Scam in Costa RicaTaxis
Taxi meter left off in Costa Rica
How it works
The driver leaves the meter off and makes up a higher fare at the end. Airport drivers may be unwilling to use the meter.
Warning signs
- The meter stays off after you get in.
- The driver avoids agreeing on how the fare will be calculated.
How to avoid it
- Ask for the meter, called la maria, immediately.
- If using a flat fare, agree on the full price before leaving.
- Choose another taxi if the driver will not give clear terms.
If it happens to you
Ask calmly for an explanation of the fare. Record the taxi number and trip details if it is safe, and report the dispute.
- Get to a safe, busy place. Call 911 if you face immediate danger. Do not chase a thief or fight over belongings.
- Write down what happened. Save receipts, booking details, messages, vehicle numbers and the time and place.
- Freeze or block missing cards through your card issuer. Secure accounts linked to a stolen phone.
- Report theft or fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or written record for insurance.
- Contact the relevant hotel, transport provider or seller. For a stolen rental vehicle, contact the rental company.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate about replacement documents.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the taxi meter left off scam in Costa Rica?
The driver leaves the meter off and makes up a higher fare at the end. Airport drivers may be unwilling to use the meter.
How can I spot it early?
The meter stays off after you get in. The driver avoids agreeing on how the fare will be calculated.
How do I avoid taxi meter left off in Costa Rica?
Ask for the meter, called la maria, immediately. If using a flat fare, agree on the full price before leaving. Choose another taxi if the driver will not give clear terms.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask calmly for an explanation of the fare. Record the taxi number and trip details if it is safe, and report the dispute.
Where in Costa Rica does this happen?
Taxis across Costa Rica, including airport pickups
How common is this scam in Costa Rica?
Common. Tourists can face taxi overcharging, unlicensed drivers, false offers of help and petty theft in Costa Rica. Be especially careful at airport exits, around bus terminals and with unattended bags or parked cars. Some tourist shops and airport food outlets also charge very high prices.
Are there similar scams in Costa Rica?
Yes: unlicensed taxis and airport luggage pressure, drivers pretending to be Uber, taxi meter already running.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: call 911 for immediate danger or an emergency. Police: report theft or fraud. Bring the time, location, evidence and any vehicle details. Ask for a written record or report reference. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to block a missing card and dispute unauthorized charges. Hotel management, transport provider or seller: report the incident promptly. Provide receipts, booking details or the taxi number, and ask for a written response. Rental company: contact the company promptly if a rental vehicle is stolen or damaged. Follow its reporting instructions. Travel insurer: use the contact details in your policy. Keep receipts and police records to support a claim. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents.
What number do I call in an emergency in Costa Rica?
Emergency services: 911.
Reviewed by @snuck