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Common in Romania

Scam in RomaniaTaxis

Taxi touts and inflated fares in Romania

Airports, railway stations and tourist spots. In Brașov, avoid the first row of taxis on the right when leaving the train station.

How it works

Drivers approach visitors, quote inflated fixed fares or refuse to start the meter. Some cars lack proper company or licence markings. In Cluj-Napoca, these drivers are called “shark” drivers and may display only TAXI on the car.

Warning signs

  • Someone approaches you inside a station or airport offering a ride.
  • The car lacks clear company details or local licence markings.
  • The driver refuses to start the meter or pushes a fixed price.

How to avoid it

  1. Book through an established company, an app or your hotel.
  2. At Bucharest airport, use the official taxi-order kiosks inside Arrivals.
  3. Check company details, licence markings and the posted rate before entering.
  4. Choose another car if the driver will not use the meter.

If it happens to you

If the trip has not started, leave the car. If a fare dispute develops, stay calm, keep the booking and car details, and report it to the company or police.

  1. Move to a safe place. Avoid chasing a thief or arguing with someone who is threatening you.
  2. Lock missing bank cards immediately and contact the card issuer about suspicious payments.
  3. Save receipts, booking records, screenshots, car details and a short account of what happened.
  4. Report the incident at the nearest police station. Call 112 if there is an immediate emergency.
  5. Contact your embassy if your passport is missing or you need help during a difficult police encounter.
  6. Notify the taxi company, bank or insurer as relevant. Keep copies of reports and reference numbers.
What it can costStation touts may charge up to €50 for a trip normally costing about €3. Quoted fixed fares may be 2–4 times the normal fare or more. For comparison, a kiosk-booked Bucharest airport ride to the centre typically costs 61–65 lei in the 2026 figures.
Where it happensAirports, railway stations and tourist spots. In Brașov, avoid the first row of taxis on the right when leaving the train station.Bucharest, Brașov, Cluj-Napoca, Constanța, Iași
More scams in RomaniaPickpocketing and wallet theft: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the taxi touts and inflated fares scam in Romania?

Drivers approach visitors, quote inflated fixed fares or refuse to start the meter. Some cars lack proper company or licence markings. In Cluj-Napoca, these drivers are called “shark” drivers and may display only TAXI on the car.

How can I spot it early?

Someone approaches you inside a station or airport offering a ride. The car lacks clear company details or local licence markings. The driver refuses to start the meter or pushes a fixed price.

How do I avoid taxi touts and inflated fares in Romania?

Book through an established company, an app or your hotel. At Bucharest airport, use the official taxi-order kiosks inside Arrivals. Check company details, licence markings and the posted rate before entering. Choose another car if the driver will not use the meter.

What should I do if it happens to me?

If the trip has not started, leave the car. If a fare dispute develops, stay calm, keep the booking and car details, and report it to the company or police.

Where in Romania does this happen?

Airports, railway stations and tourist spots. In Brașov, avoid the first row of taxis on the right when leaving the train station. It has been reported in Bucharest, Brașov, Cluj-Napoca, Constanța, Iași.

How much can it cost me?

Station touts may charge up to €50 for a trip normally costing about €3. Quoted fixed fares may be 2–4 times the normal fare or more. For comparison, a kiosk-booked Bucharest airport ride to the centre typically costs 61–65 lei in the 2026 figures.

How common is this scam in Romania?

Common. Romania is generally safe for visitors, and violence against tourists is rare. The main concerns are petty theft, taxi overcharging and money-exchange tricks, especially around transport hubs.

Are there similar scams in Romania?

Yes: misleading taxi tariff markings, taxi meter manipulation, taxi detours.

Who can I report it to?

Police: go to the nearest police station to report a crime. Bring the evidence and details you have. Emergency services: call 112 for an immediate police, ambulance or fire emergency. Card issuer or bank: use its official app or contact number to lock missing cards and report unauthorised transactions. Taxi company or booking service: use the booking record or official company contact details to report overcharging, meter concerns or a detour. Embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with missing travel documents. If a bribe demand continues, ask to speak to your embassy. Travel insurer: contact the claims service and provide receipts, police paperwork and other evidence requested under your policy.

What number do I call in an emergency in Romania?

Police, ambulance and fire: 112.

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