Scam in Saudi ArabiaTaxis
Airport taxi touts and fare switching in Saudi Arabia
How it works
A private driver approaches you and offers a ride. You agree on a price, but the driver later claims you agreed to a higher amount. You may feel pressured to settle somewhere between the two prices.
Warning signs
- A driver approaches you after customs instead of waiting at the official taxi rank.
- The driver gives a price but will not clearly confirm the total.
- The driver later claims you misheard the agreed fare.
How to avoid it
- Ignore airport touts and go to the official taxi rank.
- Use Uber or Careem as an alternative.
- If taking a private driver, clearly confirm the full fare before entering the car.
- Consider a hotel limousine if your hotel offers one.
If it happens to you
Calmly restate the agreed fare and show any written confirmation. If you feel threatened, move to a staffed public place and ask for help. Keep the driver's details and any payment record.
- Move to a safe, staffed public place. Avoid an argument if you feel threatened.
- Save receipts, booking details, messages and any agreed price. Note the time, location and vehicle details.
- If your card or card details were taken, freeze the card and contact your card issuer immediately.
- Report theft, threats or fraud to the police. Ask for a report reference or a copy of the report.
- Report an app-booked ride through the app. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen or you need help.
Questions
What is the airport taxi touts and fare switching scam in Saudi Arabia?
A private driver approaches you and offers a ride. You agree on a price, but the driver later claims you agreed to a higher amount. You may feel pressured to settle somewhere between the two prices.
How can I spot it early?
A driver approaches you after customs instead of waiting at the official taxi rank. The driver gives a price but will not clearly confirm the total. The driver later claims you misheard the agreed fare.
How do I avoid airport taxi touts and fare switching in Saudi Arabia?
Ignore airport touts and go to the official taxi rank. Use Uber or Careem as an alternative. If taking a private driver, clearly confirm the full fare before entering the car. Consider a hotel limousine if your hotel offers one.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Calmly restate the agreed fare and show any written confirmation. If you feel threatened, move to a staffed public place and ask for help. Keep the driver's details and any payment record.
Where in Saudi Arabia does this happen?
Inside and outside the terminal at King Khaled International Airport, especially after customs. It has been reported in Riyadh.
How much can it cost me?
The example given is an agreed SR80 fare later claimed to be SR180, with the passenger settling at SR120.
How common is this scam in Saudi Arabia?
Common. Saudi Arabia has a low crime rate, and visitors are unlikely to encounter crime. The main scam described here is a private airport driver changing an agreed fare in Riyadh. Watch for drivers approaching you after customs and confirm the full price before getting in.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, fraud or threats. Bring any receipts, messages, vehicle details and a clear account of what happened. Ride-hailing provider: for a ride booked through an app, use its help or support section and select the relevant trip. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised charges. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help.
Reviewed by @snuck