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Common in Laos

Scam in LaosAirport and border

Airport taxi overcharging and false pickup claims in Laos

Wattay International Airport arrivals

How it works

Taxi touts push an expensive prepaid ride. They also claim that rideshare drivers cannot collect passengers at the airport.

Warning signs

  • A tout insists that rideshare pickup is forbidden.
  • You are pushed to pay for a ride immediately.
  • The quote is much higher than the app price.

How to avoid it

  1. Check Loca yourself before accepting a tout's claim.
  2. Arrange a pickup through your hotel.
  3. Check the airport bus information desk for available services.

If it happens to you

If you have not paid, decline and choose another service. If you paid for an unused ride, ask for a refund and keep the receipt.

  1. Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who threatens you.
  2. If you are injured or feel unwell after suspect alcohol, seek urgent medical help.
  3. Freeze stolen or affected cards. Contact your card issuer about unauthorised charges or an ATM debit without cash.
  4. Save receipts, tickets, messages and screenshots. Write down the time, location, amount and what happened.
  5. Report the incident to police when safe. Ask for a written report, especially if you need an insurance claim. Your accommodation may help with language.
  6. Contact your insurer and, for a stolen passport, detention or serious trouble, your embassy or consulate. Ask the seller or booking provider for a refund where appropriate.
What it can costIn February 2025, touts asked US$18 to the centre. Loca was around 100,000 kip, less than US$5.
Where it happensWattay International Airport arrivalsVientiane

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in LaosHigh bus-ticket markups: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the airport taxi overcharging and false pickup claims scam in Laos?

Taxi touts push an expensive prepaid ride. They also claim that rideshare drivers cannot collect passengers at the airport.

How can I spot it early?

A tout insists that rideshare pickup is forbidden. You are pushed to pay for a ride immediately. The quote is much higher than the app price.

How do I avoid airport taxi overcharging and false pickup claims in Laos?

Check Loca yourself before accepting a tout's claim. Arrange a pickup through your hotel. Check the airport bus information desk for available services.

What should I do if it happens to me?

If you have not paid, decline and choose another service. If you paid for an unused ride, ask for a refund and keep the receipt.

Where in Laos does this happen?

Wattay International Airport arrivals It has been reported in Vientiane.

How much can it cost me?

In February 2025, touts asked US$18 to the centre. Loca was around 100,000 kip, less than US$5.

How common is this scam in Laos?

Common. Laos is generally a low-crime country, but petty theft and tourist overcharging remain concerns. Watch for inflated transport fares, misleading ticket sellers, money-exchange tricks and counterfeit goods. Prices below are examples from different years, so check the full amount before paying.

Are there similar scams in Laos?

Yes: border helper selling unmade boat and hotel bookings.

Who can I report it to?

Police: report theft, threats or fraud in person when safe. Ask for a written record. Assistance may be limited, and language barriers can make reporting harder. Nearby police boxes in Vientiane: after a bag snatch, shout immediately to attract attention and alert nearby police. Card issuer and ATM bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact channel to freeze a card or dispute a transaction. For missing ATM cash, provide the location, time, amount and receipt. Hotel, transport operator or booking provider: present the receipt and booking details. Explain the difference between what was promised and delivered, and request a correction or refund. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's official consular service for a stolen passport, detention or serious difficulties. Use contact details from its official website. Travel insurer: report the loss promptly through its claims or assistance service. Keep receipts, evidence of ownership and any police report.

What number do I call in an emergency in Laos?

Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital, open 24/7: +85671254027.

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