All you need to know to avoid being ripped off in Taxi Scams in Santiago Chile 
There are many reasons to visit Santiago de Chile and it is a destination increasingly being chosen by domestic and foreign travelers.
Santiago, it’s the Chilean city most connected to the world, a middle point connecting to the country and very close to the sea. Surrounded by mountains and The Andes, it is possible to perform many activities in town, as Trekking in Santiago and surroundings, visiting markets and fairs, cultural activities and more.
While Chile has a very good image in terms of honesty and transparency of its inhabitants, there are certain areas in which constantly stories of some who want to try to take advantage of circumstances are heard. It’s in these journeys when travelers choose to move through Santiago, that we constantly hear of fraud attempts when tourists cross paths with some not too honest taxi drivers.
While most taxi drivers are very honest in Chile, there are some that do not rely so much on this, so you should be very cautious when you run into them.
Considering that only 14% of taxi drivers are certified by the Ministry of Transport, this leaves room for some dishonest taxi drivers being able to take advantage of unaware passengers.
The issue about taxi drivers trying to overcharge tourists is not unique to Chile, there are stories in many other countries indicating the same, so we must be very careful in general, to avoid overpaying if you are interested in taking care of your Chilean pesos.
Click here to know the most common scams to tourists in the world
In Santiago, a city with more than 7 million inhabitants there might be some chances to get into one of these cabs.
With no attempt to classify all taxi drivers in this category (I even have good friends doing this job) but the reality speaks for itself: Many tourists are ripped up daily in Santiago taxis.
Sometimes these taxi scams in Santiago are only a small difference in money and sometimes by charging you ten times more than it would normally be.
An image is all: If you look like a ‘gringo’ you’ll be charged like a gringo
In Chile, it is considered ‘gringo’ anyone of fair hair/skin from an English-speaking country. In the rest of South America it is rather used to denote any foreigner from countries north of Ecuador.
It is clear that the first impression is very important in some contexts, particularly in tourism. If you look gringo and then try to talk to your taxi driver in a broken Spanish, many would classify you as an easy target to be scammed.
Worldwide there are stereotypes that make some look to certain people as a walking wallet and think that everyone who travels has much money. Especially if you try to use taxis: it is because you have money.
The stereotype says that if you look like gringo has little idea of how things move around or about prices, some people think they can charge you whatever they want and you’ll it pay anyway because in your country things are much more expensive and you’ll not even notice they’re overcharging you. And it’s actually very likely you’ll not notice it!
Many of these drivers (even in some shops) are showing overly nice to you, talking a lot and trying to help you in a friendly way. You’ll be so happy about your experience than, later when it’s time to pay you will not notice anything strange.
The most typical scam: The Switcheroo
This is perhaps one of the most common taxi scams in Santiago de Chile. When paying with a ‘big’ bill, you get your change as you’ve paid with a smaller one.
Always try to have small bills to pay the exact amount they charge you. Often what happens is you pay with a large bill and you do not get the proper change. Let’s say you pay with a $ 20,000 bill, they will give your change as if you had paid with a $ 10,000 if you note something strange they are ready to even show a $ 10,000 (it was your change actually) and will say you with it.
A good idea is to have your bill handy all the time and tell the taxi driver “I’m paying you with $10,000” wait for your change and only then give the bill to the driver.
This once happened to me, even as a Chilean, knowing all the tricks and little scams going around…after pleasantly talking a lot along the way and being a very cool dude, I was amazed when I realized he was trying to do it!
It’s amazing how fast and convincing they can be. As I was very clear that that one was the only bill that I’ve had on my wallet that day he failed to convince me otherwise, but I think it is very easy to fall into this if you get caught unprepared or don’t understand the language well.
How to pay your ride and avoid taxi scams in Santiago
Generally, there are certain things that you must pay attention to avoid being tricked by a taxi driver anywhere in the world.
In Chile, Taxis can be taken anywhere, there’s some stops set-up in certain places, like outside bus stations, but generally, you can stop them anywhere.
They will turn up lights in a way to offer their services and to indicate that they are free. I generally prefer to take ones not insisting on taking me too much.
There is an option to call a cab with RadioTaxis, companies that are connected to a central and usually are considered safer because there is the possibility of tracing the car that led you and will be easier to track if you run into any problems or forget any belongings in it. There are also several App’s to order a taxi directly to your address without having to go outside to wait for one.
Something very common in many countries (and Chile) is assuming you do not know where’s your destination nor the route to that place, then some taxi drivers are tempted to do longer routes to slightly increase the rate.
