Grabbing a taxi in a new city can seem like a simple task—until it isn’t. Tourists often fall into common traps that lead to overcharges, confusion, or wasted time. Whether you’re traveling domestically or abroad, knowing what to avoid can help you save money, stay safe, and get where you’re going without hassle.

Here are eight mistakes travelers often make when hailing a taxi—and how to avoid them.

1. Not confirming the driver will use the meter
   In many cities, taxi drivers are required by law to use a fare meter. However, tourists are often told the meter is “broken” or that a flat rate is better. This is a red flag.

Always ask: “Will you be using the meter?” before entering the cab. In regulated cities like London, drivers must use meters unless booked in advance. If the driver refuses, politely decline the ride.

2. Hailing a taxi from an unverified source
   Avoid getting into cars that are not clearly marked as taxis or that approach you unsolicited—especially near airports or tourist hubs. Instead, use designated taxi stands or official apps like Curb in the U.S., or Bolt and Free Now in Europe.
3. Not knowing local fare estimates
   A lack of awareness about standard fares makes it easier to get overcharged. Use tools like TaxiFareFinder or Rome2Rio to get an estimated cost before starting your ride. This also helps you evaluate whether a flat-rate offer is fair.
4. Paying in large bills
   Handing over large bills—especially in unfamiliar currency—can lead to scams like false change or claiming you didn’t pay enough. Always try to pay with smaller denominations or use a card. Digital payment also offers the benefit of an automatic receipt and dispute protection.
5. Forgetting to track the route
   Drivers may take longer routes if they think the passenger won’t notice. Open Google Maps on your phone and follow the route as you ride. If the driver deviates significantly, ask why or suggest a better route. In-app rideshare services like Uber and Lyft provide route tracking automatically.
6. Not asking for a receipt
   Receipts are essential for reporting lost items, filing complaints, or requesting reimbursement. Even if the driver doesn’t offer one, always ask. Many taxis have onboard printers, and if not, the driver should write one manually.
7. Failing to research airport taxi rules
   Airports often have designated taxi services or prepaid systems to avoid fare disputes.Most airports offer secure, prepaid taxis. Bypassing these services may expose you to inflated prices or unregulated drivers.
8. Missing out on prepaid ride savings
   While it’s tempting to pay on the spot, tourists can actually plan ahead and save by purchasing prepaid ride credits. With Fluz, you can buy an Uber gift card with cashback or earn cashback with a Lyft gift card and apply it instantly in their respective apps. This is especially helpful when traveling in the U.S., where these services are widely available and offer upfront pricing.

Final thoughts
Taxis can still be a reliable and efficient way to get around while traveling—but only if you’re smart about how you use them. Avoiding these common tourist mistakes can help you stay in control, save money, and travel with peace of mind. And when local options get confusing, prepaid gift cards and apps like Fluz offer a simple way to book and pay securely—while getting something back in return.