Question 1

What is the "Express Kidnapping by Pirate Taxi" scam in Asunción?

Accepted Answer

Unlicensed taxis near the Aeropuerto Internacional Silvio Pettirossi and the downtown hotel zone pick up lone travelers and drive to an ATM, forcing the victim to withdraw guarani or dollars under threat before releasing them. Incidents are more common after dark and target travelers arriving late at the airport without a pre-arranged transfer. Book airport transfers through your hotel or a licensed radio taxi service called in advance. Avoid unmarked vehicles at the airport kerbside. Sit in the back seat, keep your phone accessible, and share your live location with someone before departure. Do not use taxis that solicit you in the arrivals hall.

Question 2

What is the "Airport Taxi Overcharging" scam in Asunción?

Accepted Answer

Unlicensed taxi drivers at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport aggressively approach arriving passengers and charge inflated flat rates, often three to five times the legitimate fare into central Asunción. Drivers may claim meters are broken or that official taxis are unavailable. Some will quote a price in USD to obscure the real value. Use only the official taxi counter inside the arrivals terminal with a printed receipt. Agree on the fare before entering any vehicle. Rideshare apps such as inDriver operate in Asunción and offer a safer alternative.

Taxi & Transport Scams in Asunción

Express Kidnapping by Pirate Taxi

Airport Taxi Overcharging

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