Scam in KuwaitTaxis
Inflated taxi fares and unused meters in Kuwait
How it works
The meter is covered, missing, described as broken or simply ignored. The driver asks for a high negotiated fare. Inexperienced visitors can pay two to five times the standard rate. Hotel taxis also charge higher prices, so a higher quote alone does not prove a scam.
Warning signs
- The driver will not use the meter or agree on a total fare.
- The opening quote is much higher than other quotes for the same journey.
- The price remains unclear as you prepare to board.
How to avoid it
- Agree on the total fare before boarding.
- Compare another taxi quote if the price seems high.
- Use Careem or book through a reputable taxi company.
- For a day hire, agree on the fare beforehand.
If it happens to you
Stay calm and refer to the agreed fare. If you have not started the trip, leave and choose another taxi.
- Move to a safe place. Avoid threats or a physical confrontation. Call 112 if you face immediate danger.
- Write down what happened, including the time, location, agreed price and amount paid.
- Save receipts, messages, booking details and any vehicle information you can record safely.
- Contact your card issuer promptly if a card was stolen or used without permission. Ask it to block the card and explain your dispute options.
- Report suspected fraud or theft to the police. For a shop's refusal to provide a required return or exchange, call the Consumer Protection Department on 135.
- Contact your embassy if your passport was stolen or you need consular help. Keep report details for any insurance claim.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/Kuwait2021Official Taxis Fees?Passengers report drivers ignoring meters, quoting inflated fares, and allegedly using meters that accumulate charges unusually quickly.Read on Reddit
- News2023Students’ confusion and struggles with public transport in KuwaitStudents report inconsistent taxi charges and demands for additional money blamed on malfunctioning meters, while a driver acknowledges some meters are modified to increase fares.Read on News
- Government adviceTravel advice and advisories for KuwaitCanada warns that Kuwait taxi drivers may not use meters and advises travellers to use official taxis and confirm fares beforehand.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the inflated taxi fares and unused meters scam in Kuwait?
The meter is covered, missing, described as broken or simply ignored. The driver asks for a high negotiated fare. Inexperienced visitors can pay two to five times the standard rate. Hotel taxis also charge higher prices, so a higher quote alone does not prove a scam.
How can I spot it early?
The driver will not use the meter or agree on a total fare. The opening quote is much higher than other quotes for the same journey. The price remains unclear as you prepare to board.
How do I avoid inflated taxi fares and unused meters in Kuwait?
Agree on the total fare before boarding. Compare another taxi quote if the price seems high. Use Careem or book through a reputable taxi company. For a day hire, agree on the fare beforehand.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stay calm and refer to the agreed fare. If you have not started the trip, leave and choose another taxi.
Where in Kuwait does this happen?
Street taxis and hotel taxi ranks
How much can it cost me?
Visitors may be charged 2–5 times the standard rate. In Kuwait City, street-taxi benchmarks are about KD 1 for a short hop and KD 2 for a longer trip across town.
How common is this scam in Kuwait?
Very common. Kuwait has low crime levels and is generally safe for visitors. The main scam risk described here is taxi overcharging, including inflated starting prices and demands for more money on arrival. Check exchange rates and be alert to old Kuwaiti banknotes offered outside the country.
Are there similar scams in Kuwait?
Yes: extra taxi charges on arrival, airport taxi demands above the printed fare, shared-taxi overcharging.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report suspected fraud, theft or threats. Call 112 for an emergency; for a non-urgent report, seek help at a police station. Consumer Protection Department: call 135 if you believe a shop is refusing the required return or exchange. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to report a stolen card, unauthorised payment or disputed charge. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with a stolen passport or other consular needs. Taxi company or booking service: if you booked the ride, report the fare dispute through the company's official contact channel or the booking app. Include the trip details and agreed fare.
What number do I call in an emergency in Kuwait?
Police, fire and ambulance: 112.
Reviewed by @snuck