Scam in Costa RicaTaxis
Unnecessary taxi detours in Costa Rica
How it works
A driver takes unnecessary detours to increase the fare. However, indirect routes in San José can also be a reasonable way to avoid traffic.
Warning signs
- The driver cannot explain a large change in route.
- The route seems to move away from the agreed destination without explanation.
How to avoid it
- Ask about the route and expected fare before leaving.
- For a familiar route, ask whether a clear flat fare is available.
- Give the exact destination name or a well-known nearby landmark.
If it happens to you
Ask calmly why the route changed. Keep the trip details if you believe you were deliberately overcharged.
- Get to a safe, busy place. Call 911 if you face immediate danger. Do not chase a thief or fight over belongings.
- Write down what happened. Save receipts, booking details, messages, vehicle numbers and the time and place.
- Freeze or block missing cards through your card issuer. Secure accounts linked to a stolen phone.
- Report theft or fraud to police. Ask for a report reference or written record for insurance.
- Contact the relevant hotel, transport provider or seller. For a stolen rental vehicle, contact the rental company.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport is missing, 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 unnecessary taxi detours scam in Costa Rica?
A driver takes unnecessary detours to increase the fare. However, indirect routes in San José can also be a reasonable way to avoid traffic.
How can I spot it early?
The driver cannot explain a large change in route. The route seems to move away from the agreed destination without explanation.
How do I avoid unnecessary taxi detours in Costa Rica?
Ask about the route and expected fare before leaving. For a familiar route, ask whether a clear flat fare is available. Give the exact destination name or a well-known nearby landmark.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask calmly why the route changed. Keep the trip details if you believe you were deliberately overcharged.
Where in Costa Rica does this happen?
Taxi journeys across Costa Rica
How common is this scam in Costa Rica?
Occasional. Tourists can face taxi overcharging, unlicensed drivers, false offers of help and petty theft in Costa Rica. Be especially careful at airport exits, around bus terminals and with unattended bags or parked cars. Some tourist shops and airport food outlets also charge very high prices.
Are there similar scams in Costa Rica?
Yes: taxi meter left off, unlicensed taxis and airport luggage pressure, drivers pretending to be Uber.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: call 911 for immediate danger or an emergency. Police: report theft or fraud. Bring the time, location, evidence and any vehicle details. Ask for a written record or report reference. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to block a missing card and dispute unauthorized charges. Hotel management, transport provider or seller: report the incident promptly. Provide receipts, booking details or the taxi number, and ask for a written response. Rental company: contact the company promptly if a rental vehicle is stolen or damaged. Follow its reporting instructions. Travel insurer: use the contact details in your policy. Keep receipts and police records to support a claim. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details if your passport is stolen or you need help replacing travel documents.
What number do I call in an emergency in Costa Rica?
Emergency services: 911.
Reviewed by @snuck