Scam in MongoliaTaxis
Taxi fare overcharging in Mongolia
How it works
A driver charges a foreign visitor more than the local fare. Language barriers and starting a ride without agreeing on the price make disputes harder to resolve.
Warning signs
- The driver starts the journey before you understand the fare.
- You cannot establish whether the price is per kilometre or for the whole ride.
- The driver avoids agreeing on a clear price.
How to avoid it
- Agree on the fare or charging method before getting in.
- Show the agreed amount in writing.
- Ask a local person to explain the fare system if needed.
- For an airport transfer, agree on the total price in advance.
If it happens to you
If the driver is calm, point to the agreed written price and discuss the fare. If the situation becomes threatening, put your safety first and avoid a confrontation.
- Get to a safe, public place. Do not chase a thief or argue with someone who threatens you.
- Check for injuries and seek medical help if needed.
- Block stolen cards immediately. If your phone is missing, secure your banking and other important accounts.
- Write down what happened. Save receipts, booking records, messages and any vehicle details you already have.
- Report theft or assault at the district police station. Ask for a copy or reference for your report.
- Tell your embassy if you were attacked, lost your passport or need help. Contact your insurer and the relevant payment or booking provider.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/mongolia2024Do unofficial cab drivers surround, mob you and demand you take their cab at rip off prices at the airport?A commenter describes airport drivers historically making unnecessary loops before charging passengers double or triple.Read on Reddit
- Government adviceMongolei: Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise - Auswärtiges AmtGermany warns that private taxis frequently demand greatly inflated fares and that refusing payment can lead to confrontations.Read on Government advice
- Government adviceMongolia Travel Advice & Safety | SmartravellerAustralia reports taxi scams and overcharging, particularly with street-hailed vehicles and around airports or railway stations.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the taxi fare overcharging scam in Mongolia?
A driver charges a foreign visitor more than the local fare. Language barriers and starting a ride without agreeing on the price make disputes harder to resolve.
How can I spot it early?
The driver starts the journey before you understand the fare. You cannot establish whether the price is per kilometre or for the whole ride. The driver avoids agreeing on a clear price.
How do I avoid taxi fare overcharging in Mongolia?
Agree on the fare or charging method before getting in. Show the agreed amount in writing. Ask a local person to explain the fare system if needed. For an airport transfer, agree on the total price in advance.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If the driver is calm, point to the agreed written price and discuss the fare. If the situation becomes threatening, put your safety first and avoid a confrontation.
Where in Mongolia does this happen?
Street-hailed taxis in Ulaanbaatar. It has been reported in Ulaanbaatar.
How common is this scam in Mongolia?
Common. Mongolia is generally safe to visit, but theft is a concern, especially in Ulaanbaatar. Pickpocketing is the main problem for visitors; taxi overcharging, bag slashing and occasional robberies also occur. Some higher prices are regular pricing practices rather than scams.
Are there similar scams in Mongolia?
Yes: robbery during an unmarked taxi ride.
Who can I report it to?
District police station: go to the district police station to make a formal statement after an attack or pickpocketing. Bring any records and ask for a report reference. Your country's embassy: tell your embassy after an attack or pickpocketing. It can also advise you if your passport is stolen. Card issuer or bank: use your bank's official app or contact number to block stolen cards and report payments you did not authorise. Travel insurer: contact your insurer promptly. Keep police records, receipts and evidence of your loss. Taxi service, airline or booking provider: report a disputed charge through the provider's official contact channel. Include your agreed price, receipt and booking details.
Reviewed by @snuck