Top 5 AIRPORT SCAMS to Look Out for in 2024 (#3 is EVERYWHERE!)

These are the top 5 MUST-KNOW airport scams from around the world. From the notorious Classic Fake Taxi Scam to the sneaky Taxi Swap Scam, we've got real-life examples and red flags to watch out for the next time you travel. I'll also share my experience getting scammed at the Paris Airport (CDG) and a warning to anyone planning to visit Mexico... especially if you are flying into Cancun Airport.
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00:00 Airport Taxi Scams in 2024
00:20 Airport scam #1
01:05 I was scammed in Paris
02:08 MUST-KNOW for Paris Airport (CDG)
02:31 Airport scam #2
03:32 Airport scam #3
04:11 Airport scam #4
05:13 Warning for Mexico travel
05:55 Airport scam #5
06:47 When scams get dangerous...
07:01 Do THIS to avoid scams

[@PortableProfessional]

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[@power4things]

Rule no 1: Nobody helps you at the airport. Airline staff, shop workers, police, anybody hardly offers help, why does a stranger?

[@ESUSAMEX]

When I was living in Mexico, a taxi driver tried to charge me double because he thought I was a tourist who did not speak Spanish. I already knew that the price goes up after midnight, but I did not expect him to jack up the price way higher. Upon hearing the price, I told him in fluent Mexican Spanish what I really thought of his price. He was shocked that I spoke Spanish and that I knew how much the price really was. He also was shocked I was willing to walk the few blocks to my home in the rain. He gave me the ride as at discount because I was going past his own home and it was his last ride of the night.

[@joyceb5864]

In booking a trip to Cancun, I asked the Resort if they had a shuttle and since they didn't, they recommended a shuttle service. I booked the shuttle they recommended and found them to be excellent. The driver emailed me a picture of him holding a sign, so when I arrived, I had no problem picking him out in the crowd at the taxis & shuttles.

[@gruncletim]

That's what I do if I'm not able to access decent public transit from the airport. I either take the hotel shuttle, or arrange transport through the hotel. I did this on a visit to Medellin, Colombia and it worked out perfectly, as the international airport is about a 30-minute ride outside of the city, and the only public transit is a bus that had only one drop off location in the city. Uber was available, unofficially, but did require the rider to walk off the airport property to the pickup location. Uber wasn't allowed on the airport property at the time.

[@supersweet131]

This happened to me and my four children in São Paulo Brazil… I was terrified bc we could’ve been taken anywhere with my four children. And he drove us through some seriously sketchy areas. By the time we got to our accommodation, the owner of the property was there to meet us. He was so upset with the taxi driver, and refused to let me pay anything more than what he thought was a fair rate. honestly, I would’ve paid anything just to get myself and my children out of that vehicle. And now, we are extremely careful when it comes to international taxi scams.

[@mamanothing9506]

In some airports such as Punta Cana- ignore those people that call out to you that they are the ones that are picking you up to take you to a resort or hotel. They will see the airline tag on your luggage that you just got from the carousel and then shout out that airline. Example- if luggage tag has Air Canada, they will yell "Air Canada you are with me". Do not fall for it! Honestly, book private transportation to pick you up and then back to airport. It's safer. Blessings!

[@marceld6061]

Your last tip was my favourite. Taking a picture of the licence plate and, if they have one posted, their taxi operator licence too. If they question you about it I would say, "I plan on taking a lot of taxi rides during my trip and I want to ask for you by name."

[@ADAtrips]

This was my fav too, I am going to start usuing your words and say I am a youtuber. (Its the truth ). 🌴🌴Aloha

[@sexygeek8996]

The long-hauling scam, where the driver takes a longer route than necessary to run up the fare, was very common in Las Vegas until they switched to flat-rate pricing between the airport and the strip. I'm sure it still happens on other routes or when the driver thinks the customer is unaware of the pricing.

[@SteveTheHappyKat]

Very good info! Here's a pro tip I've learned while visiting over 30 countries. Many major hotels, especially those that cater to business or tourist resorts, offer a hotel shuttle (in a vehicle branded for the hotel) or have an agreement with a reputable ride service. The shuttle or service may be free or may require payment, which could be lower, the same as, or higher than a standard taxi. The hotel will have a vested interest in providing a safe and convenient ride to their guests, so the risk of scams will be greatly reduced. When I book my hotels, I always inquire about ride service from the airport. The hotel staff will have good info about safe transportation options to and from their location.