Keep in mind that sometimes is faster in rush hours to go through distant or side streets and not necessarily mean that they try to overcharge you. You can always ask why they are going down that street and not another if you have any doubt.
- Never get into a taxi with two occupants. The only person who needs to be inside is the taxi driver and you. He doesn’t need an assistant to leave your bags at the door of your hotel or help you to take money out from the ATM.
- In Chile, the drivers MUST run the meter when you go up and if they don’t, you can even complain to the police and they will be fined. To call police number is 133 and the magic word will be always ‘Carabineros’.
- The official rate for taxis in Santiago starts at $300 pesos, then every 200 meters it will increase $130 CHP. Look closely the meter starts at this rate and not more, as well as pay attention to how much it will increase as you go along.
- If you are in a bus terminal anywhere in South America try to get slightly away from the area and never catch a taxi near a bus station and especially the ones offering you their services unless there are official taxis working at the site.
- YOU DON’T NEED ANYONE TO HELP YOU GET MONEY FROM THE ATM. The bottom right corner of the menu it is for international transactions in Spanish and English.
- Always be clear how much money you pay with and how much it should cost about. A recommendation for any travel destination is being familiar before with coins and bills, get an idea of how much cost a trip normally. On this website, you can check about what it would cost your taxi ride in Santiago www.taximetro.cl
- Except for the taxis you hire at the airport and that have a fixed rate, all other taxi rides must be paid when you end the journey NEVER PAY BEFORE. In the end, you have the right to demand your ticket.
Perhaps the best solution, altho most taxi drivers are not super happy about is to use Uber. The App is the solution when you don’t speak the language and the most when you don’t want to stress about being scammed.
If you are still not using UBER here is a FREE $1.500CLP ride for you!
Special hitpoint for your arrival to Santiago Airport
At Santiago Airport, there are official taxis offices where you can pay directly and prices are fixed in advance. I prefer to avoid the unofficial taxi drivers who harass travelers after they go through the International Police, I strongly recommend to avoid them as they normally charge excessive prices. There are some pirate taxis operating at the airport, but police prohibited them from being them, anyway, they reappear from time to time and you have a chance to run into one of them.
MORE DETAILS about going from the Airport to Santiago City Center
After living many years in Santiago de Chile and had lived myself some of these unpleasant experiences I share this so that you can be aware of what could happen. Overall my experience has been very good in many Taxis in Santiago, with very friendly and honest people, but sometimes there are exceptions.
It’s not that they always happen… but there is a possibility and you better be careful.
Did you have any problems happened or experienced some taxi scams in Santiago?
Just got scammed… This guy ask if we need a taxi, we ask if they take visa card? He said yes, so we go in the taxi. We drove maximum 7 km, meter says 75000 pesos. We think it is overpriced, but he said that it was getting expensive because of the protests, where everything was destroyed. When we want to pay with card – he said no and take us to a bank. We try to take out money, but don’t speak spanish, so it take a little while. He comes in and press the atm very fast, so we took out 200.000 pesos apperently. Then when we should pay, he made the switch-trick. We ended up paying 100.000 pesos and will not be taking a taxi for the rest of our trip in south america…
I’m so sorry this happened to you!
Just got scammed as well tonight…apparently in a text-book manner after reading this thread.
I was with my husband and 2 year-old. We had done laundry at the Costanera Mall and didn’t want to do the 15 min walk back to the hotel with a 20lb bag. Literally was a 4min drive.
We got into one of the taxis lined up outside, which I now know was a mistake. Guy said he didn’t know where our hotel was. I thought he was just trying to scam us to take a longer route to charge more. I immediately pulled up the directions on google maps, showing him that it was a straight-shot and 4 min away.
He passed our hotel and pulled up out-of-sight to the entrance. Anytime I take Uber or a taxi, I always take my son out of the car as my husband pays (takes time to get a kid out of the car)…no one ever has a problem. This mother effer locked the door!!!! He then proceeds to charge the equivalency of $25USD for a 4min ride. Mind you, it cost us $2.78USD on the way there.
My husband is getting louder and louder (native Spanish speaker, so no language barrier). I attempt to get my son out of the car again, driver re-locks the effin door!!!!!
At this point I’m worried that this dude is going to do something to us because my husband is arguing and threatening to call the police, embassy, and who ever else. Driver is distracted with fighting to where I am able to hold my finger on the lock, while opening the door at the same time. I get my son out of the car and run to the hotel. My husband is still in the car at this point…I obviously wasnt hanging out for a resolution with my 2 year old.
As the hotel gets security, my husband thankfully walks in. He ended up giving the guy 8,000 pesos ($11USD), which was still a rip-off.
