Beware! Taxi hyenas in Budapest are using new tricks to scam tourists

Taking a taxi in Budapest isn’t always a safe or fair experience—especially for those hailing a cab right off the street. According to the Budapest Transport Center (BKK), it’s mainly foreign visitors who fall victim to unscrupulous drivers who use various tricks to charge passengers far more than the legal fare. Authorities are stepping up inspections and imposing stiff fines in an effort to weed out dishonest operators and ensure peace of mind for honest drivers and passengers alike.

Are taxi scams on the rise?

As VG reports, rogue taxi drivers who solicit rides directly from the street—rather than through official bookings—continue to pose a serious problem in Budapest. The BKK says foreigners are most at risk, commonly being charged several times the normal fare. During major festivals, inspectors monitor the situation closely; in a recent sweep, 30 citations were issued. Common violations include lack of permits and required documentation, failure to issue receipts, and various fare manipulation schemes.

New tricks at the POS terminal

Scams involving point-of-sale (POS) terminals have become increasingly common. In some cases, drivers enter an extra zero into the payment amount while hiding the screen, so the passenger only notices the overcharge afterward. In other instances, the currency is switched from Hungarian forints to Swiss francs, generating hefty additional fees. These methods primarily target tourists unfamiliar with local pricing and regulations.