[@johnross8614]

I actually had the exact opposite of a scam on my recent trips to Brazil to get my teeth done!! My Dentist actually set me up with a driver at a set reasonable price and I felt I could trust her because I found her through another friend that lived in the same city. I was nervous because I had never been to Brazil and didn’t know what to expect especially since it’s a 2 hour drive to the city the dentist is in. My first time there ( I actually had to go twice to do implants) I was the most nervous as I never travel. But as soon as I got off the plane and hit the airport WiFi there was a message that he was outside. He sent me his picture and I described what I was wearing. He met me and said he didn’t really speak English and i nodded its ok. When I got in the car there was another gentleman in the passenger seat and inside I panicked a little remembering movies about Americans getting kidnapped. The other gentleman spoke fluent English and he told me his friend the driver asked him to come along since he doesn’t speak English and could translate. After a few minutes on the road I was completely comfortable and the three of us had a great conversation about different things and it was the most pleasant ride I ever had in a similar situation. I told the driver through his friend that I really appreciated him going to this much trouble to please a customer. When he dropped me off at my hotel I gave him a little more than he asked for. Because that is what I believe in doing when someone goes above and beyond. I used the same driver for all my trips and he had a surprise request for my final trip. Could he bring his son with him as he is learning English and thought speaking with me might help him. It was a blast and allot of fun. I highly recommend anyone traveling anywhere that you aren’t familiar with if possible to find someone that you know and trust in that place to make arrangements for you to avoid taxi scams. I realize I was very lucky but even if it’s a friend of a friend of a friend it’s still better than going it alone.

[@leslie-annepepin8927]

We booked a driver from Paris airport to our hotel via Air Canada Vacations. Absolutely no issues. And we had wonderful service at that airport. Beijing is one to be careful. We almost got caught there! Daughter was smart enough to get in first to see if she could open the door from inside. She couldn’t. So I got her out, got our luggage and returned to the airport. We found a legitimate taxi after that!!

[@ADAtrips]

Wow! I would not thought of that. I will check the locks from here on. 🌴🌴Aloha

[@randomllama7362]

We fell for a taxi scam in Beijing- in the years before cellphones. The driver refused to let us off in front of our hotel. All we had was a card with the address, in Chinese, which we don’t read or speak. I am sure we overpaid and I remember praying for protection the whole way. When we finally got to our hotel, the concierge helped us find a tour driver who spoke our language who took us everywhere we wanted to go for the rest of our trip, including to the acrobatic circus. It was a once in a lifetime trip for us and turned out pretty great once we got past that first sketchy ride from the airport.

[@jochen1730]

It happens in the States too! My recent trip to NYC required wheelchair assistance from the airlines. The attendant tried steering me to the taxi stand instead of the Curb app ride I scheduled. The other time my flight was delayed and I end up early morning in Denver Airport. My scheduled shuutle services stopped running at that time. And my phone was out of battery. I had a verbal agreement with the cab driver for the cash price since I knew I had enough cash in my wallet and my car at home. But once we got to my home, he demanded more money. I had to call the police to settle the argument.

[@lewisbyrd7547]

And makes us to know what happened did they get your money back from cab number one or were you just out tonight?

[@jochen1730]

The cab company offered a FIVE dollars discount if I use their services next time. You all know I would not use it at all! No words if the driver would be reprimanded or any consequences at all!

[@alltogethernow121]

My favorite thing to do is to mention that I work for the US government. They often ask what I do and I answer, "Sorry that's a secret I can't talk about." So the driver might think I'm a spy or CIA or something... always leave some kind of doubt in the taxi drivers mind if you can... Another is to mention the president of the country by name, or some high-up official, saying you have an appointment with them tomorrow.

[@letterbox203]

Lol, nice strategy

[@ADAtrips]

Thats smart... 🌴🌴Aloha

[@rebeccagutierrez1960]

...or pretend to be talking to some high police official on the phone about how you are going to arrest some knuckle head tommorrow. Always leave the doubt in their head.😂

[@letterbox203]

@@rebeccagutierrez1960 😂

[@Ali-vn9tz]

Or if you are an east asian, dressed up to look like a North Korean government official. Better if you can make yourself looks like Kim Jong Un himself. Then carry a small box that fits in your palm with a dubious red button with a nuclear emblem sticker on the side. Then you can tell the taxi driver whatever story you want while tapping your finger lightly on the red button. Probably will get yourself to your destination in record time and for free too. Errr.. if not at the nearest local police station. 🤣🤣🤣

[@joeconrad3828]

Have avoided taxis all my life, unless it was absolutely necessary, so I’ve learned to love flying into cities with excellent train service direct from the terminal. It always mystified me why “my” airport-Dulles-didn’t have a train. They finally linked it to the DC Metro system in late 2022 after I’ve spent my life paying to leave my car in the lots. Maddening.

