Scam in MadagascarTaxis
High airport taxi quotes in Madagascar
How it works
Drivers may ask for 60,000 Ar for a journey described as costing around 40,000 Ar. A high opening quote can leave an inexperienced visitor paying more than expected.
Warning signs
- The driver asks for 60,000 Ar for the airport-to-city journey.
- The driver wants you to leave before agreeing on the total fare.
How to avoid it
- Agree on the full fare before getting in.
- Use around 40,000 Ar as a reference, rather than a guaranteed current fare.
- Compare another driver's quote if the first seems high.
- Have small notes ready so you do not depend on the driver having change.
If it happens to you
If you have not left, decline the quote and find another driver. If a dispute starts during the journey, stay calm and put your safety first.
- Move to a safe place. Do not chase a thief or let a payment dispute become physical.
- Check what is missing. If your phone was taken, use another device to secure important accounts and contact your mobile provider.
- Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer about any payments you did not authorise.
- Save receipts, booking messages, screenshots and details of the place, time and people involved.
- Report theft or fraud to the police. Ask for a report or reference number, especially if you will make an insurance claim.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate about replacement travel documents.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the high airport taxi quotes scam in Madagascar?
Drivers may ask for 60,000 Ar for a journey described as costing around 40,000 Ar. A high opening quote can leave an inexperienced visitor paying more than expected.
How can I spot it early?
The driver asks for 60,000 Ar for the airport-to-city journey. The driver wants you to leave before agreeing on the total fare.
How do I avoid high airport taxi quotes in Madagascar?
Agree on the full fare before getting in. Use around 40,000 Ar as a reference, rather than a guaranteed current fare. Compare another driver's quote if the first seems high. Have small notes ready so you do not depend on the driver having change.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If you have not left, decline the quote and find another driver. If a dispute starts during the journey, stay calm and put your safety first.
Where in Madagascar does this happen?
Ivato airport, for journeys into Antananarivo It has been reported in Antananarivo.
How much can it cost me?
Around 40,000 Ar is given as the reference fare; drivers may ask for 60,000 Ar.
How common is this scam in Madagascar?
Common. Madagascar is described as fairly safe, but pickpocketing is common in busy markets and on public transport. Visitors should also watch for high airport taxi quotes, poor currency conversion rates and unsolicited photo offers that lead to requests for money. Persistent begging happens, but asking for help is not itself a scam.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft or suspected fraud. Give the location, time, missing items and any evidence. Ask for a written report or reference number. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised transactions. Accommodation reception: ask for help finding police assistance, explaining a local payment dispute or arranging safe onward transport. Travel insurer: contact the claims service using your policy details. Keep receipts and any police report. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular assistance.
Reviewed by @snuck