Taxi & Transport Scams in Tijuana, Mexico
Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists. Below are the taxi & transport scams reported in Tijuana — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Las Vegas, Cozumel, and Miami.
Last updated: April 4, 2026
2
Taxi & Transport Scams
14
Total in Tijuana
How it works
Taxis at the San Ysidro border crossing and near Avenida Revolución routinely overcharge foreign tourists who do not know standard fares. Drivers quote prices in US dollars at inflated rates, do not use meters, and may take circuitous routes to increase the fare. Some taxis operating in tourist zones are unlicensed and uninsured, presenting a safety risk in addition to a financial one.
How it works
Unlicensed taxi drivers operating near the San Ysidro border crossing and Avenida Revolución pick up tourists and stop shortly after to collect armed associates. The victim is driven to multiple ATMs and forced at gunpoint to withdraw the maximum amount from each, then dropped off in an unfamiliar area. The US State Department specifically names Tijuana as a city where express kidnappings via unofficial taxis occur. The risk is highest at night and when traveling alone.
See all scams in Tijuana
14 total warnings across all categories