[@classics39]

Same here....

[@robinloboda6800]

I have traveled most of Europe and the only place we got scammed was in Paris when our small tour group had to be split into a second van. He started taking us all over Paris. Luckily the Tour Leader spoke French and argued with the driver and we finally arrived at the hotel. She only paid him what the ride should have cost and threatened to call the police on him so he left.

[@thedavidguy01]

My way to avoid taxi scams is to avoid taxis whenever possible. The taxi scams are not limited to the airport. Whenever possible I use public transit, a major ride service or airport shuttles.

[@ADAtrips]

I find Uber ect is also good. The $$ is in your control. 🌴🌴Aloha

[@trickygoose2]

After an incident in Budapest in 1998 I learnt never to flag down or walk up to a random taxi when abroad. Instead I would ask hotel, restaurant or bar staff to order a taxi for me (this was pre-Uber).

[@thedavidguy01]

@@trickygoose2 Good advice. Unfortunately there are many dishonest taxi drivers, including those in the US.

[@brentsummers7377]

Yep! Taxis and rental cars are best avoided if possible. Even when you're not being scammed they are expensive.

[@gingereaves4097]

@@thedavidguy01 I don't travel a lot because of my health, but I won't even take a taxi in my city. Ever since a teenager was murdered by a taxi driver, I have not felt safe. Maybe I am over reacting, but I get a friend to take me to the airport (and take them out to eat when I return or leave my car at the airport.

[@jimsizzles]

almost fell for one of these 11 years ago in Cancun, however it was on the way BACK to the airport. There were 8 of us and we had prebooked a private shuttle. Upon landing we found it and got to the resort no problems. But on our return to the airport a shuttle pulled up and tried to say they were ours and some of the people even started to put their luggage in the back before I stopped them and asked the driver WHAT was the name of the company and his name...he stammered and the others took their bags away and in about 10 minutes our actual shuttle showed up. Never would have thought they'd just pull up to a resort hoping to scam someone like that.

[@iamanovercomer3253]

You are VERY FORTUNATE that the " fake taxi " was just that, not a kidnapper bringing to a human trafficker ‼️

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

I’ve also had the situation where a guy with my name on a board stood in a restricted area as I arrived in Cambodia. Turned out he’d copied my name from the genuine guy waiting outside. He claimed he’d never received the pre-payment…

[@howcotube]

Thank you for that important information. I think you maybe the only one on KZbin with this extensive list of Taxi Scams. I travel to London a lot and had used a company called Viator and they have a shared van service from Heathrow to London and it is reasonable and mostly it is only us that is aboard. Lately I use Heathrow Express or now the Elizabeth line which is cheaper and takes no time to get to central London. Best of luck on travel everyone !!

[@EXREPUBLICAN]

Years ago in Vegas, the cab driver loaded my luggage into the trunk and proceeded to load the cab with two additional passengers. I protested, but he said he didn't understand English. I got out of the cab and started screaming for my luggage. He opened the trunk and I got the luggage. Next cab took me straight to my hotel without problems...

[@user-kc1tf7zm3b]

0:20 Women most definitely want to avoid the ‘Fake Taxi’ scam at all costs. 🚕

[@letterbox203]

Thanks Megan for these great warnings. Almost makes you want to stay home

[@marcielston3019]

I got stuck in the 'drive the long route' scam in Boston. On one when I recognized we were going the other way past the place where I was picked up, I got out and fled at a red light. Good thing I didn't have luggage.

[@ESUSAMEX]

I was told it was a flat fee to get to the Las Vegas airport, but when I got in the car, I noticed that the driver had a meter running. I told the driver very directly that I was only paying the flat rate, he quickly turned off the meter. Of course, it helped that I am a guy and I did not have luggage in the trunk. I only gave him the fee and left. I wasn't going tip anyone trying charge me more.

[@tammypearson4500]

Happy New Year, Megan! We experienced these taxi scams in Jamaica and Mexico (Cozumel). Ugh! Thank you for your platform for warning others. Wish I'd known before we spent double the $.

[@gruncletim]

In regards to Paris, I have found it is much easier, and much cheaper to take the RER train (line B) from the airport into the city to Gare du Nord, then switch over to the metro to get as close to my hotel as possible. It might take a little longer sometimes, and you may have to deal with crowded trains, but with a bit of preplanning, you can easily avoid the taxis.

