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Common in Bangladesh

Scam in BangladeshBuses and trains

Inflated fares and avoiding the meter in Bangladesh

Rickshaws, auto-rickshaws and taxis, especially in Chittagong.

How it works

A driver quotes an inflated fare before the journey. In Chittagong, some drivers quote tourists ten times the going price. In Dhaka, CNG drivers may avoid using the meter and ask you to negotiate instead. Cycle rickshaws do not have meters, so agreeing a fare is normal.

Warning signs

  • The driver wants to leave before agreeing a fare.
  • A metered vehicle's driver will not use the meter.
  • The quote is much higher than other drivers' quotes.

How to avoid it

  1. Agree the full fare or meter use before boarding.
  2. If the quote seems high, walk a short distance and ask another driver.
  3. Confirm that the driver understands your destination.
  4. Ask a local what a reasonable fare should be.

If it happens to you

Before departure, decline the ride and find another driver if you cannot agree a fair price.

  1. Move to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or continue an argument that feels threatening.
  2. Call 999 for an emergency involving police, fire or an ambulance. Seek urgent medical help if you suspect drugging.
  3. Write down what happened, including the time, place, agreed price and vehicle licence plate if known. Save receipts and screenshots.
  4. Freeze missing payment cards and contact your card issuer. Secure accounts on a stolen phone when possible.
  5. Report the incident to police. Ask for a report or reference number and keep a copy.
  6. Contact your insurer and, if your passport is missing or you need consular help, your embassy or consulate.
What it can costSome Chittagong drivers quote ten times the going price. Listed fare guides include Tk20–100 for a cycle-rickshaw journey of a few kilometres in Chittagong and Tk150–200 for an 8 km CNG ride from Old Dhaka to Gulshan. These are reference figures, not guaranteed current fares.
Where it happensRickshaws, auto-rickshaws and taxis, especially in Chittagong.Dhaka, Chittagong

What travellers report

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

More scams in BangladeshSmall tourist markups in shops: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the inflated fares and avoiding the meter scam in Bangladesh?

A driver quotes an inflated fare before the journey. In Chittagong, some drivers quote tourists ten times the going price. In Dhaka, CNG drivers may avoid using the meter and ask you to negotiate instead. Cycle rickshaws do not have meters, so agreeing a fare is normal.

How can I spot it early?

The driver wants to leave before agreeing a fare. A metered vehicle's driver will not use the meter. The quote is much higher than other drivers' quotes.

How do I avoid inflated fares and avoiding the meter in Bangladesh?

Agree the full fare or meter use before boarding. If the quote seems high, walk a short distance and ask another driver. Confirm that the driver understands your destination. Ask a local what a reasonable fare should be.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Before departure, decline the ride and find another driver if you cannot agree a fair price.

Where in Bangladesh does this happen?

Rickshaws, auto-rickshaws and taxis, especially in Chittagong. It has been reported in Dhaka, Chittagong.

How much can it cost me?

Some Chittagong drivers quote ten times the going price. Listed fare guides include Tk20–100 for a cycle-rickshaw journey of a few kilometres in Chittagong and Tk150–200 for an 8 km CNG ride from Old Dhaka to Gulshan. These are reference figures, not guaranteed current fares.

How common is this scam in Bangladesh?

Common. Transport overcharging is a key scam risk in Bangladesh, especially in Chittagong. Other problems include small tourist markups, airport bribe demands, pickpocketing and bag theft. Most people are friendly, but take extra care with strangers' offers and late-night transport.

Are there similar scams in Bangladesh?

Yes: extra money demanded on arrival, taking a longer route.

Who can I report it to?

Police, fire or ambulance: dial 999 from a Bangladeshi mobile phone number or landline for an emergency. Local police: report theft, threats, extortion or fraud. Provide the location, time, description and any receipts or vehicle details. Ask for a report or reference number. Khulna Metropolitan Police Control Room: the listed local number is 20220. For an emergency, use 999. Card issuer or bank: use the official app or published contact number to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular assistance. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service. Keep police reports, receipts and other evidence.

What number do I call in an emergency in Bangladesh?

Police, fire and ambulance: 999.

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