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)

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

Exploring the Murray River

1. The Crossing Place Trail

woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop — Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Canoe The Murray

two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park — Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray , then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga — Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga — Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve . Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

Adventuring on Lake Hume

1. Walk the dam wall

parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume — Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

2. The High Country Rail Trail

This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

3. Water sports

two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume — Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

Sip and Savour

1. Dux Albury

two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury — Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co. — Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co . has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

3. Temperance and General

Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General . Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

4. BeanStation Cafe

two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga — Dine on a modern Australian menu.

Dine on a modern Australian menu , inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

5. River Deck Cafe

waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga — Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

Museums, murals and more

1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery — Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

3. HotHouse Theatre

Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.

Airport taxi and rideshare scams you need to know about