[@elliswashington1659]

Oh, believe me, this is definitely a worldwide problem. I was scammed in both Seoul, South Korea and Dubai, UAE. Both times I was approached by someone inside the airport offering taxi services. I got a little suspicious when the driver took me into a parking garage in Dubai (big red flag). It was his personal vehicle. I was charged the equivalent of around $130 for a trip that should have costed around $40. Similarly, in Seoul, I was also charged 4 times the usual price. I did not initially think this was a problem because the hotel where I would be staying was charging about the same for limousine service from the airport to the hotel. But, that limousine service offered by the hotel was for a BMW 7 series. This guy was driving a non luxury vehicle. I was in total shock when I booked a taxi back to the airport on departure day and found out that I was overcharged by more than $80 when I arrived. Leason learned, don't accept rides from random people inside the airport. You will get taken to the cleaners.

[@Laura-kb5sr]

Yeah, I forget where it was, but a random stranger took us out of line at the taxi line to around the corner where he called a friend-taxi-driver to drive us. I don't think he overcharged, was just trying to get around the system for some reason we couldn't discern...but in hindsight, we shouldn't have gotten in the car (how safe is something unofficial like that?!).

[@michelleheslep8877]

We had a Rome taxi driver drive us a super long route that may have been walked quicker to where we were going and then when payed he held a a 10 bill saying it should be a 20 when we know we gave him a 20... total was like 40 for the ride. Count out money if paying cash when you hand it to them so they can't play switch the bill.

[@PortableProfessional]

Something else to look out for! Thanks for sharing!

[@ali94777]

If did happen to me in instanbul i give 50 lira and he say it is 5 after exchanged it quickly

[@patrickpepper412]

Great video Megan, I had a taxi driver that took an extra long route to my hotel in Thailand. She told me it was going to be a shortcut, but doubled the fare when we arrived at the hotel.

[@PortableProfessional]

Thanks, Patrick! Safe travels!

[@WATCH-IT-BUSTER]

If you ever have trouble in Thailand, you can call the TOURIST POLICE at 1155.

[@patrickpepper412]

@@WATCH-IT-BUSTER I will keep that in mind when I return in August

[@jolimiller1268]

Scary stuff out there, but thank you for all your info. When we travel " local" to a US airport, we have been using Uber with much success. However even many years ago in San Juan PR ,before Uber, the taxi driver did take an "extended" route which cost a pretty penny. Always be aware! Thank you Megan

[@brandyward9677]

Hi Megan, I was going down the KZbin rabbit hole and came across a video where the flight attendent put snacks on the floor during take off as it rolled down the isle. Then she rolled down cans of soda. With everything you say about the floors, I was so disgusted that she put that on that filthy floor with the bottoms of everyone's shoes were on. YUCK!!! NO 5 SECOND RULE. NOT EVEN 1 SECOND.😮

[@Canleaf08]

In Berlin, there is the scam that scammers try to sell fake BVG tickets... It is also about transit. Always buy your fare / transit cards from official resources or ticket machines. Not from strangers.

[@drewmcclintock7034]

duh

[@lostcarpark]

I think the first rule on avoiding taxi scams is to check if a taxi is the best way from the airport you are flying to. Most major European cities have a metro or train to the city that is often faster, and always much cheaper than a taxi. Even if you end up taking a taxi to your hotel when you reach the city, is usually much harder for taxi scams to target short city journeys than airport arrivals.

[@PortableProfessional]

So true! Safe travels, James!

[@MiaHessMusic]

Thank you Megan. Your channel is great!

[@PortableProfessional]

Glad you think so!

[@custodiaewald2689]

Great tips. Thank you!

[@mrgee7059]

Great info! Very helpful recommendations.

[@PortableProfessional]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JOSEAVI001]

If you arrive to Cancun airport and wanna go to Playa del Carmen or other cities of Riviera Maya; you better use the local bus line (called ADO), you can find them oustide the airport gates, go directly to the bus line box office or chck on-line .

[@davidj7516]

Thank you for your time and posting. So sad there are so many unethical people. Everywhere.

[@kenbrien4978]

In recent years, when I am flying into an airport, I go online ahead of time to see if there are public transit options from the airport. For example, on a recent flight into Minneapolis, I discovered that I could take a light rail train from the airport to my hotel downtown for just $2.00 US. At Pearson airport in Toronto, there is a train that goes downtown for about $12.00 Canadian.

[@shirleymancino6809]

Or you can take the Red Rocket (bus) to the subway right to downtown for about $2.50 very quick and convenient especially in bad weather or heavy vehicular traffic

[@Canleaf08]

​@@shirleymancino6809 The red rocket is the line 900 between Kipling station and YYZ airport, if you are talking about Toronto.