Things could have ended very badly, obviously. My husband shouldn’t have done a back-and-forth argument with our 2 year old with us because the driver could have shot us or something.
Dear Jackie,
I’m so sorry this had happened to you guys. Such a bad memory.
I hope you had a good time in the country despite this!
Ahhh I was scammed too. This evening I walked into some riots on the streets and didn’t feel safe (although there quickly was a lot of police) and decided not to walk to the hotel but took a taxi, distance was 2 km and taxi was one of a line in front of the Bellavista Patio. Nice man and the meter started at 300 but quickly went up to 11.000 when I was at the hotel a few minutes later. Only in the hotel I realised it was a huge price and I checked that the price per kilometer was far to high, something must be altered with the meter.
My son got scammed in Santiago, Chile airport on July 22, 2019 when trying to catch a taxi from airport to town. Taxi driver (Violeta) said they take VISA, and ran the card out of my son’s sight. Taxi driver said the card did not work. $1,446.63 was charged on the CHASE VISA card in which we caught and reported within moments. Following all procedures reporting the fraudulent charges, two and a half months later, CHASE closed the case and said will were liable for charge. Saying we were scammed rather then fraudulent charge. After 17 years with JP Morgan Chase, I will say we were scammed. And if Chile can’t do more to protect their visitors, never again!
Thanks for the great post. We are supposed to be in Santiago second week of December and we are sure because of the current situation transportation will be more complicated. We see that Uber is available in Santiago but just read another article which states that Uber is almost “illegal” in Chile. In any case once a again many thanks for the tips
Hi Nesho,
They are on the way to be fully legal, despite that, I still use them just because is cheaper and safer than some of the traditional taxis. I was there in September-October with no issues, some just will ask you to seat in the front seat instead of the back.
I hope you have a good time!
Thanks for great sharing post
I thought initially gonna go to go south America around Chile
But now decided not to go after reading post,sounds bloody scarry place to go
Thaanks
Hi Kiran,
I’m sorry to have scared you due to this, my intention was only to put reality on the table so you can be aware when you are there. Taxi scams are seen all over the world, but when you know they exist you will be successfully safe and off them. I hope you can rethink it! South America is a wonderful place to travel
Thanks for posting.Your article is very informative.Thanks for this.
Thanks for this.Your blog help me to know about why we avoid taxi scams in santiago chile.
Just 5km, from costanera center to downtown, and charged my pregnant wife and I 30000 pesos! He threatened us and denied a ticket!! Never will get taxi again! And if Santiago authorities ban uber, Won’t come back to this city. It spoiled our first day here…
I’m so sorry this happened to you. I wish it was the only one and you have a good stay in Santiago
Either Santiago really cleaned things up or a bunch of you need to wise up. Took the bus in from the airport easily (found a blog describing some good companies to go with) and have had wonderful experiences with the taxis here. If anything I have be confused that they often don’t have change for a 20,000 note our would rather take less than their fare (eg 3500) than provide change. Ubers are more expensive and the last one that took me was drinking from a ‘water’ bottle wrapped in a garbage bag, in another bag…
I’m glad you had a good experience!
I got scammed twice today – not happy. Hopefully people will read these posts and the industry hurts so badly they do something about it – see what UBER has done to the Taxi industry in Australia.
Social media will win……………
Scam 1 – Friday night & out with my wife for dinner – first night in Santiago so a little tired & relaxed. The taxi driver BC SW 19 palms my 5,000 peso note & replaces it with 1,000. Second time my wife is watching when he palms it again. When we object he wont go to police or be photographed. Conveniently he pulled over away from the hotel where it is dark………… He drives off without taking “third note” – only 6,500 Peso’s short!!
Scam 2 – that gets me thinking about our airport experience earlier today – we arrive a bit tired, cant speak Spanish & a bit overwhelmed. Two guys from Tourism Chile (with accreditation) help us but we cant find our booked hire car so they take us around and eventually to a machine for a Taxi voucher. We are experienced travellers but fell for it – Credit card statements show 2 x $AU429 ripped out of ATM machines.
Never again take a taxi in Santiago & I will tell the world – it is already on Tripadvisor.
Nasty start to South American holiday.
I’m so sorry for your terrible welcoming. Why I have posted this article, looking to make people aware and I hope this stops soon! Best wishes for the rest of your trip and please, do make the denounce.
I was scammed at Santiago Airport. I had been travelling for 24 hours and was very tired but knew that a pre-paid taxi was waiting for me.
As soon as I emerged from the customs hall, I heard my name being called. It is not a common name so there was little doubt it was for me. I made myself known to the man calling my name and he pointed me towards two colleagues in the extremely busy arrivals area.
