Scam in GreeceTaxis
Inflated fixed taxi fare in Greece
How it works
A driver offers a very high fixed price for a short journey instead of charging the meter fare. An example is €20 for a short trip. Some airport journeys have legitimate fixed fares, so a fixed price alone is not proof of fraud.
Warning signs
- A driver at a tourist spot quotes a large sum for a short ride.
- The driver refuses a metered fare for an ordinary city trip.
How to avoid it
- Find another taxi if the quote seems excessive.
- Insist on the meter for ordinary city journeys.
- Confirm whether a legitimate fixed fare applies before leaving.
If it happens to you
Keep the receipt and number plate. Report suspected overcharging to the tourist police on 171.
- Get to a safe public place. Avoid confronting thieves or anyone threatening you. Call 112 if there is immediate danger.
- Check what is missing. Freeze stolen cards and contact your card issuer about disputed payments.
- Save evidence. Keep receipts, bills, booking details and payment records. Write down the time, place and descriptions.
- Report the incident to police. For taxi fare fraud, keep the number plate and receipt and contact the tourist police on 171.
- If your passport or identity document is missing, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement guidance.
- Contact your insurer if you have cover. Keep the police report reference and copies of any supporting documents.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/GreeceTravel2024Was I fooled by this taxi driver? Paid 160 EurosA traveller reports paying €160 after being approached by a taxi driver for an Athens airport-to-Piraeus journey.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/GreeceTravel2026Taxi scamsA visitor reports being charged above the airport flat fare in Athens and above an agreed quotation for a Heraklion airport transfer.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the inflated fixed taxi fare scam in Greece?
A driver offers a very high fixed price for a short journey instead of charging the meter fare. An example is €20 for a short trip. Some airport journeys have legitimate fixed fares, so a fixed price alone is not proof of fraud.
How can I spot it early?
A driver at a tourist spot quotes a large sum for a short ride. The driver refuses a metered fare for an ordinary city trip.
How do I avoid inflated fixed taxi fare in Greece?
Find another taxi if the quote seems excessive. Insist on the meter for ordinary city journeys. Confirm whether a legitimate fixed fare applies before leaving.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep the receipt and number plate. Report suspected overcharging to the tourist police on 171.
Where in Greece does this happen?
Busy tourist locations in Athens. It has been reported in Athens.
How much can it cost me?
€20 for a short trip is given as an example of an inflated fare.
How common is this scam in Greece?
Occasional. Greece is generally safe, with low rates of theft and violent crime, but travellers can still face scams and overcharging. Watch for friendly strangers leading you to expensive bars, taxi fare tricks, counterfeit goods and notes, and theft in crowded places.
Are there similar scams in Greece?
Yes: unregulated airport taxis and double-fare claims, wrong taxi meter rate and extra charges, charging one travelling group several taxi fares.
Who can I report it to?
Tourist police: call 171 to report taxi fare fraud. Give the number plate and receipt details. Kavala also has a Tourist Police Station on Omonia Street. Police: call 100 for police assistance. Report theft, threats, counterfeit money or fake police approaches, and ask for a report reference. Emergency services: call 112 for an emergency requiring police, ambulance or fire services. The call is free. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze missing cards and report disputed payments. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if identity documents are stolen or you need consular help. If detained, ask to speak to your consulate. Travel insurer: use the claims contact in your policy. Provide the police report reference, receipts and payment records where available.
What number do I call in an emergency in Greece?
Emergency services: police, ambulance and fire: 112, Police: 100, Tourist police: taxi fare fraud reports: 171, Ambulance: 166, Fire: 199, Coast Guard: 108.
Reviewed by @snuck