[@SkiBumMSP]

Same thing in Atlanta. You can take the MARTA from the airport right into downtown and it is only $2.50 per ride.

[@drphibesrises]

Great information! It could really spoil your trip. Thanks and stay safe 😁

[@HR-wd6cw]

If your hotel or destination (after arriving at the airport) is within 2-3 miles, most major hotels will offer airport shuttles. Sometimes there is a fee but these tend to be far cheaper than a regular taxis and less stressful. Most of the ones I've used around areas like Las Vegas have been free. The only downside is you may have to wait 30 minutes to an hour for them to arrive. Some may have to call ahead of time or when you get your bag so you can meet them outside but look into this ahead of time, as it could save you some money, stress, and even time. Also if you're going to say the car rental center, if it's not part of the airport, most airports (at least in the US) have a shuttle service or tram taht is free that goes to the rental car center (which could be a mile or a few away from the airport). Take advantage of this too if you can (but this is really only true if the rental center is "part" of the airport -- meaning associated with it -- if you use an independent rental service -- such as a private one or a regional one -- that's different). In the US though, a lot of airports do advise passengers NOT to use random taxies at the airport and that it is unlawful for Taxi services to solicit rides at the airport. I believe they are still allowed to wait outside in designated Taxi areas so this doesn't stop the questionable cab drivers from doing this too, but for me, I always find other means of getting to/from the airport without the need of a Taxi and usually opt for a shuttle offered by the hotel instead even if it means waiting 30 minutes. I also make it a point to call the hotel directly and schedule this, not use an app or website. The other thing is that many large cities (like Chicago) have public transport from the airports to downtown. It's not always that fast (as it can take upwards of an hour to get from Chicago's O'hare airport to downtown) but this literally costs a few dollars each way and is relatively safe means of travel (yes you do run into strange people on the trains but issues are not that common given the number of people who ride these trains to/from the city and in general).

[@kentfrederick8929]

My wife had a business trip to Athens. The cab driver offered to take her back to the airport for her return, for no more than the price to the hotel. She walked out of the lobby about 5 minutes before the scheduled pick-up, 5:30am. He was there. And the ride was a few Euros cheaper, because traffic was lighter. Very unexpected.

[@allyson1691]

Yes as much as there are scammers there are also so many good people in the world too

[@toniroma141]

Great info

[@letterbox203]

These cabs drivers know every scam.in the book so it's hard to avoid . It's their craft. We are just lucky to escape their grasp. Last time I was in Panama City, I asked a local on the street to help me hail a taxi agreeing to pay for her efforts. She spoke the language, knew the local rates, and destinations so we were lucky.

[@peterreston6478]

Beware of taxis in Seattle. I tried three Yellow cabs at King Street station and all three drivers quoted a high fare to my hotel which was only a mile away. I ended up walking. I was later told by a local that everybody uses Uber in Seattle because of taxi scams. The following day I had to take a Yellow Cab that the hotel called. The driver refused to turn on his meter and demanded an inflated fare for a short trip to Pier 66.

[@jacqueeph8832]

On a recent trip to Warsaw Poland, a friend and I missed connecting with our Uber coming out of the train station and decided to take a taxi from a taxi stand in the parking lot of the station. His meter registered a fee that was 6 times what the Uber would have been. It never occurred to us that they might not have been real taxis.

[@jeffreywagner5234]

Wow! Great video… I wasn’t aware of some of these things. Thank you!!! ✈️✈️

[@PortableProfessional]

You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed!

[@dianamourer5244]

Great information! Thank you!

[@PortableProfessional]

You are so welcome, Diana! Thanks for watching!

[@BobSmith-rf3ph]

I've always kinda checked out the flat rate ahead of travel & used that info to gauge the validity - the thing to also remember is that you're actually more likely to fall victim to this on the return leg, as the taxis tend to be under less scrutiny than they are at the airport.

[@magietagie]

Great video and great info!

[@PortableProfessional]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@toddboothbee1361]

Beware of Asheville, NC! My hotel was less than a block from airport, but was charged $50. Driver said it was for him putting my small book bag into the trunk. Hard lesson for a poor country boy.

[@happycook6737]

Use Google maps to locate your hotel from the airport. Then look for public transit.

