Scam in BahrainTaxis
Taxi overcharging and trips without the meter in Bahrain
How it works
A driver asks for an inflated fare or takes the trip without using the meter. Most taxis use meters, but excessive price demands still happen. Reports of extreme overcharging are occasional.
Warning signs
- The driver starts moving without switching on the meter.
- The driver insists on a high fixed price.
- The fare demanded is far above the usual price for a short ride.
How to avoid it
- Check that the meter is running before the trip starts.
- Use official taxi services. At the airport, choose white taxis with red roofs or London-style taxis.
- If using Uber or Careem at the airport, use their dedicated pickup point.
- Allow for the stated airport or hotel pickup charge when checking the fare.
If it happens to you
Ask calmly for the correct metered fare. The stated rule is that no charge applies when the meter is not used. If the driver refuses to resolve the fare, call the police. Avoid an argument or physical confrontation.
- Get somewhere safe. Do not chase a thief or continue a heated dispute.
- Check what is missing. Freeze stolen cards and contact your card issuer about any unauthorised payments.
- Save receipts, booking records, messages and screenshots. Write down the time, location and relevant vehicle or business details.
- Report theft, threats or an unresolved taxi dispute to police. For hotel theft, also notify hotel management and request that relevant records be preserved.
- Ask for a report reference or written record. Contact your insurer and provide the evidence it requests.
- If your passport was stolen, 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.
- Redditr/Bahrain2024Taxi overcharge.A tourist reported an excessive fare for a short journey during which the driver used no meter and provided no receipt.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/GrandPrixTravel2025Do not. I repeat- do not take a taxi from the Bahrain International Circuit.A visitor reported that a circuit taxi driver claimed the meter was on when it was off and demanded an inflated fare that required police intervention.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/Bahrain2024Taxi driversA visitor reported resisting an undisclosed card-payment surcharge of roughly three dinars on a taxi ride from Seef Mall to the Gulf Hotel.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the taxi overcharging and trips without the meter scam in Bahrain?
A driver asks for an inflated fare or takes the trip without using the meter. Most taxis use meters, but excessive price demands still happen. Reports of extreme overcharging are occasional.
How can I spot it early?
The driver starts moving without switching on the meter. The driver insists on a high fixed price. The fare demanded is far above the usual price for a short ride.
How do I avoid taxi overcharging and trips without the meter in Bahrain?
Check that the meter is running before the trip starts. Use official taxi services. At the airport, choose white taxis with red roofs or London-style taxis. If using Uber or Careem at the airport, use their dedicated pickup point. Allow for the stated airport or hotel pickup charge when checking the fare.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask calmly for the correct metered fare. The stated rule is that no charge applies when the meter is not used. If the driver refuses to resolve the fare, call the police. Avoid an argument or physical confrontation.
Where in Bahrain does this happen?
Across Bahrain, including airport trips and rides in Manama.
How much can it cost me?
One reported example is BD 50 for a short trip that should cost BD 5. Reference fares are around BD 5–6 from the airport to central Manama and BD 3–5 within Manama. Stated pickup extras are BD 2 at the airport and BD 1 at hotels.
How common is this scam in Bahrain?
Common. Bahrain has a fairly low crime rate, and violent crime is rare. Visitors should watch for taxi overcharging, poor hotel exchange rates, pickpocketing and bag snatching in old markets, and theft from hotel rooms.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft, robbery or threats. Police can also help with a taxi driver who refuses to resolve a fare or meter dispute. Police station on Exhibition Avenue: go to the station if you need police help while in the Exhibition Avenue area near Hoora. Hotel management: report room theft or an exchange-rate dispute promptly. For theft, ask staff to preserve relevant security footage and room-access records. Taxi operator or booking service: use the contact details in your booking to report overcharging. Include the trip record, vehicle details and receipt. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact channel to freeze a stolen card and report unauthorised transactions. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's official consular service if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents. Travel insurer: report the loss through your insurer's official claims channel. Keep police report details, receipts and evidence of ownership.
Reviewed by @snuck