Scam in MexicoTaxis
Long taxi routes to raise the fare in Mexico
How it works
A driver takes a longer route when they think you do not know the way, increasing the metered fare.
Warning signs
- The route moves away from your destination without an explanation.
- The driver makes unexplained detours.
How to avoid it
- Check the route on a map before leaving.
- Follow your progress during the ride.
- Ask about unexpected detours.
- Agree on a fare before departure if choosing a fixed-price ride.
If it happens to you
Ask why the route changed. Keep the vehicle details and receipt if you want to raise a complaint.
- Move to a safe, populated place. Do not chase a thief or resist an armed robber.
- Call 911 if you are threatened, injured or need urgent police, fire or medical help.
- Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer. Explain any unauthorized charges or forced withdrawals.
- Save receipts, screenshots, contracts and payment records. Write down the time, place and vehicle or person details while you remember them.
- Report theft or fraud to police and ask for a report or reference number. Request language help if needed.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing or you need consular help, contact your embassy or consulate.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/MexicoCity2023Taxi PSA-Avoid Street TaxisA commenter recounted a taxi driver taking a longer route after the passenger fell asleep and advised watching routes and meter increases.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/MexicoCity2021I'm landing in CDMX at 10:00 pm in a few days. Is it safe to take the metro/bus that late, or am I better off with an Uber?A respondent warned that some airport-area ride-hailing drivers take longer routes or change them unexpectedly to increase the charge.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the long taxi routes to raise the fare scam in Mexico?
A driver takes a longer route when they think you do not know the way, increasing the metered fare.
How can I spot it early?
The route moves away from your destination without an explanation. The driver makes unexplained detours.
How do I avoid long taxi routes to raise the fare in Mexico?
Check the route on a map before leaving. Follow your progress during the ride. Ask about unexpected detours. Agree on a fare before departure if choosing a fixed-price ride.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask why the route changed. Keep the vehicle details and receipt if you want to raise a complaint.
Where in Mexico does this happen?
Metered taxi journeys It has been reported in Guadalajara.
How common is this scam in Mexico?
Occasional. Tourist scams in Mexico include timeshare sales pitches, taxi overcharging, poor exchange rates and extra drinks added to bills. Pickpocketing, distraction theft and robbery also happen, though the risk varies by place and time. Check prices before agreeing, keep valuables secure and plan your ride home.
Are there similar scams in Mexico?
Yes: taxi fare overcharging, taxi meters that run too fast, taxi robbery and express kidnapping.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: call 911 for urgent police, fire or medical help. English-speaking operators are not guaranteed. Local police: report theft, robbery or fraud when safe. Bring any receipts, screenshots and identifying details. Ask for a report or reference number. Tourist police in Mexico City: seek them in the historic center and other major visitor sites. They are specially trained and may speak English or other foreign languages. Guest Assist in Quintana Roo: contact the state tourism ministry's Guest Assist service for 24-hour bilingual guidance and emergency support. No contact number is provided here. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact channel to freeze cards, report unauthorized payments and ask about disputes. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate for help after a serious incident or a lost passport. Travel insurer: use the contact details in your policy. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence for your claim. Green Angels: for non-emergency roadside and travel assistance, call 078. The service is described as English-speaking.
What number do I call in an emergency in Mexico?
Police, fire and medical emergencies nationwide: 911, Green Angels roadside and travel assistance — non-emergency: 078.
Reviewed by @snuck