Not knowing the currency, customs, or local language means that travelers can be easy prey for defrauders.
For example, airport taxi drivers have been known to steal stuff from unsuspecting tourists, provide incorrect change, take longer routes, add additional fees, and overcharge passengers.
Here, our Tampa airport transportation services provider discusses 4 common airport taxi scams and how to avoid them.
1. Sleight of hand
Some drivers swap out bills that you hand over (especially for tourists who aren’t familiar with the currency) and say you gave a smaller bill instead of the larger one you used. If you’re not familiar with the currency, hand over bills one at a time.
2. No change
Someone driving around the entire day should have sufficient cash to offer change for large bills. While forking more than a $100 bill for a $10 ride is one thing, if the driver says he doesn’t have change for $20, something is wrong. In most cases, they’re seeking a higher tip. To avoid this petty trick, request the driver to wait, step out of the vehicle, and seek out change (while your luggage is being unloaded). Don’t argue over price while your luggage is still seated inside the car or in the trunk.
3. Scenic route
If you have a smartphone, monitoring your route in a mapping app as you go is a smart move. While construction work, traffic congestion, or highway design can make a circuitous route the best choice, there are certain occasions when a driver knows that out-of-towners may have no idea if they’re being taken for a ride.
If a driver asks how long you’re in town, it’s wise to say you’re familiar with the city or you’ve been there for a while. This may prevent them from beefing up the meter by taking you on a roundabout drive. Don’t say that you’re leaving town soon, which doesn’t leave a lot of time for you to pursue action if they take advantage of you.
4. Broken machines
Before closing the door, double-check the credit card machine (if you’re planning to pay that way) and the meter. In certain cases, rides are already priced at a flat rate. However, in other cases, if the driver says the machine or meter is broken, it’s easier for the driver to cheat you once you arrive. Drivers hate paying fees charged by credit cards, which is why their machine often ‘breaks’ once you arrive, leaving you looking for an ATM if you don’t have much cash on you. If meters are indeed broken or not present due to some reason, establishing a price before darting off makes a lot of sense.
TPA Shuttles’ Orlando Airport shuttle services help you avoid taxi scams
At TPA Shuttles, our Tampa airport shuttle to hotels ensures you don’t have to deal with fraudulent taxi drivers.
Get in touch with us now for more information on our Orlando airport transportation services!
