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Common in Montenegro

Scam in MontenegroTaxis

Airport taxi price pressure and per-person fares in Montenegro

Outside Podgorica Airport's terminal and on transfers to the city centre or coast

How it works

Drivers approach arriving passengers with high quotes. A quoted fare may later be treated as a price for each passenger. Some drivers keep bargaining after passengers get into the car.

Warning signs

  • Several drivers approach you as you leave the terminal.
  • The driver will not confirm a total price for the whole car.
  • The price changes after you get in.

How to avoid it

  1. Agree on the full fare before entering the taxi.
  2. Confirm that the price covers the whole car and all passengers.
  3. For a transfer to Budva, agree on a fixed fare before departure.
  4. Compare quotes with a prearranged transfer or an app fare estimate.

If it happens to you

Restate the agreed total calmly. Keep the booking or written quote. If the situation becomes threatening, seek police help.

  1. Move somewhere safe. Avoid a confrontation or chasing a thief.
  2. Check what is missing. Freeze stolen cards and contact your card issuer about disputed payments.
  3. Save bills, receipts, booking messages and screenshots. Write down the time, place and what happened.
  4. Report theft, fraud or threats to police. Call 122 for police or 112 for an emergency.
  5. Contact your travel insurer. Ask police for a report or reference number if needed for a claim.
  6. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement-document advice.
What it can costExamples given: €12–15 from Podgorica Airport to the city centre, sometimes treated as per person; €120 or more quoted for the coast; €70–80 for hotel-arranged transfers to Kotor; €50–100 to Budva. These are reference figures, not guaranteed current fares.
Where it happensOutside Podgorica Airport's terminal and on transfers to the city centre or coastPodgorica, Budva, Kotor

What travellers report

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

More scams in MontenegroDrinks overcharging without a bill: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the airport taxi price pressure and per-person fares scam in Montenegro?

Drivers approach arriving passengers with high quotes. A quoted fare may later be treated as a price for each passenger. Some drivers keep bargaining after passengers get into the car.

How can I spot it early?

Several drivers approach you as you leave the terminal. The driver will not confirm a total price for the whole car. The price changes after you get in.

How do I avoid airport taxi price pressure and per-person fares in Montenegro?

Agree on the full fare before entering the taxi. Confirm that the price covers the whole car and all passengers. For a transfer to Budva, agree on a fixed fare before departure. Compare quotes with a prearranged transfer or an app fare estimate.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Restate the agreed total calmly. Keep the booking or written quote. If the situation becomes threatening, seek police help.

Where in Montenegro does this happen?

Outside Podgorica Airport's terminal and on transfers to the city centre or coast It has been reported in Podgorica, Budva, Kotor.

How much can it cost me?

Examples given: €12–15 from Podgorica Airport to the city centre, sometimes treated as per person; €120 or more quoted for the coast; €70–80 for hotel-arranged transfers to Kotor; €50–100 to Budva. These are reference figures, not guaranteed current fares.

How common is this scam in Montenegro?

Common. Montenegro is generally safe, but pickpocketing and persistent requests for money occur in coastal resorts. Visitors should also watch for taxi overcharging, inflated drinks bills, change disputes and counterfeit branded goods, especially in Budva.

Are there similar scams in Montenegro?

Yes: taxi meter set incorrectly.

Who can I report it to?

Police: report theft, fraud or threats. The police number is 122. Keep receipts and a clear account of what happened. Emergency services: call 112 if you are in immediate danger or need emergency help. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze a stolen card or discuss an unauthorised or disputed payment. Business manager or taxi provider: raise a disputed bill or fare with the manager, taxi company or booking service. Share your receipt and any agreed price. Travel insurer: use the claims contact in your policy. Keep receipts and any police report or reference number. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official channels if your passport is stolen.

What number do I call in an emergency in Montenegro?

Police: 122, Emergency services: 112.

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