Scam in MauritiusTaxis
Taxi overcharging in Mauritius
How it works
Taxis do not use meters. If you start a trip without agreeing on the price, the driver may charge more than you expected at the end.
Warning signs
- The driver asks you to get in before agreeing on a fare.
- The driver gives a vague answer when you ask for the total price.
How to avoid it
- Agree on the total fare before entering the taxi.
- Confirm the destination and any planned stops.
- For a tour, confirm what the quoted price includes.
- Choose another taxi if the driver will not give a clear price.
If it happens to you
Stay calm and remind the driver of any price you agreed on. Keep a record of the trip and the amount demanded. If you feel threatened, move to a safe public place and seek police help.
- Move to a safe public place. Avoid a confrontation if you feel threatened.
- Write down what happened, including the time, location and amount involved.
- Save receipts, messages, booking details and any useful vehicle information. Gather evidence only if it is safe.
- If a card or phone was stolen, contact your card issuer or mobile provider quickly. Block affected cards and secure your accounts.
- Report theft, fraud or threats to police. Ask for a report reference and keep a copy if available.
- Contact your travel insurer about a possible claim. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/mauritius2024How do I know a fair Taxi rate when visiting as a tourist.A tourist reports paying 3,500 rupees for a journey that a local estimated should cost at most 2,000 rupees and asks how to establish fair fares.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/mauritiusLooking for a Reliable Taxi Company in Blue BayVisitors seeking transport from Blue Bay to Mahebourg and back say their hotel's recommended taxi company is overcharging them.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the taxi overcharging scam in Mauritius?
Taxis do not use meters. If you start a trip without agreeing on the price, the driver may charge more than you expected at the end.
How can I spot it early?
The driver asks you to get in before agreeing on a fare. The driver gives a vague answer when you ask for the total price.
How do I avoid taxi overcharging in Mauritius?
Agree on the total fare before entering the taxi. Confirm the destination and any planned stops. For a tour, confirm what the quoted price includes. Choose another taxi if the driver will not give a clear price.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stay calm and remind the driver of any price you agreed on. Keep a record of the trip and the amount demanded. If you feel threatened, move to a safe public place and seek police help.
Where in Mauritius does this happen?
Across Mauritius
How common is this scam in Mauritius?
Occasional. Mauritius is generally a safe destination for visitors, though travellers should stay alert to suspicious behaviour. The main scam risk described is taxi overcharging when you get in without agreeing on a fare.
Who can I report it to?
Police or Tourism Police: report theft, fraud or threats to police. Tourism Police patrol areas visited by tourists. Give the location, time, amount involved and any evidence you have. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or an official contact number to report a stolen card or an unauthorised payment. Ask about blocking the card and disputing the charge. Travel insurer: use the contact details in your policy. Keep receipts, evidence and any police report reference. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need consular help.
Reviewed by @snuck