Scam in JordanTaxis
A free welcome ride turns into an expensive trip in Jordan
How it works
A driver offers a short free ride as a welcome to Jordan. They then offer to wait and take you onward. They use the free ride as an excuse to leave the meter off and demand an excessive fare at the next stop.
Warning signs
- An unsolicited driver offers a free welcome ride.
- The driver offers to wait and extend the journey without a clear fare.
- The meter stays off for the paid part of the trip.
How to avoid it
- Decline unsolicited free rides.
- Agree a separate fare for any onward journey.
- Check that the meter starts before a paid ride.
If it happens to you
End the arrangement in a public place and arrange your next ride independently.
- Get to a safe, public place. Avoid physical confrontation. Call 911 if you are threatened or in immediate danger.
- Write down what happened, including the time, place, vehicle details and amount paid.
- Save receipts, screenshots, messages and booking records. Photograph relevant details only when safe.
- Contact your card issuer if your card was stolen or used without permission. Ask about freezing the card and disputing charges.
- Report theft, threats or fraud to police. Ask for a report or reference number for insurance.
- Contact the booking service, accommodation or transport platform involved. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate.
Questions
What is the a free welcome ride turns into an expensive trip scam in Jordan?
A driver offers a short free ride as a welcome to Jordan. They then offer to wait and take you onward. They use the free ride as an excuse to leave the meter off and demand an excessive fare at the next stop.
How can I spot it early?
An unsolicited driver offers a free welcome ride. The driver offers to wait and extend the journey without a clear fare. The meter stays off for the paid part of the trip.
How do I avoid a free welcome ride turns into an expensive trip in Jordan?
Decline unsolicited free rides. Agree a separate fare for any onward journey. Check that the meter starts before a paid ride.
What should I do if it happens to me?
End the arrangement in a public place and arrange your next ride independently.
Where in Jordan does this happen?
Especially between the Citadel and the Roman Theater. It has been reported in Amman.
How common is this scam in Jordan?
Occasional. Jordan is relatively safe, but tourist overcharging is common when prices are not agreed in advance. The main problems involve taxis, commission-driven recommendations and misleading offers; threats and serious cheating are rare.
Are there similar scams in Jordan?
Yes: taxi meter refusal and inflated fares, a whole-taxi price becomes a per-person price, luggage held in the taxi boot.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: call 911 for police, paramedics or firefighting in an emergency. Police: report theft, fraud or threats. Bring receipts, screenshots, vehicle details and a written account. Ask for a report or reference number. Tourist police at Petra: seek help at the tourist police kiosk at Petra. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the contact number on your card to report theft or unauthorised charges and ask about payment disputes. Ride-hailing or booking service: use the support channel linked to your trip or booking. Include the agreed price, payment record and details of any extra demand. Airport security supervisor: for disputed confiscations at Aqaba airport, calmly request a supervisor, an explanation and a written record where possible. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is lost or stolen, or you need help after a serious incident.
What number do I call in an emergency in Jordan?
Central emergency line: police, paramedics and firefighting: 911.
Reviewed by @snuck