Travelers reveal the worlds top taxi-scam hotspots — and the US ranks high on list

Now, travelers have been sharing the countries where you’ll need your wits about you when you hail a cab, and a new study has analyzed their comments to produce a list of the world’s most talked-about taxi-scam hot spots, along with the most common cons.

The research, by travel insurer AllClear, examined over 450 posts and 30,000 comments about taxi scams on Reddit to identify the countries that attract the most complaints. And the United States makes the top 10, coming in at No. 9.

However, it’s Turkey that leads, and by a wide margin, generating 4,224 comments on Reddit threads discussing taxi scams — nearly twice as many as No. 2 India (2,301).

Rounding out the top 10 are Thailand (No.3/2,169), Vietnam (No.4/1,741), Egypt (No.5/1,715), Australia (No.6/1,598), Mexico (No.7/1,397), Morocco (No.8/1,329), the U.S. (No.9/1,283), and Canada (No.10/995).

The rest of the table comprises France (No.11/957), Colombia (No.12/924), the Philippines (No.13/840), Italy (No.14/832), and Norway (No.15, 799).

The study found a common thread: airports. Nearly a third of all the Reddit posts analyzed mentioned an airport in the title. And it also uncovered anever-endingstream of advice from conned travelers keen to help others avoid having a similar experience of their own.

The researchers distilled this guidance to identify the most prevalent taxiscamstravelers should watch out for when heading abroad:

1. Not switching the meter on

In very touristy areas, or late at night, travelerscanexperience unexpectedly high quotes for short trips. The most commonreasonthis happens is that travelers get into unmeteredtaxis ordo not research the local fare rates before their trip.Always ask the driver to agree to a flat fare before getting into thevehicle orask them to turn the meter on. Ifyou’rein doubt about how much a trip should cost,referto the local taxi rates to try and work it outbeforehand.

2. Using your luggage to speed up payment

In busy areas, some taxi drivers may take your luggageinto the trunkto rush you intodeciding, especially if youhaven’talready agreed on the fare. Ifyou’retrying to hail a taxi in a busy area, oryou’relining up for one outside an airport, try to remain calm and keep one hand on your luggage while you confirm the fare orask ifthey’rehappy to use the meter.

3. Claiming to have abroken card machine

One of the most common occurrences seems to be taxi drivers claiming their card machine is broken, says All Clear.They may do thistoget you to round up if theydon’thave change, or simply becausethey’recharging a higher fare than they should.Credit and debit card machines can break, or occasionally not work if the signal is low, but a genuine driver should allow you to go to a nearby ATM to get the right amount of cash if theydon’thavechange andprovide a receipt even if you do pay cash.

4. Detours

One of the most common taxiswindlesRedditors discuss, says All Clear, involves taking long detours, avoiding fasterroadsor missing turns to increase the fare.Track your route using your GPS so you cankeepa feeling of orientation and understanding about where you are. Mistakes can happen, so be polite and simply ask your driver if you thinkthey’vegone the wrong way according to your map.

5. Unofficial airport taxi ranks

Airports can beremarkably busyplaces, particularly at arrivals. Because of the increased demand, this is often the part of a trip wheremanypeople fall victim to taxiscams.Research the airport in advance and find out if ride hailing apps like Uber, Lyft or Grab are allowed. If they are, there will sometimes be a stand for you to waitforthem. If not, try to look for an official airport taxi rank using signage, or asking an employee – and be wary of people offering you “line-jump” offers by approaching you in the line.

Letitia Smith, head of communications atAllClear, said:“Exciting adventures are waiting for travelers all around the world, but unfortunatelyscamsare still a travel risk. While taxis can feel preferable to trying to navigate foreign public transport systems, they are also one of theplaceswhere travelers can fall victim to scamming.

“The results of our research show that taxiscamscan happen anywhere and at any time, particularly if a visitor looks like they may be unfamiliar with local pricing. To protect yourself when taking taxis abroad,it’simportant to always check what the local rate is, or what the fare should be before you get into the vehicle, and if ascamhappens then do report it to theappropriate governingbody.

“Remember your travel insurance too, so it can help you travel with confidence, and protect you from other unexpected events on your travels.”

The 15 countries most talked about for taxi scams on Reddit