Scam in KuwaitTaxis
Airport taxi demands above the printed fare in Kuwait
How it works
Airport taxis display fixed fares inside the vehicle. Some drivers demand more than the printed fare.
Warning signs
- The driver's quote is higher than the displayed fare.
- The driver dismisses the printed price.
- The driver avoids confirming the fare before departure.
How to avoid it
- Read the printed fare before the taxi leaves.
- Confirm the charge for your destination.
- Choose another taxi if the driver will not honour the displayed fare.
If it happens to you
Refer to the printed fare and the price agreed before departure. Keep a record of the vehicle and payment if you need to report the dispute.
- Move to a safe place. Avoid threats or a physical confrontation. Call 112 if you face immediate danger.
- Write down what happened, including the time, location, agreed price and amount paid.
- Save receipts, messages, booking details and any vehicle information you can record safely.
- Contact your card issuer promptly if a card was stolen or used without permission. Ask it to block the card and explain your dispute options.
- Report suspected fraud or theft to the police. For a shop's refusal to provide a required return or exchange, call the Consumer Protection Department on 135.
- Contact your embassy if your passport was stolen or you need consular help. Keep report details for any insurance claim.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the airport taxi demands above the printed fare scam in Kuwait?
Airport taxis display fixed fares inside the vehicle. Some drivers demand more than the printed fare.
How can I spot it early?
The driver's quote is higher than the displayed fare. The driver dismisses the printed price. The driver avoids confirming the fare before departure.
How do I avoid airport taxi demands above the printed fare in Kuwait?
Read the printed fare before the taxi leaves. Confirm the charge for your destination. Choose another taxi if the driver will not honour the displayed fare.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Refer to the printed fare and the price agreed before departure. Keep a record of the vehicle and payment if you need to report the dispute.
Where in Kuwait does this happen?
The airport taxi ramp at Kuwait International Airport It has been reported in Kuwait City.
How common is this scam in Kuwait?
Common. Kuwait has low crime levels and is generally safe for visitors. The main scam risk described here is taxi overcharging, including inflated starting prices and demands for more money on arrival. Check exchange rates and be alert to old Kuwaiti banknotes offered outside the country.
Are there similar scams in Kuwait?
Yes: inflated taxi fares and unused meters, extra taxi charges on arrival, shared-taxi overcharging.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report suspected fraud, theft or threats. Call 112 for an emergency; for a non-urgent report, seek help at a police station. Consumer Protection Department: call 135 if you believe a shop is refusing the required return or exchange. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to report a stolen card, unauthorised payment or disputed charge. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with a stolen passport or other consular needs. Taxi company or booking service: if you booked the ride, report the fare dispute through the company's official contact channel or the booking app. Include the trip details and agreed fare.
What number do I call in an emergency in Kuwait?
Police, fire and ambulance: 112.
Reviewed by @snuck