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Common in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Scam in Bosnia and HerzegovinaTaxis

Taxi overcharging and false airport fees in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Especially Sarajevo Airport and the main train and bus stations.

How it works

A driver refuses to use the meter, shows a made-up fixed price list or adds a false airport supplement. Some ask foreign visitors for about twice the normal airport fare. Even a taxi that looks legitimate may overcharge.

Warning signs

  • The driver refuses to start the meter.
  • The driver waves a fixed price list at you.
  • An airport supplement is added to the fare.

How to avoid it

  1. Check for a roof sign marked TAXI, licence plates containing TA and a meter.
  2. Insist on the meter before the journey starts. Walk away if the driver refuses.
  3. Ask a trusted local which taxi service they would use.
  4. Know the expected fare and ask for a receipt.

If it happens to you

Ask for a receipt and record the taxi plate and fare. If you feel threatened, put your safety first and seek police help once you are somewhere safe.

  1. Move somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or continue an argument if you feel threatened.
  2. Check what you have lost. Freeze missing cards and contact your card issuer about disputed payments.
  3. If your phone was stolen, use its lost-device tools and contact your mobile provider to block the SIM.
  4. Save receipts, tickets, messages and payment records. Write down the time, place and any vehicle or person details.
  5. Report theft, fraud or threats to police. Ask for a report number or written record for your insurer.
  6. Contact your insurer if you have cover. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport is missing or you need consular help.
What it can costThe stated airport-to-centre fare should not exceed 20 KM; some drivers ask about double. The stated meter rate is 1.90 KM to start, then 1.20 KM per kilometre. An airport supplement is described as bogus.
Where it happensEspecially Sarajevo Airport and the main train and bus stations.Sarajevo

What travellers report

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

More scams in Bosnia and HerzegovinaInflated or unreceipted station tax: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the taxi overcharging and false airport fees scam in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

A driver refuses to use the meter, shows a made-up fixed price list or adds a false airport supplement. Some ask foreign visitors for about twice the normal airport fare. Even a taxi that looks legitimate may overcharge.

How can I spot it early?

The driver refuses to start the meter. The driver waves a fixed price list at you. An airport supplement is added to the fare.

How do I avoid taxi overcharging and false airport fees in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Check for a roof sign marked TAXI, licence plates containing TA and a meter. Insist on the meter before the journey starts. Walk away if the driver refuses. Ask a trusted local which taxi service they would use. Know the expected fare and ask for a receipt.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Ask for a receipt and record the taxi plate and fare. If you feel threatened, put your safety first and seek police help once you are somewhere safe.

Where in Bosnia and Herzegovina does this happen?

Especially Sarajevo Airport and the main train and bus stations. It has been reported in Sarajevo.

How much can it cost me?

The stated airport-to-centre fare should not exceed 20 KM; some drivers ask about double. The stated meter rate is 1.90 KM to start, then 1.20 KM per kilometre. An airport supplement is described as bogus.

How common is this scam in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Common. Most transactions in Bosnia and Herzegovina are honest, and violent crime is uncommon. Taxi scams are common in Sarajevo, especially at the airport and main stations. Other concerns include pickpockets, inflated market prices, inflated station charges and pressure for police bribes.

Who can I report it to?

Police: call 122 for police help. For a non-urgent theft or fraud report, visit a police station with your evidence and ask for a written record. Cantonal Police Station / Policijska stanica Centar, Sarajevo: the listed address is Augusta Brauna 5. Telephone: +387 33 226 676. Email: ps.centar@mup.ks.gov.ba. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze a stolen card and report disputed transactions. Taxi operator or station management: report an overcharge with the receipt, journey or ticket details, time and vehicle plate where available. Embassy or consulate: use your embassy's or consulate's official contact details for a lost passport or consular help after a serious incident. Travel insurer: contact the claims service and keep police records, receipts and proof of the loss.

What number do I call in an emergency in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

General emergency: 112, Police: 122, Fire: 123, Ambulance: 124.

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