Taxi scams in Chania and Chania Airport are quite common. With thousands of tourists flying to Chania every day, there are plenty of opportunities for unscrupulous taxi drivers to take advantage of unsuspecting visitors.
Therefore, knowing how to spot a taxi scam and what to do if you find yourself in one is important. Below, you'll find everything you need to know about taxi scams in Chania and the top tips to avoid them.
Knowing the common taxi scams in Chania not only allows you to avoid them, but also helps you save money and budget for your trip accordingly. Here are some of the most common taxi scams in Chania and Chania airport:
One taxi scam in Chania you should be aware of is the taxi driver taking you somewhere else. For example, instead of going to your hotel, they'll insist on bringing you to a souvenir shop claiming it's the best in town. When you do decide to visit the said shop, the driver will get a commission if you purchase an item. Although this isn't as dangerous as some of the other scams on this list, it's still a waste of time and money.
Another common taxi scam in Chania is when the driver claims to have no change for a larger note, even though it's clear they do. They'll smile and convince you to just consider the change as a small tip and it's not a big deal. But if you're on a budget and don't want to overspend, this is definitely a taxi scam you want to avoid.
This taxi scam is often done if you're traveling to far away places in the outskirts of Chania. The driver will choose the longest and most expensive route, sometimes even going around in circles, to increase the fare.
In certain cases, taxi drivers will demand payment in advance before beginning the journey. They claim that this is due to the length of the trip or the fact that they will be stopping for gas along the way.
Taxis in Chania are metered, so you pay for the entire ride, not per person. However, some taxi drivers will try to scam you by saying the price is per person instead. This means that if there are three of you, they'll charge you triple the amount.
The classic taxi scam that's been around for years is when the driver forgets to turn on the meter. They'll pretend like they forgot and once you reach your destination, they'll charge an exorbitant amount of money. Others will even set the meter to a higher rate without you noticing.
Unlicensed taxis, or what we call fake taxis, are illegal cabs that are not regulated by the government. These drivers don't have a taxi permit and are not insured, which puts you at risk. Not to mention, they often overcharge their passengers compared to standard taxis. Taxis in Chania are blue, metered and have a TAXI sign on top. If the car you're getting into doesn't fit this description, it's best to find another one.
Taxi drivers may con tourists who are unfamiliar with Crete's currency. They do this by swapping your bill for a lower value one. Even if you handed them a high-value bill, a driver may claim you gave them a low-value bill and demand more money.
There are many taxi scams in Chania and Chania airport to be aware of. Knowing how to avoid them can save you time, money and a whole lot of hassle.
Although Chania is known for its friendly people and hospitable culture, there are still some individuals who will try to take advantage of tourists. Here are some tips to avoid taxi scams in Chania:
In Chania, every taxi has a meter. You will be charged based on the number of kilometers you travel. The standard rate per kilometer in Chania is €0.74. The time of day, traffic conditions, and your destination all influence the rate.
If you believe you have been overcharged or scammed, you should report it to the authorities right away.
Since Chania is a known tourist destination, the city has a Tourist Police station that you can go to. They are specifically trained to deal with complaints from tourists, including taxi scams. Here's their location and contact number:
Address: Panagouli 3, Chania 731 34, Greece
Phone: +30 2821 031111
Any illegal taxi activity can be reported to the Tourist Police. They'll take your report down and look into the situation. Keep your ID or passport on you at all times in case you are asked to show it.
Yes, it's on a billboard outside the taxi station at Chania Airport. You can use it to figure out how much your taxi ride will cost.
However, keep in mind that this is only an estimate, and the final price may vary depending on traffic, your destination, and the time of day.
To ensure your safety, it's always best to book a Chania transfer in advance. This way, you can be sure that the driver is licensed and insured. Doing so provides you with peace of mind and allows you to relax on your holiday. Plus, you're given the freedom of choice when it comes to vehicle type and size.
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