British tourists are being warned to stay vigilant against taxi scams while travelling abroad, with reports of drivers using broken meters and inflated fares to rip off holidaymakers. The warning comes from travel money specialists FairFx, who have highlighted common tactics used by unscrupulous drivers.
According to Ian Strafford-Taylor, CEO of FairFx, holidaymakers have reported taxi and tuk-tuk drivers claiming their meter is broken before quoting an inflated price for the journey. Others have been told that their chosen destination—such as a hotel, temple, or museum—is overbooked or closed, only to be taken to a friend's lodging or attraction where the driver receives a cut. Drivers may then take a convoluted route to further hike up the fare.
To avoid falling victim, FairFx advises never hailing a taxi from the street. Instead, tourists should consult a reputable source like the airport information desk, hotel concierge, or a licensed agent. Before getting into a vehicle, travellers should confirm the meter works and know the general cost of the ride by asking the hotel or using an online fare calculator.
Strafford-Taylor also recommends having the destination address written in both English and the local language, and using apps like Google Maps or City Mapper to ensure the driver stays on course. For added safety, ride-hailing services such as Uber or Lyft can be used, with features like 'Follow My Ride' to share location with friends. Tourists are also urged to avoid unregistered taxis and consider public transport, which can be more affordable and reliable in some countries.
