Scam in GeorgiaTaxis
Rigged taxi meter in Georgia
How it works
A driver uses a rigged meter to inflate the fare. Street taxis are generally described as unmetered, so a meter should not be treated as proof that the price is fair.
Warning signs
- The driver relies on a meter without agreeing on a fare.
- The displayed fare rises unexpectedly fast.
How to avoid it
- Use an app that shows the price before the car arrives.
- Agree on the full fare before taking a street taxi.
- Do not assume a meter guarantees an honest charge.
If it happens to you
Stand your ground if it is safe. Walk away from the dispute if necessary and possible.
- Get to a safe place. If you are threatened or need urgent police or ambulance help, call 112.
- Write down what happened while you remember it. Save the location, time, agreed price and amount paid.
- Keep receipts, booking details and screenshots. Record vehicle or venue details only if it is safe.
- If a card or phone was stolen, contact your card issuer and secure the affected accounts promptly. Ask about disputed payments where relevant.
- Report theft, threats or fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or written record for your insurer.
- Contact your insurer about a claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about replacement documents.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/tbilisi2026Taxi meter tamperingA traveller reports an airport taxi meter rapidly reaching 300 lari for a journey they understood should cost approximately 30–60 lari.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/tbilisi2025Airport taxi scamA traveller says a driver's meter app showed 500 lari after ten minutes and the driver chased them after they escaped the taxi.Read on Reddit
- TripadvisorTbilisi ForumScammed by a taxi at Tbilisi airport - Tbilisi ForumA forum poster describes being scammed after an airport driver insisted the fare would follow a meter and claimed all taxis charged the same prices.Read on Tripadvisor
Questions
What is the rigged taxi meter scam in Georgia?
A driver uses a rigged meter to inflate the fare. Street taxis are generally described as unmetered, so a meter should not be treated as proof that the price is fair.
How can I spot it early?
The driver relies on a meter without agreeing on a fare. The displayed fare rises unexpectedly fast.
How do I avoid rigged taxi meter in Georgia?
Use an app that shows the price before the car arrives. Agree on the full fare before taking a street taxi. Do not assume a meter guarantees an honest charge.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stand your ground if it is safe. Walk away from the dispute if necessary and possible.
Where in Georgia does this happen?
Tbilisi, especially rides from the airport. It has been reported in Tbilisi.
How common is this scam in Georgia?
Occasional. Georgia is generally very safe for visitors. The main risks described here are taxi tricks, inflated tourist prices and a few serious bar scams in Tbilisi. Pickpocketing by young children is also a concern in part of Batumi.
Are there similar scams in Georgia?
Yes: inflated taxi fares and pushy drivers, taxi drivers refusing to give change, taxi surcharge for trouble finding the address.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 112 for urgent help involving threats, theft or forced payment. For a non-urgent report, approach police and provide the location, time, payment details and any evidence. Card issuer or bank: use the issuer's official app or contact number to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised transactions. Ask whether a disputed payment can be challenged. Taxi app or transport company: report the ride through the app or company's support channel. Include the trip record, agreed fare and amount demanded. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep receipts, medical records and any police report. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is lost or stolen, or you need consular help. Postal company: for a missing or damaged parcel, submit the posting receipt and tracking details and request an investigation.
What number do I call in an emergency in Georgia?
Police: 112, Ambulance: 112.
Reviewed by @snuck