Scam in SpainTaxis
Taxi detours to increase the fare in Spain
How it works
Some drivers take a longer route or use crowded avenues to increase the fare. This is called la vuelta al ruedo.
Warning signs
- The route includes unexplained loops or detours.
- The driver heads through busy avenues without explaining why.
How to avoid it
- Have your destination written in Spanish.
- Include the neighbourhood with the street name and number.
- Follow the route on your phone.
- Use Free Now or PideTaxi to enter your destination when booking.
If it happens to you
Ask calmly about the route. Keep the receipt and journey details if you dispute the fare.
- Move somewhere safe. Do not chase thieves or fight over belongings. Call 112 if you are threatened, injured or need urgent help.
- Freeze or cancel stolen cards immediately. Tell your bank or payment provider about any fraudulent payment or transfer.
- Write down what happened. Save receipts, messages, payment records, times, locations and descriptions.
- Report the crime to police. Ask for a copy of the denuncia, the police report, for insurance or replacement documents.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen. Contact the rental company if a rental vehicle was involved.
- Contact your insurer and keep your report and receipts. If a phone was stolen, secure affected accounts and contact your mobile provider.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/AskBarcelona2025Taxi scam?A contributor describes repeated unnecessary taxi detours in Barcelona when travelling with a Dutch-speaking housemate.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/Barcelona2026Taxis in Barcelona at clubs and bars don't want to use meter and want to charge double or moreA commenter reports a Barcelona taxi taking an unnecessary route back onto the Ronda during a journey home.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the taxi detours to increase the fare scam in Spain?
Some drivers take a longer route or use crowded avenues to increase the fare. This is called la vuelta al ruedo.
How can I spot it early?
The route includes unexplained loops or detours. The driver heads through busy avenues without explaining why.
How do I avoid taxi detours to increase the fare in Spain?
Have your destination written in Spanish. Include the neighbourhood with the street name and number. Follow the route on your phone. Use Free Now or PideTaxi to enter your destination when booking.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask calmly about the route. Keep the receipt and journey details if you dispute the fare.
Where in Spain does this happen?
Taxi journeys through the city. It has been reported in Madrid.
How common is this scam in Spain?
Occasional. Spain is generally safe, but pickpocketing and distraction theft are common in busy tourist areas, especially in Barcelona and Madrid. Travellers may also face taxi overcharging, padded restaurant bills, pushy street offers and online payment scams.
Are there similar scams in Spain?
Yes: airport taxi fixed-price overcharging, taxi drivers demanding tips.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: call 112 for urgent police, medical or fire help. The number is toll-free. Policía Nacional: report crimes in cities to the National Police. Ask for a copy of the denuncia if you need evidence for insurance or replacement documents. Policía Municipal or Local; Guardia Urbana in Barcelona: ask local police for help finding where to report. They can escort you to Policía Nacional headquarters if required, but do not directly take crime reports as described here. Regional police: regional forces with similar responsibilities to Policía Nacional include Mossos d'Esquadra in Catalonia, Ertzaintza in the Basque Country, Policía Foral in Navarre and Policía Canaria in the Canary Islands. Guardia Civil: seek help for incidents outside cities or on roads between cities. For urgent help, call 112. Your bank or card issuer: use your banking app or a trusted contact number to block cards, report fraud and ask whether a payment or transfer can be stopped or recovered. Your embassy or consulate: contact them through their official contact details if your passport is stolen. Keep your police report for the replacement process. Your travel insurer: report the loss promptly and follow the claim instructions. Keep the police report, receipts and evidence of ownership. Your rental company: use the contact details in your rental agreement to report vehicle damage or theft. Keep the police report and photographs of damage.
What number do I call in an emergency in Spain?
Police, medical and fire emergencies: 112.
Reviewed by @snuck