[@petertarantelli]

Hi Megan, good to see you! I hope you had a safe and happy Holiday Season. The scams you’re talking about make me think of the movie “Taken” with Liam Neeson, which incidentally takes place in Paris. Question, do most hotels in foreign country have airport shuttles like the U.S. or is that not a thing? Great tips and sorry you had to deal with it personally but, never again, and hopefully this video will prevent it from happening to others. Thanks 🤗

[@birdee18]

I stayed overnight at a Hilton hotel in Rome, and there was a hotel shuttle that picked us up from the airport and brought us back the next morning.

[@ADAtrips]

I love that movie. I need a friend like Liam. 🌴🌴Aloha

[@OtterHillDesigns]

I’ve been a victim of #1 in NYC/Newark and #2 in Nice. So frustrating but lesson learned.

[@user-xs4sp2oi2k]

Watch out at Penn Station in New York City. The real taxis line up and so do the customers waiting for them. If people come up to you saying they’ll give you a ride DON’T use them. Stick with the wait in line actual yellow cabs.

[@hump1953]

Good to know , thank you

[@PortableProfessional]

No problem! Happy travels!

[@kryssygee4814]

Thank you!! Also beware of people who are “pushy helpful” you as you get out of a cab and want to wheel your luggage for you at a busy train station like in Naples… there will be some kind of a charge…

[@happycook6737]

Or they will simply steal your entire suitcase by running off with it (India).

[@bangalorebobbel]

Information is key - just do your proper research about the tariffs, before you travel first time to a new destination. And I would also suggest to contact (after your research, of course) your hotel about shuttle service options - many hotels offer airport pickup/drop services, sometimes even for free resp. already included in the room rate. It is sometimes even described in their booking page as one of the services, so also here, information and proper research is key.

[@PortableProfessional]

Some good advice here! Thanks!

[@monicaperman6412]

Thank you for this video was really interesting ,and help a lot God bessing you 🇬🇧🙏👍

[@PortableProfessional]

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful!

[@I.l0v3.c4ts.s0.much_]

hi Megan!! do you think you could do a video about traveling with school? I'm going to Athens in a school trip in March and I'd LOVE if you do one, love you!

[@907T]

Cancun is a melee. After a couple calls I finally got resort’s van to pick me up. Patience pays and make sure your phone will work at you destination. It’s a great idea to take and send photos.

[@PortableProfessional]

Thanks for watching!

[@chriscollis3508]

I was scammed in CapeTown by an "official taxi" with the use of a terminal that had the most left hand side digit of the display was inactivated so the fare that appeared 950 Rand was high but within reason for the time of night while the amount punched in was 9950 Rand, 10x that amount. Since I had used my PIN VISA Security said "sorry, you approved it" so there was no recourse.

[@paullewis2413]

I was “slightly” scammed in Budapest years ago, however the charge wasn’t that high so I wasn’t very concerned about it. My regular long haul these days is to LHR and I’ve a very reliable taxi company who meets me, great to have this service.

[@LeslieB-ln2yu]

Hi Megan, are you familiar with the European taxi app NOW? We were told about it in Rome last summer. Only used it once for a ride back to the airport at the end of our stay as we needed to leave really early the next morning. Made arrangement the night before and our taxi picked us up right on time. Wonder if you, or anyone else, knew much about it. Thanks.

[@brentsummers7377]

Great video, so many ways for tired & jet lagged passengers to get scammed. I could fall for scams like these so I always try to use public transport to get into cities. For example train from CDG to Gare du Nord, Air Train in Sydney, Piccadilly Line Tube in London, Train & light rail to get from Brisbane to Surfers Paradise. Everything can be researched online before you leave home.

[@arrivedp]

Thanks!

[@PortableProfessional]

No problem! Hope you found it helpful!

[@doodles3075]

We always book pre Ezyshuttle when we fly into CDG airport to go to Disneyland Paris. They stand with a sign with your name on as soon as you land. I'd rather be safe than sorry, when it comes to my children

[@linebrunelle1004]

here's a scam I witnessed in the Canadian Rockies . a tour guide with a private van was stopped in a parking lot view point, no cell service. Tourists were crying, visibly upset. As a tour guide myself, I approached what seemed to be the only person who spoke English. She said their private tour guide demanded more money to take them to their hotel, 70 kms away or he was dropping them off in the woods. I told the guide I have a Satellite phone and I'm calling the police and my boss who would report him to the authorities. I also made followed them to Laje Louise to their hotel and confirmed the police were there . What a piece of work that guy was, taking advantage of tourists just because he spoke their language, being from their country originally.

