Airport Taxi Scams You Need To Know About

There’s nothing worse than being hit with an unexpectedly high fare after a holiday. Here’s how to avoid the sting of a scam.

We’re pretty savvy when it comes to international travel, looking up local scams and keeping a sharp eye open. But what about in our own country? Rideshare and airport taxi scams at main terminals around Australia are not uncommon. Here’s what to look out for.

Book through the actual taxi service

I once booked a taxi through a website which was essentially Webjet for taxis. Except, of course, the price wasn’t shown. I’m usually a carshare fan, but there weren’t many around my area at the time and I needed to book in for an early morning flight.

My taxi arrived on time, and it was a legitimate and common brand you see around Sydney. So where was the scam? What was usually an approximately $20 fare had been inflated to $60. Luckily, my driver was a lovely and honest man who asked me if the fare was ok when I got in the taxi. When I was shocked, he wanted me not to book through a third party, as they charge an outrageously high price for the privilege that doesn’t put any extra dimes in the taxi driver’s pockets.

lights on top of two taxis against city lights — Book through official channels, not a third party. (Image: Lexi Anderson)

Keep an eye on the meter

If you’ve ever been shocked by the number on the meter at the end of a trip, there’s a possibility you were hit with the ‘jump up’ fare scam. This one is even trickier because most of us would never argue with the official taxi meter. The thing is, while some add-ons should be expected (like airport surcharge and sometimes tolls), if the change in fare is sudden, high and unexplained it could be a scam.

For example, one passenger recounts a $20 jump-up in the fare from one suburb to the next in Sydney. When the driver was asked to explain what the extra fees were, they admitted to ‘driving for a friend’ (ie, driving illegally) and offered a discount on the official fare. All of these reactions are red flags, don’t be fooled.

taxi crossing a bridge — Look out for unexplainable jumps in the fare. (Image: Zac Ong)

Beware of false fees

Fairly, if you make your carshare driver wait for you at the pickup location, they’re able to charge an extra fee. According to Uber’s guidelines, that wait has to be at least two minutes to apply. What some riders have noticed, however (particularly in Melbourne), is that a wait fee was added even though they were standing at the agreed pickup spot before they even booked a driver. The best part about rideshares is that when you do come across false fare charges like this, you’re usually able to get that extra money refunded when you complain via the app.

Other fees that can be added when necessary also include surge fees, toll fees and length of ride fees. While these can be added, there are stipulations. For example, surge fees should be shown before you book the Uber. Prices might change slightly, but should only be minimal (I personally have found DiDi to be much better at honest upfront pricing, though). Read the guidelines for the rideshare you’re using and be aware of any extra fees.

Another example is the time my driver missed the turn-off twice, despite my directions (and his satnav) and then charged me for the extra time it took him to loop back around and correct his mistake.

passenger view of an uber driver — Check your fee breakdown and dispute unfair additions. (Image: Paul Hanaoka)

Look out for fake cancellation scams

Sorry Melbourne, but this is another one mostly reported in the Victorian capital (although it’s also definitely happened to me in Sydney). After you’ve booked your fare, a scammer will accept your ride, make you wait for them, but then veer off-route at the last minute. Why? So they can claim they’re waiting for you, even though you’re at the agreed pickup location and there are no drivers in sight. Even after a chat in the app, they’ll drive around a little more ‘looking’ for you, just to do the same thing. After all this waiting for you, they’ve made it look like need to cancel the fare, which gets them an instant $10 cancellation fee, and you can’t contact them any more to dispute it. If that happens to you, immediately report the scam to Uber to get your $10 back.

someone booking a ride through the uber app — Look out for cancellation scams. (Image: Charles Deluvio)

Never pay upfront

This taxi scam may be one you know to look out for overseas, but it’s commonly reported in Australia as well. You should never be asked to pay in cash upfront, that means it’s a scam and they may be overcharging you, or just avoiding paying their own fees.

Don’t be tricked by a ‘broken’ EFTPOS machine

Along a similar vein, some passengers have reported arriving at their destination, only to be told the EFTPOS machine isn’t working and being handed an alternative machine to swipe their card through. Next minute, a $10 fare has been charged as a $90 one. Always make sure you’re offered a regular and official payment method.

glimpse of a taxi crossing a bridge — There should be no surprises in the fare. (Image: Guillaume Fandre)

As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach — Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

Where to eat in Noosa

Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis , Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa , organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano , traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina .

diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter — Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

Where to stay in Noosa

Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore . Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa — Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

Things to do on land

There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter — Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

Things to do in the water

Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater , a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa ; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter — Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.

Airport taxi and rideshare scams you need to know about