Scam in GreeceTaxis
Wrong taxi meter rate and extra charges in Greece
How it works
A driver uses the wrong meter rate or adds unjustified charges. Higher night rates and some surcharges can be legitimate. The trick is charging a rate or extra that does not apply to your trip.
Warning signs
- The driver refuses to use the meter for an ordinary metered trip.
- A higher rate is used without a clear reason.
- The final total includes unexplained extras.
How to avoid it
- Ask the driver to use the meter for metered trips.
- Check which rate applies before setting off.
- Ask about any extra charges before the trip.
- Request a receipt.
If it happens to you
Ask for a receipt, record the number plate and report the driver 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.
- Redditr/GreeceTravel2023Taxi and credit card adviceA commenter warns that drivers may select the higher nighttime meter tariff during daytime journeys.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/greece2022Athens taxi drivers ripping me offA contributor describes drivers inflating supplementary meter charges or switching to the nighttime tariff during a ride.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/GreeceTravel2026Shocking Taxi Experience in Athens – TAA 7462A couple reports that an airport driver demanded €25 against an approximately €12 meter reading, citing luggage assistance, and kept their €20 payment.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the wrong taxi meter rate and extra charges scam in Greece?
A driver uses the wrong meter rate or adds unjustified charges. Higher night rates and some surcharges can be legitimate. The trick is charging a rate or extra that does not apply to your trip.
How can I spot it early?
The driver refuses to use the meter for an ordinary metered trip. A higher rate is used without a clear reason. The final total includes unexplained extras.
How do I avoid wrong taxi meter rate and extra charges in Greece?
Ask the driver to use the meter for metered trips. Check which rate applies before setting off. Ask about any extra charges before the trip. Request a receipt.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask for a receipt, record the number plate and report the driver to the tourist police on 171.
Where in Greece does this happen?
Reported in Athens and Kavala, with a wider warning about extra charges for tourists. It has been reported in Athens, Kavala.
How common is this scam in Greece?
Occasional. 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: unregulated airport taxis and double-fare claims, 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