Scam in BulgariaTaxis
Inflated taxi rates in Bulgaria
How it works
The taxi charges an unusually high rate per kilometre. A working meter does not protect you if the rate itself is excessive.
Warning signs
- The displayed rate is much higher than rates on nearby taxis.
- The driver approaches you and offers a ride.
- Prices are missing or hard to read.
How to avoid it
- Read the full price sticker before boarding.
- Compare rates between taxis.
- Order through a taxi company's phone service or app.
- At airports, use the official taxi stand.
If it happens to you
Ask for a receipt and keep the taxi's details. Use this evidence when reporting the fare.
- Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase a thief or argue with someone who is threatening you.
- Freeze stolen or compromised cards and contact your card issuer. Report any unauthorised transactions.
- Save evidence. Keep receipts, messages, booking records and the time and location. For taxi disputes, record the taxi's details.
- Report theft or fraud to police. Call 112 if you face immediate danger or need emergency help.
- Contact your insurer, booking provider or rental company where relevant. Ask what records they need.
- If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement travel-document advice.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/bulgaria2025Scammed by a taxi driver last night - Be careful at the Bus StopA first-time visitor reports a 50 BGN meter reading for a seven-minute Sofia taxi ride that they later learned should have cost much less.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/bulgaria2025How to avoid taxi scams?A traveller reports fares reaching 50 leva between Sofia’s central bus station and airport despite only slight traffic.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the inflated taxi rates scam in Bulgaria?
The taxi charges an unusually high rate per kilometre. A working meter does not protect you if the rate itself is excessive.
How can I spot it early?
The displayed rate is much higher than rates on nearby taxis. The driver approaches you and offers a ride. Prices are missing or hard to read.
How do I avoid inflated taxi rates in Bulgaria?
Read the full price sticker before boarding. Compare rates between taxis. Order through a taxi company's phone service or app. At airports, use the official taxi stand.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask for a receipt and keep the taxi's details. Use this evidence when reporting the fare.
Where in Bulgaria does this happen?
Especially Sofia Airport, Sofia Central Station, major hotels and tourist spots. Summer taxi scams are also reported in Burgas. Waiting taxis in Plovdiv can charge much more.
How much can it cost me?
Historical examples describe charges up to five times higher for waiting taxis in Plovdiv, and a Sofia operator charging ten times another company's rate.
How common is this scam in Bulgaria?
Common. Bulgaria is generally safe, but taxi scams, pickpocketing, money-changing tricks and ATM skimming are concerns for visitors. Take extra care at transport hubs, around waiting taxis and in summer crowds.
Are there similar scams in Bulgaria?
Yes: taxi touts and copied company logos, rigged taxi meter, taxi payment in foreign currency.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, fraud or threats and provide the evidence you have. For a taxi fare complaint, keep the receipt because it provides proof of the transaction. Emergency services: call 112 for an emergency. If it does not connect, use the relevant backup number listed below. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or a verified contact number to freeze the card and report unauthorised payments or withdrawals. Booking provider or payment service: report a fraudulent booking through its official support channel. Include the listing, messages and payment record. Travel insurer or vehicle rental company: contact its official claims or assistance service. Keep receipts, police-report details and other evidence. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help.
What number do I call in an emergency in Bulgaria?
All emergency services: 112, Police backup if 112 does not connect: 166, Ambulance backup if 112 does not connect: 150, Fire department backup if 112 does not connect: 160.
Reviewed by @snuck