Scam in SerbiaTaxis
Taxi fare inflation and extra charges in Serbia
How it works
A driver tries to charge an excessive fare, avoids using the meter or asks for extras that should already be included. Luggage is included in Belgrade's metered fare. An airport fixed-price slip should have no add-ons. Tips are optional.
Warning signs
- The driver refuses to start the meter on a normal city journey.
- The driver asks for a separate luggage payment on a metered ride.
- The driver adds charges to an airport fixed-price slip.
How to avoid it
- Insist on the meter unless you have an airport fixed-price slip.
- Use an app to save the journey details and see an estimated price.
- Keep your airport slip until the journey is finished.
- Ask the taxi operator to check a disputed fare for your route.
If it happens to you
Ask for a signed bill showing the date, time, start and end points, price and driver's signature. Record the roof-sign number and licence plate. Contact the taxi operator and city inspection. For airport journeys, contact airport inspection too.
- Move somewhere safe. Avoid arguing with an aggressive driver, tout or stranger. Call police on 192 if you are threatened.
- Check what is missing or what you were charged. Freeze affected cards and contact your card issuer promptly.
- Save receipts, booking records, messages and screenshots. Write down the time, place and what happened. Record vehicle details if relevant.
- Report theft, threats or suspected fraud to police. Ask for a report or reference number.
- For a Belgrade taxi dispute, contact the taxi operator and city inspection. Also contact airport inspection if the ride involved the airport.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen. Notify your insurer and keep copies of reports and expenses.
Questions
What is the taxi fare inflation and extra charges scam in Serbia?
A driver tries to charge an excessive fare, avoids using the meter or asks for extras that should already be included. Luggage is included in Belgrade's metered fare. An airport fixed-price slip should have no add-ons. Tips are optional.
How can I spot it early?
The driver refuses to start the meter on a normal city journey. The driver asks for a separate luggage payment on a metered ride. The driver adds charges to an airport fixed-price slip.
How do I avoid taxi fare inflation and extra charges in Serbia?
Insist on the meter unless you have an airport fixed-price slip. Use an app to save the journey details and see an estimated price. Keep your airport slip until the journey is finished. Ask the taxi operator to check a disputed fare for your route.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask for a signed bill showing the date, time, start and end points, price and driver's signature. Record the roof-sign number and licence plate. Contact the taxi operator and city inspection. For airport journeys, contact airport inspection too.
Where in Serbia does this happen?
City taxi journeys and airport transfers. It has been reported in Belgrade.
How common is this scam in Serbia?
Common. Serbia is generally safe for visitors. Taxi scams are common in Belgrade, and unregulated taxis can overcharge in Novi Sad too. Watch for pickpockets in crowds and on public transport, and be cautious around transport touts.
Are there similar scams in Serbia?
Yes: unregulated taxis and taxi touts.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 192 for immediate police help. Report theft or suspected fraud at a police station and ask for a report or reference number. Taxi operator: for a disputed Belgrade fare, call the driver's taxi association and ask it to check the price for the distance travelled. Provide the booking and vehicle details. Belgrade city inspection: call +381 11 3227-000. Keep the roof-sign number, licence plate and a signed bill showing the date, time, route and price. Belgrade airport inspection: for taxi incidents on journeys to or from the airport, call +381 11 2097-373 or email taxi@beg.aero. Card issuer: use your banking app or your issuer's official contact number to freeze a card and report unauthorised charges. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is lost or stolen. Travel insurer: use the claims or assistance contact in your policy. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in Serbia?
Police: 192, Fire: 193, Ambulance: 194.
Reviewed by @snuck