Taxi & Transport Scams in Lima, Peru
Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists. Below are the taxi & transport scams reported in Lima — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Buenos Aires, Medellín, and Cusco.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
3
Taxi & Transport Scams
11
Total in Lima
How it works
Unlicensed taxi drivers at Lima's airport quote S/60–100+ for the trip to Miraflores; the official rate is S/40–55. Some resort to following tourists persistently into the terminal if rejected.
How it works
Tourists who hail unmarked taxis on the street — particularly at night in Miraflores, San Isidro, and Barranco — are driven to a secluded area where armed accomplices force them to make repeated ATM withdrawals under threat. Victims are typically held for one to three hours before being released. The US State Department and UK FCDO both flag Lima's express kidnapping rate as among the highest in South America for tourists.
How it works
Unlicensed colectivo taxis and informal cabs pick up tourists, then drive to secluded areas where accomplices enter the vehicle and rob the occupants. This is reported near Jorge Chávez International Airport and throughout Callao.
See all scams in Lima
11 total warnings across all categories