Scam in GuamTaxis
Unclear taxi fares and unused meters in Guam
How it works
Taxi meters are not always used consistently. Starting a ride without a working meter or an agreed fare can leave you facing an unexpected charge. Taxi fares are relatively high, so an expensive ride alone does not prove dishonesty.
Warning signs
- The meter is off when the ride is about to start.
- The driver will not confirm the fare or agree to use the meter.
How to avoid it
- Confirm the fare before the ride begins.
- Ask for the meter to be turned on if you have not agreed a fare.
- Arrange a taxi through your hotel concierge or a local taxi company's dispatch service.
- Choose another taxi if the price remains unclear.
If it happens to you
Ask calmly for an explanation and a receipt. Record the vehicle details and contact the taxi company or the hotel that arranged the ride. Avoid a confrontation if you feel unsafe.
- Move to a safe place. Avoid chasing a thief or confronting someone who makes you feel threatened.
- If there is an emergency or immediate danger, call 911.
- Write down what happened. Save receipts, messages, vehicle details and photos of any damage.
- If cards or payment details were stolen, contact your card issuer immediately to block them and discuss disputed charges.
- Report theft or suspected fraud to police. Ask for a report reference, and notify the rental company if a vehicle was involved.
- Contact your insurer about a claim. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement guidance.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/guam2023Airport Taxi fare is ridiculously highA visiting traveller reports an unexpectedly expensive $38 metered airport ride covering three miles, although the post does not establish that the fare was fraudulent.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/guam2024Taxi in GuamCommenters describe negotiating discounts from metered fares and report that one recommended taxi service does not use a meter, without alleging fraud by that service.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/CommonScams2023Taxi ScamA Guam resident alleges that drivers at transportation terminals overcharge nonlocals and sometimes take longer routes to increase the fare.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the unclear taxi fares and unused meters scam in Guam?
Taxi meters are not always used consistently. Starting a ride without a working meter or an agreed fare can leave you facing an unexpected charge. Taxi fares are relatively high, so an expensive ride alone does not prove dishonesty.
How can I spot it early?
The meter is off when the ride is about to start. The driver will not confirm the fare or agree to use the meter.
How do I avoid unclear taxi fares and unused meters in Guam?
Confirm the fare before the ride begins. Ask for the meter to be turned on if you have not agreed a fare. Arrange a taxi through your hotel concierge or a local taxi company's dispatch service. Choose another taxi if the price remains unclear.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask calmly for an explanation and a receipt. Record the vehicle details and contact the taxi company or the hotel that arranged the ride. Avoid a confrontation if you feel unsafe.
Where in Guam does this happen?
Across Guam, especially where taxis gather around the airport, major hotels and shopping centers.
How common is this scam in Guam?
Occasional. The main risks described for Guam are theft from vehicles and unclear taxi fares. Property crime is relatively high, and rental cars can be targeted because their stickers make them easy to identify. High shop prices can reflect shipping costs, so a high price alone does not mean a scam.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: call 911 for an emergency or immediate danger. Police: report theft or suspected fraud and ask for a report reference. For a non-emergency, ask your accommodation to help you find the appropriate police contact. Taxi company or hotel concierge: for a fare dispute, provide the receipt, journey details and vehicle information to the company or the hotel that arranged the ride. Rental car company: use the contact details in your rental agreement to report a theft involving the vehicle or any damage. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to block stolen cards and report unauthorized charges. Travel insurer: use the claims contact in your policy. Keep the police reference, receipts and evidence of your losses. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help if your passport is stolen.
What number do I call in an emergency in Guam?
Emergency services: 911.
Reviewed by @snuck