T R AV E L
My number one tip here is to check that the driver has a photo taxi licence clearly displayed in his cab
MENU PRICES IN CONFUSING MEASURES
This is mostly found in Greece, with some establishments in Mykonos being particularly fond of this tactic. It can leave you many hundreds of euros out of pocket. Such a place will normally try to lure you in by offering free sunbeds etc and being very persistent about it.
SORRY, THAT’S CLOSED
Another common taxi-related scam is when the driver tells you that wherever you’re going is closed. It might be your accommodation, restaurant, attraction, or wherever. Meanwhile, they’re in cahoots with other accommodation providers, restaurant owners and such, and they offer to take you to their alternative suggestion where they will receive a finder’s fee for taking you there. This can be especially damaging if you agree to be taken to accommodation that wasn’t of your choosing.
Menus will be given out quickly, and the waiter might have some reason why you should order ASAP but the real problem will be that the menu will display costs for confusing measures. For example: fries costing €5 per 0.010kg! You can imagine what that might cost! And it’s legal! As long as prices are displayed on the menu, it is up to the establishment what they charge. Never be pressured into ordering quickly and take the time to understand exactly what you’ll be charged for that Greek salad.
THE SPILL
You’re minding your own business when someone spills something on you, apologising profusely and before you know what’s happening, starts to wipe and dab the spill for you – while pickpocketing your valuables. Quite often, it’s an accomplice doing the pickpocketing while you’re flustered and distracted. This oldie but goodie is still popular, in Europe especially. If someone spills anything on you, react quickly by pushing any stranger in your personal space away and finding your exit - sharpish. There are, of course, just about as many scams out there as there are people looking for a quick buck. And sure, there’s not much harm in losing a pound or two to the old lady offering you a sprig of rosemary and a blessing (I see it as part and parcel in supporting the local economy) but watch out for the real crooks!
If this happens to you, be firm but polite about where you want to go, and if they don’t want to take you, get out and find someone else who will.
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