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Common in Peru

Scam in PeruTaxis

Inflated taxi fares in Peru

Street taxis and airport pickups, especially in Lima.

How it works

Drivers charge tourists far above the normal fare or leave the price unsettled until the journey has started. Lima taxis do not normally use meters.

Warning signs

  • The driver wants you to get in before agreeing a fare.
  • The price is much higher than estimates from your hotel.
  • The driver avoids stating the total.

How to avoid it

  1. Agree the full fare before boarding.
  2. Ask your accommodation or several people other than drivers what the trip should cost.
  3. Use a trusted taxi company, a hotel-arranged car or a ride app.
  4. At the airport, use a company desk with stated fares.

If it happens to you

Refer calmly to the agreed price. If the situation becomes threatening, put your safety first and record the details only when safe.

  1. Get to a safe, staffed place. If someone is threatening you, prioritise your safety over belongings.
  2. For immediate danger or injury, call emergency services. Avoid chasing thieves or confronting armed people.
  3. Block stolen cards and contact your bank about unauthorised payments. Lock a stolen phone and secure affected accounts.
  4. Save receipts, booking messages and transaction details. Write down the time, location and any vehicle details you safely remember.
  5. Report the incident to police and ask how to obtain a report copy. Keep the report for insurance or a payment dispute.
  6. Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement-document advice.
What it can costReports include S/100 or S/200 for normal rides. These are reported overcharges, not a guide to current fares.
Where it happensStreet taxis and airport pickups, especially in Lima.Lima

What travellers report

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

More scams in PeruTaxi price quoted without a currency: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the inflated taxi fares scam in Peru?

Drivers charge tourists far above the normal fare or leave the price unsettled until the journey has started. Lima taxis do not normally use meters.

How can I spot it early?

The driver wants you to get in before agreeing a fare. The price is much higher than estimates from your hotel. The driver avoids stating the total.

How do I avoid inflated taxi fares in Peru?

Agree the full fare before boarding. Ask your accommodation or several people other than drivers what the trip should cost. Use a trusted taxi company, a hotel-arranged car or a ride app. At the airport, use a company desk with stated fares.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Refer calmly to the agreed price. If the situation becomes threatening, put your safety first and record the details only when safe.

Where in Peru does this happen?

Street taxis and airport pickups, especially in Lima. It has been reported in Lima.

How much can it cost me?

Reports include S/100 or S/200 for normal rides. These are reported overcharges, not a guide to current fares.

How common is this scam in Peru?

Common. Petty theft is a concern in Peru, and armed robberies of tourists are described as fairly common. Taxi robberies, inflated fares, misleading touts and false money are the main risks to prepare for. Choose transport carefully, check prices before paying and keep valuables out of sight.

Are there similar scams in Peru?

Yes: taxi robbery or kidnapping, taxi price quoted without a currency, taxi fare changed to a price per person.

Who can I report it to?

Emergency services: dial 911 for an emergency. The older number 105 can also connect you with police. Tourist police: ask tourist police for help in person. They are described as wearing white shirts and normally speaking English. They are present in downtown Arequipa. Police: report theft, robbery or fraud and request a report. To obtain a copy, the stated process requires paying S/3 at Banco de la Nación during working days. Serenazgo: in Lima and some larger cities, ask this local police service for help. It does not provide tourist-focused services. Card issuer or bank: use your bank's official app or contact number to block cards, report unauthorised transactions and ask about a dispute. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Use its official contact details. Travel insurer: contact the claims or emergency-assistance team. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of losses. Transport company, booking seller or shop: raise a complaint through the business's official contact channel. Provide your receipt, booking details and the price or service you agreed.

What number do I call in an emergency in Peru?

All emergency services: 911, Police, older number: 105.

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