galveston to/from the port, both ways our Uber really pushed us to cancel the ride and pay in cash. So they pretty much turn into an "independent driver" inn this case too!

[@elliottmg1]

Thanks for warning!! I really thought Airports and Hotels looked out for the customer.

[@collietackett]

So sorry to hear about those scams. Thanks for sharing this. On another note, where did you purchase your straw purse with ruffles on it? It’s so pretty.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Thank you! I got it in Barcelona

[@collietackett]

@@LifeWellCruised hoping to find something similar here in US ☺️

[@nancybogart3960]

It is really a shame that we continue to be victim's of these different ride services. Something needs to be done about this.

[@Rimxsha]

Its not ride service these are regular people who keep saying taxi on all major airports and airports also have warning signs not to take a ride with them

[@LifeWellCruised]

You’re right, but I think we just need to be aware. I’ll likely take an Uber to the port from hotel in the future

[@crystalball9482]

This happened to me in San Diego when taking taxi from cruise terminal to airport, I got into the car then noticed he didn’t put the meter down and when I confronted him he said he was charging me a flat fee that was double the price. When I asked if he was independent, he said no and that he worked for a company. I told him I wasn’t going to pay him so he could either drop me back off at the ship terminal or I would report him. So then he used the meter

[@gailabert7976]

Thank you for the video!….Did you tip these drivers?

[@heather1356]

I just flew to Fort Lauderdale for a solo cruise. Coming out of the airport, I had the same experience with a man asking if I need a taxi. I saw the taxi stand down the lane so ignored him. However, I'm pretty sure the actual taxi driver took me on a joy ride to my hotel because we seemed to do a loop around the airport and it was about $15 more expensive than I was expecting. I was on airplane mode, so I couldn't track it. The next day I ordered an uber from the hotel to port. No issues there and lesson learned :)

[@cakers511]

I live in the Ft Lauderdale area. The police have been arresting these imposters. It has been a very big problem. Obviously, the police can not be at the airport every minute of the day and night .There are many police personnel giving out tickets for first-time offenders and arresting repeat offenders.

[@LifeWellCruised]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing

[@dougowens2686]

LOL

[@sandiesnook6117]

Great video

[@girlsgonepaper6891]

Thank you!! I will be cruising into MIA, good information to have as a solo travler❤

[@girlsgonepaper6891]

I forgot to add that this happened to me coming out of the cruise port in Quebec when they're just have cars in a row cruise port is just getting people into vehicles. I was going to the train station which I could have walked to and he charged me like 25 bucks stating he didn't know how much to charge me..... This did not happen when I got my own transportation like an Uber or lyft. And then in Montreal from my hotel to the airport I was told there's a $50 flat fee I didn't care if that was true or not after 15 days I just wanted to go home.❤

[@reginaobrien8983]

Thanks for this. I usually travel solo, and this would have been upsetting. In New York where I live, taxis are closely regulated. I prefer Uber or Lyft when I’m not in NYC, but agree that sometimes the surge prices are quite high. I have experienced taxi drivers in Orlando near Disney World having the meter turned off, and sometimes even taking a very long trip to a destination, apparently to justify a high fare.

[@LifeWellCruised]

I also live somewhere that taxis are very regulated so I understand completely