Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
While fairly rare, some thieves outfit ATMs with a cloning device (like mentioned earlier)
and steal hundreds of credit numbers. This is a pretty advanced technique and it can be diffi-
cult to detect. If the ATM looks a little funny, I suggest finding another one.
Crooked Taxis
Ahh yes. The dreaded taxi. It feels like even the honest ones are trying to rip you off. Unfor-
tunately, there are plenty of drivers who set out to scam unsuspecting tourists—especially in
Eastern Europe. Here are some of the common scams to look out for when taking taxis.
Use official taxis.
All legitimate taxis have to follow certain rules and regulations. However,
there are plenty of unlicensed, illegal, and private car services that don't follow the same
guidelines. Official taxis will have some type of accreditation posted in the taxi.
Use taxi stands.
Taxi stands are places where legitimate taxis line up to pick up passengers.
Unfortunately, you can't assume they'll all be honest but it is your best bet.
Call for a taxi.
If you can't find a taxi that seems legitimate, you can call a well-known taxi
company and they'll come pick you up.
Go by the meter.
Many crooked drivers will claim the meter is “broken” or they won't turn
it on because of some other excuse. They're always going to rip you of in these cases. Insist
that they turn it on. Leave if they don't.
Only use clearly marked official taxis.
Know normal prices.
Remember that knowledge is power. Seek out an unbiased third party
(hostel, Internet, friend, etc.) to give you a close guess to how much you should be paying for
your ride. Another tip is to ask the cab driver for this estimated cost before you get in and
compare the two.
