Scam in South KoreaTaxis
Unlicensed taxis in South Korea
How it works
Unlicensed operators offer rides in unregistered vehicles without meters. Travellers may be misled about the service or fare. These vehicles are a common sight around the terminal.
Warning signs
- The vehicle has no visible meter in the front.
- The vehicle lacks the "It's Daejeon" logo on its side.
How to avoid it
- Look for the "It's Daejeon" logo and a visible meter before getting in.
- Choose another taxi if you cannot confirm these details.
If it happens to you
If you feel unsure before leaving, get out and choose another taxi. If you believe you were deceived, keep any payment record and report the vehicle details to police.
- Move to a safe place. Avoid arguments or physical confrontation. If you are threatened or cannot leave, call police on 112.
- Write down what happened while you remember it. Save receipts, messages, payment records and any booking details.
- Record useful details safely, such as the vehicle number or business name. For a suspected taxi rip-off in Seoul, photograph the driver's ID above the glove box if safe.
- If a card or phone is missing, contact your card issuer and secure affected accounts. Ask about disputing any payment you did not authorise.
- Report the incident to police. Ask for an interpreter if needed and keep any report reference. Report a taxi complaint to the taxi company too.
- Contact your insurer if you may claim for a loss. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement advice.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the unlicensed taxis scam in South Korea?
Unlicensed operators offer rides in unregistered vehicles without meters. Travellers may be misled about the service or fare. These vehicles are a common sight around the terminal.
How can I spot it early?
The vehicle has no visible meter in the front. The vehicle lacks the "It's Daejeon" logo on its side.
How do I avoid unlicensed taxis in South Korea?
Look for the "It's Daejeon" logo and a visible meter before getting in. Choose another taxi if you cannot confirm these details.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If you feel unsure before leaving, get out and choose another taxi. If you believe you were deceived, keep any payment record and report the vehicle details to police.
Where in South Korea does this happen?
Around Dongbu bus terminal It has been reported in Daejeon.
How common is this scam in South Korea?
Common. South Korea is generally very safe, and tourist scams are occasional rather than widespread. Watch for taxi overcharging, unlicensed taxis, fake monks asking for money, and friendly invitations to ceremonies that end with a payment demand. Pickpocketing is not very common in Seoul, but keep your belongings secure.
Are there similar scams in South Korea?
Yes: inflated taxi fares and refusal to use the meter, taxi detours to increase the fare, being steered towards a more expensive taxi.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 112 for a police emergency. For non-emergency police enquiries, call 110. You can also visit a district police station. Police have interpreters on call. Taxi company: report the journey details, receipt and vehicle information. For a suspected rip-off in Seoul, include a photograph of the driver's ID above the glove box if you obtained one safely. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or a trusted contact number to freeze a missing card, report unfamiliar payments and ask about a dispute. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is lost or stolen. Use its official contact details. Travel insurer: contact your insurer through your policy's claims channel. Keep police report details, receipts and evidence of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in South Korea?
Police emergency: 112, Non-emergency police enquiries: 110, Fire and ambulance: 119.
Reviewed by @snuck