Scam in Hong KongTaxis
Taxi overcharging in Hong Kong
How it works
A driver charges more than the proper fare or adds an unjustified fee. Some extra charges are valid, including tunnel tolls, luggage in the boot and telephone bookings.
Warning signs
- The driver adds a late-night or peak-hour surcharge.
- The driver adds a special airport or city-centre surcharge.
- The driver refuses to explain an extra charge or provide a receipt.
How to avoid it
- Check the published taxi rates before travelling.
- Know which extra charges are valid before questioning the bill.
- Check that the driver's official card shows a photograph and licence plate number.
- Ask for a receipt and keep the driver's name and licence plate number.
If it happens to you
Avoid an argument if you feel unsafe. Keep the receipt and record the driver's name, licence plate, route and disputed charge. Contact the Transport Complaints Unit at +852-2889-9999 or use its online complaint form.
- Move to a safe place. If you face an immediate threat or need urgent police, fire or ambulance help, call 999.
- Stop further losses. Freeze missing cards and contact your bank or card issuer immediately if money or payment details are involved.
- Save evidence. Keep receipts, messages, screenshots, phone numbers and a short record of what happened.
- Report the incident. Contact the police for theft or fraud, or the Transport Complaints Unit for a taxi complaint.
- Contact your insurer if you may need to claim. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement help.
- Watch for further suspicious contact. Do not pay anyone who unexpectedly promises to recover your money.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/HongKongTaxi scam?A tourist reports that a driver increased the total beyond the expected toll supplement and apparently charged an unjustified late-night fee.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/HongKong2026Mainland tourist claims taxi driver used ‘mind games’ before $583 fare from The PeakThe thread discusses a tourist who was charged approximately HK$583 for a ride from The Peak initially estimated below HK$90.Read on Reddit
- TripadvisorHong Kong ForumTaxi Scam in Hong Kong - Hong Kong Forum - TripadvisorA traveller reports that a driver allegedly switched banknotes, claimed the fare had been underpaid and pressured them into paying again.Read on Tripadvisor
Questions
What is the taxi overcharging scam in Hong Kong?
A driver charges more than the proper fare or adds an unjustified fee. Some extra charges are valid, including tunnel tolls, luggage in the boot and telephone bookings.
How can I spot it early?
The driver adds a late-night or peak-hour surcharge. The driver adds a special airport or city-centre surcharge. The driver refuses to explain an extra charge or provide a receipt.
How do I avoid taxi overcharging in Hong Kong?
Check the published taxi rates before travelling. Know which extra charges are valid before questioning the bill. Check that the driver's official card shows a photograph and licence plate number. Ask for a receipt and keep the driver's name and licence plate number.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Avoid an argument if you feel unsafe. Keep the receipt and record the driver's name, licence plate, route and disputed charge. Contact the Transport Complaints Unit at +852-2889-9999 or use its online complaint form.
Where in Hong Kong does this happen?
Taxi journeys
How common is this scam in Hong Kong?
Occasional. Hong Kong is generally very safe, and petty crime happens from time to time. Visitors should watch for taxi overcharging, pickpockets in crowds and suspicious phone calls.
Who can I report it to?
Hong Kong Police Force: call 999 for urgent help. For non-emergency assistance, call +852-2527-7177 or visit a police station or reporting centre. English-speaking interpreters are available. Transport Complaints Unit: call +852-2889-9999 or use its online complaint form. Include the taxi driver's name, licence plate number, journey details and receipt if available. Suspected scam-call advice hotline: call 18222 within Hong Kong for advice about suspected scam calls. Police hotline serving Japanese travellers: call +852-2529-0000. Your bank or card issuer: use its official app or a trusted contact number. Ask it to block affected cards, secure your account and explain your options for disputing payments. Your embassy or consulate: contact it through its official contact details if your passport is lost or stolen. Your travel insurer: use the claims contact in your policy. Keep receipts, evidence and any police report details.
What number do I call in an emergency in Hong Kong?
Police, fire and ambulance: 999, Emergency SMS for deaf people or people with speech impairments; prior registration at a police station required: 992, Fire Services Department: fire or medical emergencies if 999 is down: +852-2723-2233, Hong Kong St. John Ambulance: backup ambulance contact if 999 is down; arrival may take longer: +852-1878-000.
Reviewed by @snuck