Robbery linked to an untrusted taxi in Papua New Guinea

Taxis in Port Moresby, particularly when the driver has not been checked by someone you trust.

How it works

Taking a taxi with an unknown driver carries a genuine risk of robbery. Having your hotel arrange a reliable driver means someone knows who you left with.

Warning signs

Neither your hotel nor a trusted local knows the driver.
Nobody at your accommodation knows which driver you are leaving with.

How to avoid it

Ask your hotel or a trusted friend to call a reliable driver.
Make sure your hotel knows who you are travelling with.
Save a reliable driver's phone number for later trips.
Agree on the fare before the journey starts, as meters are rarely used.

If it happens to you

Do not resist threats or force. Get to a secure place when possible and give your accommodation any driver or vehicle details you remember.

Get to a secure place. Do not chase a thief or confront an armed attacker.
Ask your accommodation or another trusted person for help. Seek medical care if you are injured.
Freeze stolen or affected cards and contact the card issuer. Secure any accounts linked to a stolen phone.
Write down what happened, including the time, location, charges and any vehicle details. Save receipts and screenshots.
Report the incident to police when safe. Ask for a report or reference number for insurance or bank claims.
Contact your insurer. If your passport was stolen or you need consular help, contact your embassy or consulate.

Where it happensTaxis in Port Moresby, particularly when the driver has not been checked by someone you trust.Port Moresby

What travellers report

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

More scams in Papua New GuineaArmed robbery on the Highlands Highway: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the robbery linked to an untrusted taxi scam in Papua New Guinea?

Taking a taxi with an unknown driver carries a genuine risk of robbery. Having your hotel arrange a reliable driver means someone knows who you left with.

How can I spot it early?

Neither your hotel nor a trusted local knows the driver. Nobody at your accommodation knows which driver you are leaving with.

How do I avoid robbery linked to an untrusted taxi in Papua New Guinea?

Ask your hotel or a trusted friend to call a reliable driver. Make sure your hotel knows who you are travelling with. Save a reliable driver's phone number for later trips. Agree on the fare before the journey starts, as meters are rarely used.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Do not resist threats or force. Get to a secure place when possible and give your accommodation any driver or vehicle details you remember.

Where in Papua New Guinea does this happen?

Taxis in Port Moresby, particularly when the driver has not been checked by someone you trust. It has been reported in Port Moresby.

How common is this scam in Papua New Guinea?

Occasional. The main risks in Papua New Guinea are robbery, carjacking and occasional card fraud. Street crime is a particular concern in Port Moresby and Lae, and foreigners are sometimes targeted in Port Moresby. Arrange trusted drivers through your accommodation and get local advice before going out.

Who can I report it to?

Police: report theft, robbery or fraud when safe. Ask your accommodation for help arranging contact and request a report number. Police conduct and their ability to respond are concerns in Port Moresby. Your hotel or accommodation provider: tell staff what happened. Ask for help reaching a secure place, contacting police or arranging a trusted driver. Card issuer or bank: use the bank's official app or a verified contact number to freeze the card and report unauthorised charges. Travel insurer: contact the claims or assistance service listed in your policy. Keep receipts, incident details and any police report. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular assistance.

Reviewed by @snuck