Question 1

What is the "Taxi Overcharging from St. John's Cruise Pier" scam in St. John's?

Accepted Answer

Antigua taxis operate on government-fixed zone fares, but drivers at the Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay cruise piers routinely quote tourists rates well above the official table. The fare to English Harbour, for example, has a published rate that some drivers double for cruise passengers. The Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority publishes official taxi fare tables — pick one up at the cruise pier information desk before exiting the terminal. Negotiate the fare based on the official table and confirm it before boarding. Licensed taxis display an "H" on their number plates.

Question 2

What is the "Unofficial Taxi Overcharging from V.C. Bird International Airport" scam in St. John's?

Accepted Answer

Unlicensed drivers solicit passengers in the arrivals hall and car park at V.C. Bird International Airport before travelers can reach the official taxi rank. They agree verbally to a fixed price but add surcharges for luggage, nighttime, or hotel location on arrival, inflating the fare by 50–100% over the regulated rate. Some also take unnecessarily long routes to inflate mileage. Use only taxis displaying the official yellow number plate and operating from the designated rank outside arrivals. Ask the driver to confirm the fixed government-regulated fare to your destination before getting in, and agree on the total amount in writing if possible. Official fares to most hotels are posted at the taxi rank.

Taxi & Transport Scams in St. John's

Taxi Overcharging from St. John's Cruise Pier

Unofficial Taxi Overcharging from V.C. Bird International Airport

Experienced a scam here?