Taxi overcharging in Uzbekistan

Airports, Bukhara Railway Station in Kogon, and taxi pickup points

How it works

Drivers and touts quote tourists inflated fares. Hotel-arranged taxis can also cost several times the fair rate. An unclear agreement can leave room for arguments about passengers or luggage.

Warning signs

A tout approaches you at airport arrivals.
The driver avoids agreeing to a total fare.
The quote is far above the fare shown in a taxi app.

How to avoid it

Use Yandex Go where available and check the fare before booking.
Compare a hotel taxi quote with the app price.
If booking directly, agree on the total fare for everyone and all luggage before entering.
At Tashkent Airport, ignore touts and use the official rank or an app booking.

If it happens to you

Show the agreed fare or booking screen. If the dispute becomes threatening, move to a staffed public place and seek help.

Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who threatens you.
If you are in immediate danger, call 112. For police, call 102.
Contact your card issuer immediately if a card or its details are missing. Block the card and ask about disputed payments.
Save receipts, booking screens, messages and payment records. Write down the time, place and what happened.
Report theft, fraud or threats to police. Ask for a report reference or written record for insurance.
Contact your insurer and, if your passport is lost or stolen, your embassy or consulate.

What it can costTashkent airport touts may ask 700,000 so‘m; a city-centre app ride was about 25,000 so‘m in 2025. Bukhara station taxis were quoted at 100,000 so‘m in the evening in 2025. Urgench Airport–Khiva fares were described as inflated at 200,000 so‘m in 2025.

Where it happensAirports, Bukhara Railway Station in Kogon, and taxi pickup pointsTashkent, Bukhara, Urgench

What travellers report

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

More scams in UzbekistanShortchanging: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the taxi overcharging scam in Uzbekistan?

Drivers and touts quote tourists inflated fares. Hotel-arranged taxis can also cost several times the fair rate. An unclear agreement can leave room for arguments about passengers or luggage.

How can I spot it early?

A tout approaches you at airport arrivals. The driver avoids agreeing to a total fare. The quote is far above the fare shown in a taxi app.

How do I avoid taxi overcharging in Uzbekistan?

Use Yandex Go where available and check the fare before booking. Compare a hotel taxi quote with the app price. If booking directly, agree on the total fare for everyone and all luggage before entering. At Tashkent Airport, ignore touts and use the official rank or an app booking.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Show the agreed fare or booking screen. If the dispute becomes threatening, move to a staffed public place and seek help.

Where in Uzbekistan does this happen?

Airports, Bukhara Railway Station in Kogon, and taxi pickup points It has been reported in Tashkent, Bukhara, Urgench.

How much can it cost me?

Tashkent airport touts may ask 700,000 so‘m; a city-centre app ride was about 25,000 so‘m in 2025. Bukhara station taxis were quoted at 100,000 so‘m in the evening in 2025. Urgench Airport–Khiva fares were described as inflated at 200,000 so‘m in 2025.

How common is this scam in Uzbekistan?

Common. Uzbekistan is generally safe for visitors, but tourists can face inflated taxi fares, shortchanging and poor exchange deals. Other risks include the found-cash scam, pickpockets in bazaars and strangers offering to show you the nightlife.

Who can I report it to?

Police: call 102 for police assistance. Report theft, fraud or threats and ask for a written record or reference. Unified emergency service: call 112 in an urgent situation. The service operates 24 hours a day. Card issuer or bank: use the official banking app or a verified contact number to block a card and report unauthorised transactions. Taxi booking service: if you booked through an app, use its support channel and attach the booking details and fare evidence. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with a lost passport or a serious incident. Travel insurer: use the claims or assistance contact on your policy. Keep receipts, payment evidence and any police report. Accommodation staff: ask reception for help explaining an incident, finding police assistance or choosing a medical provider.

What number do I call in an emergency in Uzbekistan?

Unified emergency service, available 24/7: 112, Police: 102, Medical emergency: 103, Fire: 101.

Reviewed by @snuck