The Behavior European Taxi Scammers Look For In American Tourists Before They Strike

Large crowds of people hanging out in unfamiliar environments are breeding grounds for scammers. Unfortunately, this is a problem for tourists all over the world. We hear quite a bit about tourists in Europe falling victim to pickpocketing in particular, but scams can come in many other forms. Among them are taxi scams, but there is a way to make yourself less vulnerable.

When traveling, trying not to stand out as a tourist in a foreign environment is always good practice. Of course, something like changing your clothing color or style can help you blend in like a local, but how you behave can also be a factor. "Avoid letting a taxi driver think you don't know where you are or where you are going," Redditor u/Spirited_Tadpole_508 explained in a thread about what to avoid in Europe (via BuzzFeed). "Enter a cab with confidence and pretend you have your bearings even if you don't," they continued. This can also mean making it seem like you know the best route that the driver should take. Perhaps mention some landmarks that you would come across along the correct route.

Another way to seem like a local in order to avoid taxi scams in Europe relates to small talk with your taxi driver. "If a taxi driver asks if you're 'from around here,' always say yes," Redditor u/sarahslilbox advised. If the driver does not ask you if you're a local, find a way to bring it up. This could mean making up a story about how you used to live nearby and making small talk with them. Other Redditors echoed this idea and some recommended going as far as giving directions to the driver, something you can do thanks to map apps on your smartphone.

Among the common scams taxi drivers might try if you seem like an unsuspecting tourist is taking a longer route or even driving in circles to increase the cost of the ride. Some untrustworthy drivers might even mess with the meter so it wracks up a higher fare. You could also encounter someone claiming to be a taxi driver who is not actually employed by an official company. Be sure to only climb into cars with a taxi company logo, which is advice that travel expert Rick Steves has also given readers on his blog. Steves also suggests discussing price before you agree to the ride and being especially wary around airports and train stations. Add some prior research to your confident demeanor and you will feel safer as a tourist while traveling.