[@tonyraph4938]

Your absolutely right about official taxi workers at Cancun. My second time flying in one of them was claiming to try and help me to find my driver. I told her I was all set and walked away to call my driver to find him. Oddly she kept following me around and I kept moving around out front of the meeting area to avoid her but she wouldn’t let me out of her sight. I’m pretty sure she was hoping to steel me away from my booked ride. Also anyone who thinks speaking fluent Spanish will spare you needs to realize they’ll try to scam you regardless if you’re a foreigner or Mexican.

[@Ron-oe7hg]

Always pay the driver AFTER you get your luggage. I ALWAYS use the hotel shuttle service.

[@timmackey2896]

I have been driving around bangkok for about 1 month of every year since 2003, I am also a map geek, probably knew my way around almost as many locals, many Thai do not traverse other parts of the city that are not on their daily commute. Now that your phone can take your location and show you the shortest route to your destination and track it in real time there is no excuse for falling for the shortcut scam.

[@deadwalking100]

Its such a shame having to be so aware of these things. As traveling is stressful enough these days let along being aware of all the scams. So truly appreciate that you share your experiences and knowledge, for the benefit of all. 2024 Arrived in Cancun airport. Lack of research, regarding the layout. Met up with my brother, headed out the door…cut long story short we had booked a pickup but we actually were in the wrong place! All the while people were being picked up; so we felt we were in the right place…. but no numbered signs as per email, so we waited like a couple of numpties. A nice kind “helpful”young man commiserated with us...however he said why wait, why don't you take a taxi? We said no we will wait, and we waited for some considerable time…. and he kept coming back, he did say we were in the right place, but they had not put back the signs since painting. Finally we did ask some other people, and were directed to a completely different part of the airport where we were thankfully picked up. So beware !

[@rickr327]

I got scammed in the Orlando FL airport. While I was waiting for my luggage a guy asked me if I needed a taxi. It turned out to be a regular car and the driver had a meter app on his phone and the fare was 4 times what my friends paid for Uber.

[@formerlyknownashammerofthegods]

In some countries even Uber is somewhat compromised as in Panama, the Uber app gives you a PIN to confirm the driver.

[@mikehunt5637]

I used an airport ride service from the Manchester airport to Barnsley and along the way asked the driver if he could stop at an ATM as I hadn't exchanged any money yet and wanted to leave him a tip as he was really friendly and he was like nope, thanks, but no need to tip, so we didn't stop and I didn't tip him, but after he said that I really just wanted to tip him that much more.

[@denismoreau3646]

Taxi scams are one of the dreadful things after flying from different destinations. Just want to get to the hotel but always face the overcharging fare . Now they’ve gotten smarter from years back. Years ago they’d tell you a certain price which was always overpriced but had no proof of that price for the vacationer to refer to, but now the’ve come out with a price list of what they think is reasonable which is always three or four times the normal price. That just totally pisses me off. Just arrived to the country your visiting and get hit with a scam after a long flight doesn’t leave a good thoughts about the people or the place your at. I can understand trying to make a little more but most of these scams are just dishonest and not thinking of future repercussions to there reputations of the people and there country. 😊

[@davidsavage6227]

I fell for a fake taxi in Rome. About double what normal rates, now I know!

[@Laura-kb5sr]

Always check what a taxi ride should cost, and if you're planning a few different taxi trips, keep track of them! And if you go to a taxi kiosk where you don't speak the language 100% fluently, ask to see the price (through gestures, learn "please show me," etc.) before paying and don't give an overly large bill to get change. I was at a major bus terminal abroad and overpaid with a number that sounded similar to the correct price, and when I then showed the stub, the guy shrugged and denied having taken more money. I was still drowsy from Dramamine and had mixed up what I thought the fare should be with what I expected for a longer trip we were taking, which is why I gave a large bill to begin with. It was the only time I got scammed in that country.

[@karenvannasdall]

Baltimore Cruise Port. The fare is posted to the airport and train station, but several “official” looking taxis show up and will charge double. Take pictures of the car, driver and license plate AFTER your luggage is out of the taxi.

[@larrypicard8802]

Mexico City has great taxi service. You go to an official kiosk, show them where you are going and they give you a ticket which you present to your taxi driver. I believe you also prepay, it's been a long time. I never use taxis in the US, always Lyft or Uber.

[@terry4801]

Yes, the Mexico City Airport taxis are safe and I have no hesitation about taking one whenever I am in the city, (3 times now). When in Mexico City, travellers should only hail the pink and white CDMX taxis and not the mauve and yellow ones.

[@xinhi1447]

Maybe the safest way is to look for friends to pick u up.. iff u cant find friends better look for other countries to go or have someone give u instructions to the country u want to visit

[@ramonperez8821]

Beautiful

[@TCSGaming-qj2sw]

I would take the train to and from the airport whenever I can (EX: Vancouver, Tokyo, and Ottawa).

