Inflated taxi and rickshaw fares in Pakistan

Drivers quote a high price or leave the fare unclear until you arrive. Many taxis and rickshaws have no meter. In Lahore, drivers may charge more when you are clearly foreign or do not speak Punjabi or Urdu. A higher night fare alone does not mean you are being scammed.

The driver wants to leave before agreeing the total fare. There is no meter and the price is unclear. The quote is much higher than other drivers' quotes.

Agree the destination and total fare before getting in. Compare quotes and walk away if the price is too high. Ask a trusted local to help negotiate. For a Lahore airport taxi, confirm that the agreed fare includes the airport carpark exit charge.

Calmly repeat the agreed fare. If the dispute becomes threatening, move to a staffed public place and ask for help.

Airports, street pickup points, and trips where no fare has been agreed. Night fares can be higher around Jinnah Super (F-7) in Islamabad. It has been reported in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore.

Reference fares, not scam losses: Islamabad airport to the city about US$15 and around Rs 200 per sector within the city, both quoted for 2025. Karachi cross-city taxi trips: Rs 1,000–1,500. Lahore airport to Gulberg: around Rs 600; to the old city: Rs 800–1,000, including the Rs 50 carpark exit charge. These are reference figures, not guaranteed current prices.

Common. The main tourist traps in Pakistan are inflated taxi and rickshaw fares, higher shopping prices for foreigners, and pressure from airport touts. Other risks include poor-quality goods sold at high prices, refilled water bottles, pickpockets in crowded parts of Lahore, and bag snatching in Karachi. Agree prices early, check what you buy, and keep your cash and phone secure.

Police: report theft, threats, or fraud at a police station. Ask for a written report or reference number. For emergencies, police helpline 15 is listed; the country-wide instructions specify calling from a landline. Airport staff: for a porter dispute or pressure from touts, seek help at a staffed airport desk. Give the location and explain what was agreed or paid. Card issuer or bank: use your bank's app or official contact number to freeze missing cards and report disputed payments. Embassy or consulate: use its official emergency contact details for passport loss, serious threats, or difficulty obtaining help. Keep these details available before travelling. Insurer or booking provider: contact the provider through its official support channel. Keep receipts, evidence, and any police report for a claim or payment dispute.

Police; country-wide instructions specify a landline: 15, Ambulance; landline or mobile: 115, Ambulance and emergency rescue; Rescue 1122: 1122, Police rescue from a cellphone in Faisalabad only: 911.