Nothing can ruin your vacation faster than being scammed, and unfortunately taxi scams are something that frequently happen to tourists.
Taxi scams in Heraklion and Heraklion Airport are fairly common. While there are plenty of honest taxi drivers in the city, there are also dishonest ones who prey on unsuspecting tourists.
Below, you'll find all the information you need to know about taxi scams in Heraklion, and the best tips to avoid them.
Surely, the last thing you want to worry about on your vacation is being scammed. Spending a few minutes reading about the common taxi scams in the region can help you avoid them, saving you time and money.
Here are the most common taxi scams in Heraklion:
Some drivers claim they forgot to turn on the meter, and will charge you a higher rate than what you should be paying. Others set the meter to a higher rate than what is normal.
This is a scam that’s not always common in Heraklion, but still happens. A taxi driver will take you to a souvenir or jewelry shop instead of your actual destination. They will insist you to buy things, claiming this is the best place on the island. If you do purchase an item, the taxi driver will get a cut.
This is the most common taxi scam seen all over the world, and Heraklion is no exception. The moment you hand over the payment, the driver will claim they don’t have change. They’ll even smile and say the supposedly change can be a friendly tip for them.
Sometimes, taxi drivers will take the longer route to your destination to run up the meter. This is especially common if you're going to Heraklion Airport or far -flung areas outside of the city center
In some cases, taxi drivers will demand that you pay them in advance, before even starting the drive. They claim that this is because the trip will be long, or they’ll be stopping for gas along the way.
Tourists that aren't familiar with Crete's currency may be scammed by taxi drivers who swap their bill for a lower value one. A driver might say you gave them a low-value bill even when you gave them a high one, and demand more money.
When you reach your destination, the taxi driver says that the fare on the taxi meter is actually per person instead of the whole ride. He will insist that each person in the taxi has to pay the same price.
Fake taxis are unlicensed taxis prepared to take you wherever you want to go. They can charge you whatever they want and take you on any route they want. When it comes to taxi scams such as these, you're usually not at any physical risk; they just want your money.
As you can see, there are several taxi scams in Heraklion you should be aware of. Failing to determine taxi scams will set you back on budget and just ruin your trip entirely. Fortunately, there are ways you can follow to avoid becoming a victim of taxi scams.
Even if Crete is known for its hospitality, taxi scams in Heraklion can still happen to unwary tourists. The best way to avoid them is to be aware of these frauds and what to do to prevent them
Here are the best tips you should keep in mind:
Every taxi in Heraklion has a meter. You are charged depending on how many kilometers you travel. The standard rate per kilometer in Heraklion is €0.74. Factors that affect the rate are time of day, traffic conditions and your destination.
If you feel like you're being overcharged or scammed, it's good to directly go to the authorities to file a report.
Since Heraklion is a known tourist-destination, the city has a special tourist police that can help you with any issues you may have, including taxi scams. If you need assistance, see below for their details:
Location: 1, Agiou Artemiou Street 71601 NEA ALIKARNASSOS , HERAKLION , GREECE
Phone numbers: +30 2810 274042, +30 2810 274040
You can report any illegal taxi activity to the Tourist Police. They will take down your report and will investigate the case. You may be asked to present your ID or passport, so keep it with you at all times.
Yes, it's on a billboard outside Heraklion Airport's taxi station. You can refer to it to get an idea on how much your taxi ride might cost.
However, note that this is only a guide, and the final price may still differ depending on traffic conditions, your destination and time of day.
If privacy and safety is your concern, then you can book a private transfer online from Heraklion Airport to your hotel. This way, you'll be picked up by a trusted driver and you don't have to worry about getting scammed. Private transfers in Heraklion Airport like Best Crete Transfer can provide a fixed rate before the journey, so you'll know exactly how much you'll be paying.
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