Scam in FijiTaxis
Higher taxi fares without the meter in Fiji
How it works
A negotiated taxi fare can cost much more than a metered ride. Visitors who do not check normal prices may agree to an unnecessarily high fare.
Warning signs
- The taxi has a meter but it is not switched on.
- The quoted fare is much higher than your hotel advised.
- The price is still unclear when the journey starts.
How to avoid it
- Ask the driver to switch on the meter if one is fitted.
- Ask your hotel or tour guide about normal fares.
- If agreeing to a fixed fare, settle the full price before getting in.
- Compare quotes from several drivers when practical.
If it happens to you
Ask calmly for an explanation of the fare. If you feel threatened, prioritise getting somewhere safe and record the taxi details for a report.
- Get somewhere safe. If threatened, do not fight over money or belongings.
- Seek medical help promptly if you are injured or have been assaulted.
- Block stolen cards and secure any accounts accessible from a stolen phone.
- Write down what happened. Keep receipts, messages, payment records and useful identifying details.
- Report the incident to police. Ask for a report reference or written record if available.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate for help replacing it.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/Fijian2022Nadi - Getting around - Any taxi/rideshare apps?Commenters warn that taxi drivers may scam passengers unless they insist on using the meter.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/solotravel2025Is it realistic to solo travel to Fiji as an 18F?A respondent warns that some Fiji taxi drivers leave the meter off and invent an excessive fare upon arrival.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the higher taxi fares without the meter scam in Fiji?
A negotiated taxi fare can cost much more than a metered ride. Visitors who do not check normal prices may agree to an unnecessarily high fare.
How can I spot it early?
The taxi has a meter but it is not switched on. The quoted fare is much higher than your hotel advised. The price is still unclear when the journey starts.
How do I avoid higher taxi fares without the meter in Fiji?
Ask the driver to switch on the meter if one is fitted. Ask your hotel or tour guide about normal fares. If agreeing to a fixed fare, settle the full price before getting in. Compare quotes from several drivers when practical.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask calmly for an explanation of the fare. If you feel threatened, prioritise getting somewhere safe and record the taxi details for a report.
Where in Fiji does this happen?
Taxis across Fiji.
How common is this scam in Fiji?
Occasional. Tourist scams in Fiji include overpriced souvenirs, pushy sellers, misleading free offers and taxi fares that cost more than a metered ride. Pickpocketing and petty theft also occur, while more serious robbery is a concern after dark, especially in Suva and the outer suburbs of Suva and Nadi.
Who can I report it to?
Police in Nadi: there is a police station in the centre of Queens Road. Take any receipts, incident notes and identifying details you have. Local police elsewhere in Fiji: report theft, robbery, threats or assault to local police. Ask hotel staff to help you find a station if needed. Police responses can sometimes be limited. Village chief: if a small item has been taken as borrowing in a village, speak with the chief. They may help arrange its return. Card issuer or bank: use its official app or verified contact details to block stolen cards and report unauthorised payments. Travel insurer: use the claims or assistance contact in your policy. Keep receipts and any police report details. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with a stolen passport or a serious incident.
Reviewed by @snuck