[@mesenteria]

Scams work because people want to default to speed, convenience, ease, and stress reduction. If you are vigilant, and not in a hurry, and look for cues, and don't mind waiting your turn in a lineup outside the baggage claim, you'll get an airporter or a legitimate taxi.

[@laphim3999]

Or stay put where you live😂🤣🤣 very good info🙏👍

[@philipbuckley759]

I try to walk, out of the airport, to find a taxi.....which is not always possible....so I will end up paying the inflated rate thinking this is life, get used to it....

[@gabrielleperson4794]

In Warsaw, Poland, use Ele Taxi. That's the one our hotel got for me when I left my phone on the plane. (I did get it back.) They were reasonable and we used them the rest of our time in Warsaw.

[@carolinejohnson22]

I had to get a taxi to Gothenburg airport one time and my friend said it should be 100krona. When approaching the airport the driver said there is a special price for tourists. I said no there isnt and gave him 100SKrona and told him he should be reported to the police 😅 He was quite shocked 😂😂

[@bassmonk2920]

How about every marked upped food item for sale in a airport..

[@keight007]

Public transport is most always available to and from major airports. Much better way to beat the scams

[@PortableProfessional]

True! Safe travels!

[@rebeccagutierrez1960]

On my last trip to Europe (in Madrid) I lead the taxi driver using my own app that showed me the quickest route, so as he drove I aggressively and kindly would let him know that I had used this route before. He believed me. I however, had NEVER even been to the location. Easy peazy. I was laughing after I paid and got out of his vehicle.😂

[@thegeneral123]

One person tried to scam me on my return trip to the UK outside JFK Terminal 4. I was gathering my bags ready to head into the airport and a guy appeared with a trolley and tried to take my bags for $14 to take to the check in. I said "hell no" and he moved on immediately. What a scam, I'd used Google Maps and the airport map so I knew I only had about 100 yards to walk and there were luggage trolleys you could pay to use (for much less) only feet away. I just rolled my bags in and sat down. I will note that I find it very surprising that there's nothing to do, no where to eat, no where to sit at JFK when you're waiting for check in to open. I'm just glad that the airport staff were not appearing like magic to ask people not to sit on the floor like everywhere else in NYC.

[@daylightdaylight6612]

There are fake taxi's at the Brussels South train station in Belgium. In short avoid completly the Brussels South train station, it is a very dangerous place, it is possible that you are robbed a second time on the way to the police to declare you have been robbed for the first time. Brussels is a dangerous city with many scam, not only taxi scals but also in restaurants

[@motoracerchris]

I was scammed at the Medellin airport. It’s best to walk all the way to the taxi stand outside. There is an ATM inside the terminal.

[@jeffrosati2570]

Just takes awareness and common sense.

[@AlanLe2024]

Once in Turkey a taxi driver try charge me extra 50 euro for the traffic but by now I guess you heard all sort

[@wberckmann]

Always do your research ahead of time for your destination! I go to Paris frequently and I never take taxis or Ubers. You can either take the RER (local train) into the city and it links up to the Metro system at no additional charge, or you can take a bus directly to one of several stops offered by the Air France bus. Each of these cost roughly the same. From the bus, you'll need to take the metro or a local bus to your hotel at minimal cost. The total cost is approximately ⅓ the price of a taxi and there's no possibility for a scam. From the airport, you can purchase a Passe Navigo Découverte for a week's transportation on all public transit, including the trip from the airport! Look up how to do this on the web, you won't regret it!

[@0AmyK0]

I got driven around Miami and couldn't get out of the cab. I was on the phone with my husband and the cab company and the police were called. The driver went on the highway and took me north towards Ft. Lauderdale. I finally slapped the driver and screamed at him to pull over or I would get us in wreck if I had to. I took pictures of him, the cab, and told him to put my luggage on the sidewalk and drive away.

[@dickginkowski6071]

Helpful video. Moral; avoid taxis.

[@bigbrowntau]

Unfortunately taxi scams are getting worse in many places. Cebu in the Philippines used to be largely free of these, but recently I've noticed about half the drivers have tried something. I'm a big guy, always travel with a single bag, and can speak enough of the local language to tell them to put their meter on, so I avoid most of the scams, but having to sit there with a map app open all the time is annoying. The airport has a yellow taxi rank with accredited taxi drivers, but it runs at about a 20% premium. Still, given the currency exchange, it's worth it for the peace of mind.