
New research analysing Reddit travel discussions has named Turkey as the country where tourists most frequently report falling victim to taxi scams.
The study by AllClear examined over 450 Reddit posts and more than 30,000 comments across major travel communities to determine which destinations generate the most discussion about taxi swindles.
Turkey topped the list with over "4,200 comments on Reddit threads discussing taxi scams," nearly double the number of complaints generated by second-place India. Thailand, Vietnam and Egypt also made the top five.
The analysis found that these scams occur most often in "popular tourist hotspots, particularly in countries where public transport systems are less developed."
A common element across all complaints was airport taxis, with "nearly a third of all the Reddit posts analysed mentioning an airport in the title."
Common Scams and How to Avoid Them
The research identified several prevalent taxi scams travellers should watch out for:
The Unlicensed Hustle: Unlicensed drivers offer cheaper fares but then "charge extortionate amounts when the ride is over."
The Broken Meter: The driver claims their meter is broken and demands an "inflated fare, which can be two to three times the standard rate."
The Long Detour: One of the most common swindles Redditors discuss "includes taking long detours, avoiding faster roads or missing turnings to increase the fare." To counter this, experts recommend tracking your route using GPS.
The Broken Card Machine: Drivers claim "their card machine is broken" often to encourage travellers to round up the fare or charge a higher rate.
To avoid being caught out by unexpectedly high quotes, especially in very touristy areas or late at night, experts advise travellers to "always asking the driver to agree to a flat fare before getting into the vehicle or asking them to turn the meter on."

The Government has issued a statement detailing its plans to overhaul taxi licensing under The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, specifically aiming to tackle the controversial issue of 'out-of-area' wor

Larisa Sumovskaja, 18, and Jasmine Orchard, 21, took a taxi home after a night out, but left the vehicle without paying the £38 fare. 

The unnamed driver's licence is suspended for three months, though she may return sooner if she completes training.

Glasgow taxi drivers could soon be required to accept card payments after the city's licensing committee officially agreed to hold a public consultation on the issue.

The move is being driven by "significant increases in the cost of vehicles and maintenance, fuel and the cost of living," according to a Shetland Islands Council (SIC) report.

The motion, spearheaded by Labour councillor Mohammed Jamil, requires the city council to write to the Secretary of State for Transport and two local MPs, urging their support.

Footage captured the vehicle entirely "enveloped in flames" as firefighters arrived on the scene to tackle the intense blaze.

The claimants, Miss O Akinleye and Mr A Olumade, pursued an employment tribunal against BDBC alleging sex discrimination, race discrimination, harassment, and victimisation.

Several members of the Wakefield taxi & private hire trade were at the meeting and one was so angry and concerned at what was said by this licensing officer that he has lodged the complaint.


Wolverhampton has revealed 17 reports of alleged sexual assault or rape against its licensed drivers within a three-month period.

Jordan Roberts, 27, of Wrexham, appeared at Mold Crown Court on November 25, where he pleaded guilty to robbery.

The Taxi Centre has stepped up to support Glasgow’s taxi trade and a local charity, raising a further £2,600 for a cancer charity, bringing the total raised for the charity this year to £4,300.

Malik Paracha’s licence was taken away in March 2025 when Buckinghamshire Council officers became aware that he had committed ‘multiple motoring offences’.

Under the new rules, taxi use for medical travel will be restricted to "exceptional" cases such as physical disability, pregnancy or serious illness - and these will require government approval.

Madjid Belabes, 53, arranged for the five cabbies to take people from London to lay-bys in Kent before being put in lorries and taken to France.

A driver accused of switching off his meter, quoting inflated prices and demanding cash only, or behaving in a way that’s opposite to what passengers expect from a licensed professional driver. 

From 1 December 2025, Norwich City Council is introducing enhanced licensing standards and a fresh look for plates and badges - the latest step to keep taxi journeys safe and professional.

However this particular individual who described himself as working for Leeds City Council was gesturing for me to pick him up in the hackney carriage rank.

Traditional desk operator at Manchester Airport .... tender not awarded???