I said that I had a taxi voucher and one looked at it and said it was not valid and I would need to pay for the journey in to the city centre, but that I could reclaim the fare.
Although I had sufficient local money on me to pay for the journey, I said I would pay by credit card. The two ‘helpfully’ assisted me by pushing my luggage trolley and they walked me to an isolated Santander ATM. By then I was very suspicious, however I felt trapped. While no threats were made, they could have stolen my luggage, stabbed or shot me if I resisted.
They stood over me as I withdrew $150,000 pesos. I covered the keyboard with my hand as I input my PIN but one of the pair was looking over my shoulder and must have seen it. When the cash emerged the other man distracted me after he had pushed my card back in to the ATM. The first man withdrew another $150,000 pesos and pocketed it. As we were walking away – they had engaged me in conservation – I realised I had not picked up my credit card. I got it back but had I not done so I think it would have been used for more withdrawals or items bought with it.
I was then escorted to a taxi which the gang paid for and I was driven in to the city centre.
I think that the genuine taxi driver was elsewhere in the hall and he was holding a board with my name on it. The scammers noted it and positioned the ‘shouter’ very near to the exit of the customs hall, so he would be first to catch my attention.
Ooh my…I get so mad every time I know about a new terrible story at this airport. I know they are working hard to catch those assholes but in the meantime is still happening. I hope this was the only time for you. Thank you so much for sharing and I wish you only safe trips! I hope you could have still enjoyed your visit.
thank you for this post. I just got scammed by a taxi driver that charged me 9000 peso to go from bella vista shopping mall to museum of fine arts. when I went to the mall the first driver charged me 1800 so I know the second driver must have manipulated his meter to show 9000. he kept telling me it’s more expensive at night but he was too greedy to charge such a big amount. I only had 2000 at hand so gave him 1000 and said I did not have enough cash on me so he needs to wait for me to go in the hotel to ask the front desk for help. my concierge said it was ridiculous amount but will help me to talk to him. when we came outside to look for him he had ran off. I took a photo of his meter that reads 9010 peso and his face though.
I did not expect such scams and think I will uber instead from now on. its really risky especially when I don’t speak local language and was traveling alone. thanks again for your post I used the taxifare finder and it says it should be 1080 peso only. 😂
9 of us hopped in 3 taxis at a shopping center. meter was going at a million miles per hour. taxis would not go into hotel forecourt. then wanted $ 200,000 pesos. locked us in car drove around the corner then things got nasty.. Same with other 2 cabs. drove like idiots, on the phone all the time.
Take a photo of the cab and driver on your phone. run the voice recorder on your phone while in the cab. Dont let strangers in your cab they may be planted by the driver. Tell him its for your safety.
Better still dont use the Taxis there scum.
Why so many people, and myself are using Uber now. I’m sad you had such a bad experience and I really hope it never happens again! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for your site and this info. So glad I came across your advice, as I’m planning a short layover in Santiago and plan to take a taxi from the airport to some of the sights in the city. Very useful!
Yes!! I got scammed. The driver charged me 80,000 pesos to go from the airport to the hotel. I had a feeling I was being scammed in the moment, but then the person looked like an airport employee and took me to what looked like an official taxi.
Ooohh no!! I’m really sorry for this Frank.
I know people at the airport are working hard to take these people out but it’s hard as they are really well organized. I hope this never happens again to anyone else!
We had exactly the same experience as Frank. We arrived at Santiago airport today, our tour company rep was not there to meet us but an “airport employee” complete with official looking badge and lanyard approached us and offered to phone our tour company for us. He used his own mobile phone to ring the number I gave him and even passed me the phone to speak to them. A man on the phone told me there had been a delay collecting us, to get a taxi from the airport to our hotel, get a receipt & the tour company would reimburse us. He then took us upstairs where an official black & yellow cab was waiting for us. What made us really suspicious was the fact that the “airport employee” then got into the taxi too, telling us that he would accompany us to our hotel. They charged us 80,000 pesos from the airport to our hotel in central Santiago. The hotel told us this happens all the time & we were lucky that it wasn’t 150,000 pesos as it often has been. This is an absolute disgrace. We have just had two weeks in Peru with nothing but friendliness and honesty from the lovely Peruvians. Shame on you Chileans! What a joke that while we were waiting in line for immigration we watched videos by the PDI telling us how safe they were making Chile for tourists. Sort out this airport scam that everyone seems to know about – what a terrible first impression you have given us of your country. Disgusted.
