Scam in GreeceTaxis
Unregulated airport taxis and double-fare claims in Greece
How it works
Unregulated taxis operate at the airport. Some regular taxis also have irregularities, such as no displayed licence. Drivers may claim they must charge a double fare from the airport to the city. Missing fare information alone does not prove a scam: local police say fares do not have to be displayed, but the licence does.
Warning signs
- The taxi licence is not displayed.
- The driver claims a double airport-to-city fare is required.
- The driver will not explain the total fare before you get in.
How to avoid it
- Check that the taxi licence is displayed.
- Ask for the total fare before entering.
- Choose another taxi if the driver will not explain the charge.
If it happens to you
Ask for a receipt and record the number plate. Report suspected fare fraud to the tourist police on 171.
- Get to a safe public place. Avoid confronting thieves or anyone threatening you. Call 112 if there is immediate danger.
- Check what is missing. Freeze stolen cards and contact your card issuer about disputed payments.
- Save evidence. Keep receipts, bills, booking details and payment records. Write down the time, place and descriptions.
- Report the incident to police. For taxi fare fraud, keep the number plate and receipt and contact the tourist police on 171.
- If your passport or identity document is missing, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement guidance.
- Contact your insurer if you have cover. Keep the police report reference and copies of any supporting 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 unregulated airport taxis and double-fare claims scam in Greece?
Unregulated taxis operate at the airport. Some regular taxis also have irregularities, such as no displayed licence. Drivers may claim they must charge a double fare from the airport to the city. Missing fare information alone does not prove a scam: local police say fares do not have to be displayed, but the licence does.
How can I spot it early?
The taxi licence is not displayed. The driver claims a double airport-to-city fare is required. The driver will not explain the total fare before you get in.
How do I avoid unregulated airport taxis and double-fare claims in Greece?
Check that the taxi licence is displayed. Ask for the total fare before entering. Choose another taxi if the driver will not explain the charge.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask for a receipt and record the number plate. Report suspected fare fraud to the tourist police on 171.
Where in Greece does this happen?
Kavala International Airport. It has been reported in Kavala.
How common is this scam in Greece?
Common. Greece is generally safe, with low rates of theft and violent crime, but travellers can still face scams and overcharging. Watch for friendly strangers leading you to expensive bars, taxi fare tricks, counterfeit goods and notes, and theft in crowded places.
Are there similar scams in Greece?
Yes: wrong taxi meter rate and extra charges, inflated fixed taxi fare, charging one travelling group several taxi fares.
Who can I report it to?
Tourist police: call 171 to report taxi fare fraud. Give the number plate and receipt details. Kavala also has a Tourist Police Station on Omonia Street. Police: call 100 for police assistance. Report theft, threats, counterfeit money or fake police approaches, and ask for a report reference. Emergency services: call 112 for an emergency requiring police, ambulance or fire services. The call is free. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact number to freeze missing cards and report disputed payments. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if identity documents are stolen or you need consular help. If detained, ask to speak to your consulate. Travel insurer: use the claims contact in your policy. Provide the police report reference, receipts and payment records where available.
What number do I call in an emergency in Greece?
Emergency services: police, ambulance and fire: 112, Police: 100, Tourist police: taxi fare fraud reports: 171, Ambulance: 166, Fire: 199, Coast Guard: 108.
Reviewed by @snuck