Tourists heading on autumn and winter city breaks have been issued a warning to stay alert when taking taxis abroad, amid growing reports of scams that could leave passengers paying double for their journey.
Holidaymakers arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris are particularly at risk, where some taxi drivers have been accused of overcharging unsuspecting tourists.
According to recent reports circulating on TikTok, some drivers approach travellers at the airport arrivals gate, offering rides into the Paris city centre for as much as €120 – almost double the usual €62 fare.
As the holiday season approaches, travel experts are advising tourists to be cautious and avoid accepting rides from drivers who approach them directly.
Specialist taxi insurance broker ChoiceQuote recommends booking transport through reputable companies to avoid falling victim to such scams.
“It’s best to arrange your own transport with a reliable service provider,” a ChoiceQuote spokesperson advised.
“While it can be difficult to identify trusted local taxi companies, doing your research before arriving at your destination can help prevent overcharging.”
Tourists can also seek advice from airport information desks or hotel receptions, which typically have recommendations for trusted taxi services.
If arranging transport on the spot, it’s crucial to ensure the taxi has proper branding and licences displayed on the exterior, as unlicensed vehicles are more likely to engage in fraudulent activities.
To steer clear of being overcharged, travellers are advised to always confirm the fare with the driver before starting their journey.
This can prevent any surprise fees at the end of the trip.
Additionally, having your destination written in the local language can avoid misunderstandings, especially in non-English-speaking countries.
A common scam reported in various tourist hotspots involves drivers intentionally taking longer routes in metered taxis, charging passengers more for a trip than necessary.
Tourists, unfamiliar with local streets, are often easy targets.
To counter this, passengers should track their journey on a GPS or map app to ensure the driver is taking the most efficient route.
Another scam involves overcharging through credit card payments.
Some tourists have reported being “accidentally” charged hundreds of euros instead of the correct fare.
To avoid this, travellers should carefully inspect the card machine before completing any transaction and always review the final amount.
Travel experts stress that while taxi scams can happen anywhere, being aware and taking simple precautions can help ensure a smooth and fair ride.
“Always be alert and never hesitate to ask for assistance or clarification if something feels off,” suggested ChoiceQuote.
“Your holiday should be about enjoying the experience, not worrying about being scammed.”