5 Common Taxi Scams in Jeddah & Makkah (And How to Avoid Them)

Transport is the #1 place pilgrims lose money.

1. The "Meter is Broken" Scam

• The Scenario: You get in. The driver says "Meter broken, fixed price 100 Riyals."
• The Reality: The ride should cost 20-30 Riyals.
• The Fix: ALWAYS demand the meter ("Shaghghal Adad"). If he refuses, get out.

2. The Airport Shark (Jeddah)

• The Scenario: Guys inside the arrivals hall whisper "Taxi? Makkah? Cheap?". They are illegal touts.
• The Risk: They lure you to a private car far away, then charge triple or demand extra for luggage halfway.
• The Fix: Ignore them. Go to the Official Taxi Queue outside or the Uber/Careem pickup zone.

3. The "Per Person" Trick

• The Scenario: You agree on "50 Riyals". Upon arrival, he says "50 per person!" (Total 200).
• The Fix: Clarify loudly before getting in: "50 Riyals TOTAL (Kulluh)?". Shake hands on it.