Scam in GeorgiaTaxis
Taxi price switched from lari to US dollars in Georgia
How it works
The driver quotes a price in lari before the ride, then demands the same number in US dollars when it is time to pay.
Warning signs
- The driver gives a number without clearly confirming the currency.
- The driver changes the payment currency after arrival.
How to avoid it
- Confirm both the amount and the currency before getting in.
- Use an app with a clearly displayed fare.
- Keep a record of the agreed price.
If it happens to you
Point to the agreed lari price and stand your ground if it is safe.
- Get to a safe place. If you are threatened or need urgent police or ambulance help, call 112.
- Write down what happened while you remember it. Save the location, time, agreed price and amount paid.
- Keep receipts, booking details and screenshots. Record vehicle or venue details only if it is safe.
- If a card or phone was stolen, contact your card issuer and secure the affected accounts promptly. Ask about disputed payments where relevant.
- Report theft, threats or fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or written record for your insurer.
- Contact your insurer about a claim. 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.
Questions
What is the taxi price switched from lari to US dollars scam in Georgia?
The driver quotes a price in lari before the ride, then demands the same number in US dollars when it is time to pay.
How can I spot it early?
The driver gives a number without clearly confirming the currency. The driver changes the payment currency after arrival.
How do I avoid taxi price switched from lari to US dollars in Georgia?
Confirm both the amount and the currency before getting in. Use an app with a clearly displayed fare. Keep a record of the agreed price.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Point to the agreed lari price and stand your ground if it is safe.
Where in Georgia does this happen?
Tbilisi, especially airport journeys. It has been reported in Tbilisi.
How common is this scam in Georgia?
Occasional. Georgia is generally very safe for visitors. The main risks described here are taxi tricks, inflated tourist prices and a few serious bar scams in Tbilisi. Pickpocketing by young children is also a concern in part of Batumi.
Are there similar scams in Georgia?
Yes: inflated taxi fares and pushy drivers, taxi drivers refusing to give change, taxi surcharge for trouble finding the address.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 112 for urgent help involving threats, theft or forced payment. For a non-urgent report, approach police and provide the location, time, payment details and any evidence. Card issuer or bank: use the issuer's official app or contact number to freeze a missing card and report unauthorised transactions. Ask whether a disputed payment can be challenged. Taxi app or transport company: report the ride through the app or company's support channel. Include the trip record, agreed fare and amount demanded. Travel insurer: contact the insurer through its official claims channel. Keep receipts, medical records and any police report. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is lost or stolen, or you need consular help. Postal company: for a missing or damaged parcel, submit the posting receipt and tracking details and request an investigation.
What number do I call in an emergency in Georgia?
Police: 112, Ambulance: 112.
Reviewed by @snuck