Ohh gosh, I’m so sorry you had to experienced that. I really hope the rest of your trip was better. I hope authorities really do something about this soon, why I’ve written this article I wish I never had to post.
What are the names or web sites of the legal taxi companies that operate at the Santiago airport? do they accept VISA? do they have flat rates from the airport to cities outside Santiago such as La Calera? Do they charge per passenger or is a flat rate for 2 people boarding the taxi going to the same destination? DO they charge extra for luggage or foldable wheelchair?. Please let me know. Thank you.
The official transfers have offices before you get out, right after customs. They shouldn’t charge extra for normal luggage and they charge per passenger when is a shared service or per ride when is a private car. The brands I use is Transvip, never had issues with them, you can even book online with them. Never trust anyone when they say your taxi is not there and they will help you…find it yourself.
There was/is a bus port from the city to the airport that I planned to take. The man there asked me the time of my flight and then told me I won’t make it unless I get there two hours before hand and that I should wait for the bus. He then walked out and pretended he didn’t see a taxi driver right there in front of his shop. Once he acted his ‘Hey! What do you know? A taxi is right here!’ face, I hopped in and negotiated a price of around $20 (I had no idea what a good rate was). I knew what he was doing but I didn’t know why.
Once I got to the airport, I saw that a flight from Santiago to Montevideo only required a 45 minute prior to boarding check in time. I’m sure he’s given false information to hundreds of travelers to get them to take his friend’s taxi.
Got in a taxi in Santiago, overly friendly driver? Only went a short distance as lots of traffic, meter was going up fast, very fast we got out when it was 20000 pesos and walked the rest of the way. I have his licence plate and want to report it, its BT-JT-63
Please Karen,
If you want to report him this is the right place https://portalsiac.mtt.gob.cl:8070/frm_CrearSolicitudes.aspx
Let me know if something happen please!I wish you good and safe travels!
Totally wish I had read this before getting to Chile! Arrived in Santiago today, for the first time, and got MAJORLY scammed while going from the airport to Bellavista. Definitely puts a bad taste in your mouth as the first impression of a country 🙁 Will be using Uber from now on!
Oohh I’m so, so sorry to know that. I know the guys at the airport are working hard to take these guys out of the airport but they are still there and it’s like a mafia. I hope this would not make your whole trip bad and that you get an awesome time in Chile!
i just never take taxis now unless i have to, metro or bus, bike. or walk so much cheaper
It’s impressive that the Taxi drivers in Santiago keep trying to rob tourists! I’ve just faced a situation where I was 2,5km from my hotel and driver said it would cost me 7000 clp, thank God it was before I get into the cab. Used Uber and it cost me 1500 clp. Unfortunatelly it’s not easier to get an Uber driver in tourist spots.
Hi Phillipe,
It’s always sad to hear they still try to do this every day. I’m glad you figured it out before getting into the cab and avid this situation, this is why I always ask for a price before getting into a taxi. Best wishes in South America!
I heard that in the near future, the Chilean ministry of transport wants to shut down Uber. Uber in My opinion, is safe, use desent cars, not overpriced and you don’t have to mess around with money at the end of the trip. Maybe it’s time for the Ministry of transport, to filter out those regular taxi drivers who have bad intentions with clients, so the good taxi drivers can have a good name again.
Hi Vero!
Yup, they are trying to ban Uber in Chile as taxi drivers realized it’s a huge competition for them. I agree, I love when there’s options for us as users and specially when there’s lot of scams going on daily for taxi passengers. 😉
Hi Gloria
If I decided to come despite of danger of all these scams and no Spanish background
Which travels agents( local guids) would you recommend for a week stay in Chile ?
Hi Kiran! I’m glad you are still going and I hope you have the best time.
I can recommend you to take a prepaid transfer to the city so you avoid dealing with taxi scams at the airport. Some of my readers have tried THIS one. If you want a tour in the city the HopOn-hop-off bus is a good way to get the first approach or you can also take a private tour in the city.
Thanks for this post! I had a problem when I took a taxi from the metro station to a house in La Reina. It was only 3km, and he charged me 6000 pesos! He flagged me down for the ride. It was only when I arrived to the house that I realized that he did not reset the meter, it had a long string of tickets coming from it. I will never make that mistake again, I always check the meter when I get in a taxi now. Also, I tend to take Uber these days. 🙂
Oooh I’m so sorry to read this Leesa. Why I’ve written this post, many people are not aware of this and take for granted everything in Chile is straigh forward but is not! I still don’t try with Uber but heard good things about it in Santiago…only a bit overpriced but generally working OK. Hope that was your first and last bad experience here!