How to Avoid Taxi Scams (AKA: “Sorry, My Meter Is Broken” and Other Tales of Woe)
- Gigi Goes
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
If you’ve traveled for more than five minutes, you’ve probably met that taxi driver. The one who smiles warmly, helps with your bag… and then, somewhere between your hotel and your sanity, suddenly announces: “Sorry, meter broken.” Ah yes. The international phrase meaning: Prepare your wallet, you sad adventurer.
But fear not. Here are the tricks I use to avoid taxi scams in an attempt to keep both my money and my dignity intact.
1. Always Check the Meter the Second You Get In
Do not settle your cute self into that seat until you see numbers glowing. If the driver says “meter later,” just smile sweetly and say, “No meter, no ride,” and lift one leg back out the door like a graceful flamingo mid-escape.
If the meter isn’t starting: leave. There will always be another taxi. Truly. They will multiply before your very eyes.
2. Know What the Trip Should Cost
Before you hop in, quickly check:
Google Maps
Uber/Grab/Bolt
Your hotel front desk
That one expat on Reddit who knows everything
This gives you a ballpark number, so you’re not surprised by a $50 “special tourist rate.”
3. Take a Photo of the Taxi Number
Right as you shut the door. You don’t even have to be subtle: take it like you’re paparazzi and that taxi is Pedro Pascal. Drivers behave better when they know you can report them.
4. Agree on a Price Only If You Have To
Some places don’t do meters at all. Fine. But if you do need to agree on a price, say it out loud twice: “20 lira total? Not per person?”
Drivers love adding “per person” like it’s a seasoning.
5. Watch the Route Like You’re Tracking Your Pizza Delivery
Open your map and glance at it every so often. Not with suspicion, more like curiosity, joy, and a sprinkle of “please don’t take me on a scenic loop around the moon.”
If they start circling like a confused shark, kindly (but firmly) remind them which road you prefer.
6. Have Small Bills Ready
If you hand over a large bill, some drivers will attempt the classic “I don't have change” routine. Avoid this by handing exact change if possible.
7. If the Meter Suddenly “Breaks”…
Here are your options:
Option A: Say, “I’ll get out here,” and leave. Even if you’re in the middle of the street pretending you meant to stop here anyway.
Option B: Say, “Please turn the meter back on. Sometimes it “magically” starts working again.
Option C: Agree on a firm price before continuing, but only if you’re desperate (rainstorm, luggage, airport situation, etc.).
8. Use a Ride App When Possible
Uber, Bolt, BiTaksi, Grab or whatever exists locally. It’s not scam-proof, but it gives you:
a set fare
a driver profile
a route
a receipt
These are all things scammers dislike.
I recently had not one but two Uber drivers scam me for more money than I should have paid. Long story short, I reported it to Uber and got the extra amount back.
9. If Something Feels Off… You’re Probably Right
Trust your gut. If the vibe is “hmm,” just cancel the ride before it starts. Travel is supposed to be fun, not a high-stakes negotiation while clinging to a door handle.
Bonus tip:
If you’re in a country where traffic laws are more like… suggestions, choose an older taxi driver.
They’ve survived decades of chaos on these roads and are very interested in continuing that streak. They likely have grandkids, a garden, or at least a beloved cat waiting for them at home. They’re not about to risk all that by drag-racing through the city just to get to their next customer.
Final Thoughts
Most taxi drivers are wonderful humans doing honest work. Truly. But the few who aren’t? They’re the reason this blog post exists. Even then, in many countries, scamming is seen almost as part of the culture. It's just business, baby.
So, keep your eyes open, your bills small, and your exit strategy ready. And remember: you’re allowed to get out of a taxi anytime you feel uncomfortable.
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