Taxi no change scam

[Love2Snorkle]

Very disappointing.

 

Our trip to Mahahual ended and caught a taxi back to the ship.

Negotiated $8 for the ride.

When arrived, gave $20 for the ride and he took the money and gave no change.

I have asked for the change and he said no change and left. 

 

 

[crewsweeper]

Always bring small bills to any port, nothing over a $10.  Mostly $1s and $5s.

 

How many people in your taxi?

[Love2Snorkle]

2

[crewsweeper]

Yes, should have been $8 .  Maybe $10 with tip.  Again, this is why a person should never venture out in a foreign port with large bills.  Even in the States, taxi drivers grouse over having to give change.

[Love2Snorkle]

I think he had some changes.  He wanted extra $12.

 

I see Costa Maya going down and losing lots of business due to bad practices.

Hopefully soon.

This was my 3rd trip to Costa Maya this year and my last.

 

 

[c-leg5]

15 hours ago, Love2Snorkle said:

I think he had some changes.  He wanted extra $12.

 

I see Costa Maya going down and losing lots of business due to bad practices.

Hopefully soon.

This was my 3rd trip to Costa Maya this year and my last.

 

 

I agree there are some bad practices developing in Costa Maya especially regarding taxis. I completely disagree with the “new” taxi rates although for us personally, usually traveling as a party of two it makes no difference although I will no longer “share” a taxi on principle.

 

Like @crewsweeper I was also confused as to how many were in your taxi since you said “negotiated” a fee of $8. Rightly or wrongly, this does seem to be the current rate for two people. I wish they would be upfront and have a posted list at dispatch. I am inclined to take a photo of taxi number before entering as a deterrent to overcharging.

 

That said, I also agree with @crewsweeper that “no change” is a common taxi scam in most places actually - I heard of it happening even on our last cruise to someone in Cartagena, Columbia, but since Mexico is so popular it is more widely reported. It is in deed prudent to only carry small bills by habit although sometimes at the end if the day I agree it can be difficult.

 

We have also been to Costa May several times this year fortunately without incident but I am aware of these reports.

Edited July 10, 2022 by c-leg5