Scam in LithuaniaTaxis
Higher fares for street-hailed taxis in Lithuania
How it works
A taxi taken from the street may charge more than one booked by phone or app. In Vilnius, the fare may be twice as much. A longer route alone does not prove a scam: city traffic restrictions can require detours.
Warning signs
- You are taking a taxi directly from the street without comparing the booking price.
- In Vilnius, the taxi lacks a yellow plate beginning with T followed by five numbers.
- In Vilnius, the roof sign, displayed price list or driver's taxi-operator licence is missing.
How to avoid it
- Book by phone or app.
- Check the displayed tariff before setting off.
- In Vilnius, check the plate, roof sign and displayed licence.
- You can call the number on a parked taxi and ask the dispatcher to book a pickup.
If it happens to you
Ask for a receipt and an explanation of the fare. Keep the booking details and vehicle registration. Raise a fare dispute with the operator or booking service.
- Move to a safe, public place. Do not chase a thief or continue a confrontation.
- If there is immediate danger, injury or an urgent need for police, call 112.
- Block stolen cards through your card issuer. Lock a stolen phone remotely and secure affected accounts.
- Save receipts, booking records, messages, photos and vehicle or seller details. Write down the time and location.
- Report theft or suspected fraud to police. Ask for a report reference, and contact the operator or seller about any payment dispute.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about replacement documents.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/Vilnius2023Visiting Vilnius for the first timeA respondent warns that taxis taken directly from Vilnius Airport can charge substantially inflated fares compared with Uber or Bolt.Read on Reddit
- Government adviceSafe Travels to Vilnius – Essential Information & Tips | Go VilniusVilnius’s official tourism body identifies inflated taxi prices as a common scam and recommends booking through Uber or Bolt.Read on Government advice
- Government adviceSafety and security - Lithuania travel advice - GOV.UKUK travel advice recommends recognised taxi apps or telephone bookings with registered metered taxis and checking that the meter is running to prevent fare disputes.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the higher fares for street-hailed taxis scam in Lithuania?
A taxi taken from the street may charge more than one booked by phone or app. In Vilnius, the fare may be twice as much. A longer route alone does not prove a scam: city traffic restrictions can require detours.
How can I spot it early?
You are taking a taxi directly from the street without comparing the booking price. In Vilnius, the taxi lacks a yellow plate beginning with T followed by five numbers. In Vilnius, the roof sign, displayed price list or driver's taxi-operator licence is missing.
How do I avoid higher fares for street-hailed taxis in Lithuania?
Book by phone or app. Check the displayed tariff before setting off. In Vilnius, check the plate, roof sign and displayed licence. You can call the number on a parked taxi and ask the dispatcher to book a pickup.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask for a receipt and an explanation of the fare. Keep the booking details and vehicle registration. Raise a fare dispute with the operator or booking service.
Where in Lithuania does this happen?
Street-hailed taxis across Lithuania, with a specific warning about higher fares in Vilnius. It has been reported in Vilnius.
How much can it cost me?
In Vilnius, street taxis may charge twice as much as taxis booked by phone or app.
How common is this scam in Lithuania?
Occasional. Lithuania is generally safe, and taxi rip-offs are uncommon. The main concerns are theft, higher street-taxi fares, approaches from street sellers or donation collectors, and counterfeit goods.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 112 for an emergency. For a non-urgent theft or fraud report, contact police or visit a police station. Keep a copy or reference for the report. Taxi operator or booking service: use the contact details on the vehicle or the support option in your booking app. Provide the trip record, fare, receipt and vehicle registration. Card issuer: use your banking app or your issuer's official contact number to block a missing card and report unauthorised payments. Embassy or consulate: use your government's official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: contact the claims service shown in your policy. Keep police records, receipts and evidence of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in Lithuania?
Police, ambulance, fire and other urgent rescue services: 112, Non-urgent medical information and first-aid advice: 113.
Reviewed by @snuck