.1. Long Hauling – Basically the taxi driver knows you’re a tourist and takes you on a scenic route instead of the more direct route (without telling you).
2. Taxi driver asks if you want to take the freeway (highway) or streets (local) – This is a trick question and is mostly common in Las Vegas, but could be applicable in many parts of the world. Hint: The freeway is almost always the most expensive option, so know your geography.
3. Fake bill switch – Basically you hand over the driver a large note, $100 or $50 and the taxi driver pulls a fast one on you. Afterwards, he will tell you that you handed him a fake.
4. Surcharges – The driver may add a surcharge to your fare and give you a BS reason for it
5. Turbo meter – Basically the driver has installed a device in his taxi which speeds up the meter faster than usual, thus increasing the cost of your taxi
6. Giving you a high fare quote – This is common in Latin America where fares are negotiated before getting into the vehicle.
7. Telling you a certain road is closed – The driver tells you the main road is closed and you must go the “long way”.
8. The taxi driver picks up his phone and calls someone – This is a clear sign that a scam is going on.
9. The driver picks someone up – This is a clear sign something bad is going to happen.
10. No Change – The driver tells you he doesn’t have any change.
Continue to How to Avoid and Deal with Taxi Scams.
Good post Tim. Two things come to mind. Surcharge-I can recall using it to my benefit. I have told the fare that I am supposed to charge one but I don't like the surchare sometimes, not always, but it increases my tip. Road being closed therefore must go another way. I recall once that there was a traffic jam on the Howard on ramp to I-275 going to the airport. The fare told me that I wasn't going to pull a fast one on him. Told me to use I-275 Howard on ramp. Ha, ha works for me we sat there for close to a hour with the meter running. Not all driver lie, I didn't Larry 157
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