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)

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.

Airport taxi and rideshare scams you need to know about