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Occasional in Cape Verde

Scam in Cape VerdeTaxis

Illegal taxis and fare overcharging in Cape Verde

Praia.

How it works

Illegal taxis sometimes operate in Praia and may charge too much. An unclear fare can leave you facing an unexpected bill at the end of the ride.

Warning signs

  • The driver will not give you a clear fare before departure.
  • The requested fare is much higher than the stated route benchmarks.
  • You cannot confirm the driver or vehicle details.

How to avoid it

  1. Confirm the full fare before getting in.
  2. Use Taxi Seguro to see the fare, driver and vehicle details before confirming a ride.
  3. Check whether an evening fare applies.
  4. Keep a record of the agreed fare and vehicle details.

If it happens to you

If it is safe, refer to the agreed fare or booking details and ask the driver to explain the difference. Avoid a confrontation. Record the vehicle details and report suspected fraud to police.

  1. Get to a safe, public place. Do not chase a thief or confront anyone who threatens you.
  2. If you are in immediate danger, call police on 132. If you are injured, seek medical help.
  3. Freeze stolen cards and contact your card issuer. Report any unauthorised payments promptly.
  4. Write down what happened. Save receipts, booking details, payment records and any vehicle details you already have.
  5. Report the incident to police and ask for a report reference or written copy. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen.
  6. Contact your insurer and secure any affected accounts. If your phone was stolen, use its remote lock feature and contact your mobile provider.
What it can costFare benchmarks, not scam losses: Praia airport to Plateau is listed at 500 CVE, or 800 CVE after 18:00. Trips between the city's furthest points should not exceed 1,500 CVE by day or 1,800 CVE at night.
Where it happensPraia.Praia

What travellers report

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

More scams in Cape VerdePickpocketing in crowds: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the illegal taxis and fare overcharging scam in Cape Verde?

Illegal taxis sometimes operate in Praia and may charge too much. An unclear fare can leave you facing an unexpected bill at the end of the ride.

How can I spot it early?

The driver will not give you a clear fare before departure. The requested fare is much higher than the stated route benchmarks. You cannot confirm the driver or vehicle details.

How do I avoid illegal taxis and fare overcharging in Cape Verde?

Confirm the full fare before getting in. Use Taxi Seguro to see the fare, driver and vehicle details before confirming a ride. Check whether an evening fare applies. Keep a record of the agreed fare and vehicle details.

What should I do if it happens to me?

If it is safe, refer to the agreed fare or booking details and ask the driver to explain the difference. Avoid a confrontation. Record the vehicle details and report suspected fraud to police.

Where in Cape Verde does this happen?

Praia. It has been reported in Praia.

How much can it cost me?

Fare benchmarks, not scam losses: Praia airport to Plateau is listed at 500 CVE, or 800 CVE after 18:00. Trips between the city's furthest points should not exceed 1,500 CVE by day or 1,800 CVE at night.

How common is this scam in Cape Verde?

Occasional. Pickpocketing and purse snatching are quite common in Cape Verde, especially in Praia, Mindelo, Sal and Boa Vista. Visitors should also watch for taxi overcharging and robberies on beaches or when walking alone at night.

Who can I report it to?

Police: call 132 for an emergency. In Praia, police stations are located in various parts of the city. Report theft, robbery or suspected fraud and request a report reference. Polícia Judiciária: the contact number listed for Praia is 800 11 34. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service listed in your policy. Keep police records, receipts and other evidence.

What number do I call in an emergency in Cape Verde?

Police / emergency: 132, Hospital — listed for Praia: 130, Fire brigade — listed for Praia: 131, Polícia Judiciária — listed for Praia: 800 11 34.

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