Skip to content
Common in Cuba

Scam in CubaTaxis

Taxi fare inflation and price switching in Cuba

Taxi journeys, especially in Havana and from the airport

How it works

A driver quotes an inflated fare before departure or demands more on arrival. They may claim you misunderstood the agreed amount. Airport fares agreed in advance may also be inflated.

Warning signs

  • The driver avoids confirming the full fare.
  • The quoted price is much higher than an estimate from someone familiar with local fares.
  • The driver changes the amount or claims there was a misunderstanding.

How to avoid it

  1. Ask your accommodation what the journey should cost.
  2. Write down the full fare and currency, then get the driver to agree before leaving.
  3. If the quoted fare seems excessive, insist on the meter or choose another taxi.
  4. Confirm whether the agreed amount covers everyone travelling.

If it happens to you

Show the written agreement and calmly ask the driver to honour it. If the situation becomes threatening, put your safety first and seek help.

  1. Move to a safe, busy place. Do not chase a thief or argue with someone who threatens you.
  2. If a card is involved, contact the issuer immediately. Freeze or block it and report unauthorised payments.
  3. Save receipts, contracts, messages and booking details. Write down the time, location, amount lost and a description of those involved.
  4. Report theft, fraud or threats to police. Ask for a report or reference number for insurance purposes.
  5. Contact your insurer if you may have a claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate about a replacement.
What it can costAn example is a demand for CUP25 after agreeing CUP5.
Where it happensTaxi journeys, especially in Havana and from the airportHavana

What travellers report

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

More scams in CubaFriendly invitations that lead to an inflated bill: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the taxi fare inflation and price switching scam in Cuba?

A driver quotes an inflated fare before departure or demands more on arrival. They may claim you misunderstood the agreed amount. Airport fares agreed in advance may also be inflated.

How can I spot it early?

The driver avoids confirming the full fare. The quoted price is much higher than an estimate from someone familiar with local fares. The driver changes the amount or claims there was a misunderstanding.

How do I avoid taxi fare inflation and price switching in Cuba?

Ask your accommodation what the journey should cost. Write down the full fare and currency, then get the driver to agree before leaving. If the quoted fare seems excessive, insist on the meter or choose another taxi. Confirm whether the agreed amount covers everyone travelling.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Show the written agreement and calmly ask the driver to honour it. If the situation becomes threatening, put your safety first and seek help.

Where in Cuba does this happen?

Taxi journeys, especially in Havana and from the airport It has been reported in Havana.

How much can it cost me?

An example is a demand for CUP25 after agreeing CUP5.

How common is this scam in Cuba?

Common. Cuba is generally safe, but scams targeting tourists are common. The main risks are inflated taxi fares, costly invitations from strangers, dubious cigars, money-changing tricks and card fraud. Theft is also possible, including night-time muggings in parts of Havana.

Who can I report it to?

National Revolutionary Police: call 106 in an emergency. For a non-emergency theft or fraud report, seek help from a police station and ask for a report or reference number. Card issuer: use your issuer's official app or published contact number to block a compromised card and dispute unauthorised transactions. Business management: for disputed restaurant bills, missing change or rental surcharges, show your receipts or written agreement and ask a manager to resolve the charge. Travel insurer: contact your insurer through its claims or assistance service. Keep receipts, evidence and any police report. Your embassy or consulate: contact its official consular service if your passport is stolen or you need urgent consular assistance.

What number do I call in an emergency in Cuba?

National Revolutionary Police: 106, SIUM ambulance services: 104, Fire Department: 105.

Reviewed by