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Common in Serbia

Scam in SerbiaTaxis

Unregulated taxis and taxi touts in Serbia

Airport arrivals, bus arrivals and railway stations.

How it works

An unregulated driver offers a ride and charges far above the normal fare. Taxi touts approach arriving bus passengers. Waiting taxis at Belgrade airport Arrivals are a particular risk. Unaffiliated taxis in Novi Sad can also charge much more, especially at the railway station.

Warning signs

  • Someone approaches you offering a taxi as you arrive.
  • A Belgrade taxi lacks a roof sign with the city coat of arms and a number.
  • A Belgrade taxi's licence plate does not end in TX.

How to avoid it

  1. In Belgrade, book through Yandex Go, CAR:GO or Pink Taxi. Set up SMS verification before you need a ride.
  2. At Belgrade airport, use an app booking, a phone booking or a fixed-price slip from the machine next to baggage claim.
  3. In Belgrade, check both the roof sign and the TX licence plate.
  4. In Novi Sad, use a taxi affiliated with a major firm, such as Pan, Vojvodjani, SOS, Delta, Novus, Naš or Lav.

If it happens to you

In Belgrade, record the roof-sign number and licence plate. Ask for a signed bill and report the incident to city inspection. Also contact airport inspection if the journey involved the airport. Call police if the driver becomes aggressive.

  1. Move somewhere safe. Avoid arguing with an aggressive driver, tout or stranger. Call police on 192 if you are threatened.
  2. Check what is missing or what you were charged. Freeze affected cards and contact your card issuer promptly.
  3. Save receipts, booking records, messages and screenshots. Write down the time, place and what happened. Record vehicle details if relevant.
  4. Report theft, threats or suspected fraud to police. Ask for a report or reference number.
  5. For a Belgrade taxi dispute, contact the taxi operator and city inspection. Also contact airport inspection if the ride involved the airport.
  6. Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen. Notify your insurer and keep copies of reports and expenses.
What it can costUnregulated taxis may charge up to four times the normal fare.
Where it happensAirport arrivals, bus arrivals and railway stations.Belgrade, Novi Sad
More scams in SerbiaTaxi fare inflation and extra charges: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the unregulated taxis and taxi touts scam in Serbia?

An unregulated driver offers a ride and charges far above the normal fare. Taxi touts approach arriving bus passengers. Waiting taxis at Belgrade airport Arrivals are a particular risk. Unaffiliated taxis in Novi Sad can also charge much more, especially at the railway station.

How can I spot it early?

Someone approaches you offering a taxi as you arrive. A Belgrade taxi lacks a roof sign with the city coat of arms and a number. A Belgrade taxi's licence plate does not end in TX.

How do I avoid unregulated taxis and taxi touts in Serbia?

In Belgrade, book through Yandex Go, CAR:GO or Pink Taxi. Set up SMS verification before you need a ride. At Belgrade airport, use an app booking, a phone booking or a fixed-price slip from the machine next to baggage claim. In Belgrade, check both the roof sign and the TX licence plate. In Novi Sad, use a taxi affiliated with a major firm, such as Pan, Vojvodjani, SOS, Delta, Novus, Naš or Lav.

What should I do if it happens to me?

In Belgrade, record the roof-sign number and licence plate. Ask for a signed bill and report the incident to city inspection. Also contact airport inspection if the journey involved the airport. Call police if the driver becomes aggressive.

Where in Serbia does this happen?

Airport arrivals, bus arrivals and railway stations. It has been reported in Belgrade, Novi Sad.

How much can it cost me?

Unregulated taxis may charge up to four times the normal fare.

How common is this scam in Serbia?

Common. Serbia is generally safe for visitors. Taxi scams are common in Belgrade, and unregulated taxis can overcharge in Novi Sad too. Watch for pickpockets in crowds and on public transport, and be cautious around transport touts.

Are there similar scams in Serbia?

Yes: taxi fare inflation and extra charges.

Who can I report it to?

Police: call 192 for immediate police help. Report theft or suspected fraud at a police station and ask for a report or reference number. Taxi operator: for a disputed Belgrade fare, call the driver's taxi association and ask it to check the price for the distance travelled. Provide the booking and vehicle details. Belgrade city inspection: call +381 11 3227-000. Keep the roof-sign number, licence plate and a signed bill showing the date, time, route and price. Belgrade airport inspection: for taxi incidents on journeys to or from the airport, call +381 11 2097-373 or email taxi@beg.aero. Card issuer: use your banking app or your issuer's official contact number to freeze a card and report unauthorised charges. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is lost or stolen. Travel insurer: use the claims or assistance contact in your policy. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of the loss.

What number do I call in an emergency in Serbia?

Police: 192, Fire: 193, Ambulance: 194.

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