A Paris Taxi Driver Tried This Scam on Us (Don’t Fall For It)

Even with our cameras and microphones rolling, a Paris taxi driver still tried to scam us. He claimed his card machine was broken and drove us to an ATM, and once the ATM did not cooperate, his card machine suddenly worked. In this video we share how to avoid Paris taxi scams: how to spot a fake taxi, the official flat rates, what the law says about card payments, and what to do if it happens to you.

Three checks before you get in

  • The roof sign: every official taxi has an illuminated “Taxi” sign, green when free and red when taken.
  • The meter: it must be visible from the back seat and start when you close the door, showing the pickup charge, which was 4.40 euros when we filmed.
  • The ID badge: the driver’s name and taxi number are on the left rear window. Take a photo before the car moves.
  • The official queue: at airports and big stations, use the signposted taxi line, never someone who approaches you inside the terminal.

Flat rates and card payments

Flat rates only apply between the two main airports and the city. When we filmed, they were 56 euros from Charles de Gaulle to the Right Bank and 65 euros to the Left Bank, and 45 euros from Orly to the Right Bank and 36 euros to the Left Bank, in both directions. There is no flat rate from train stations. Licensed taxis must accept cards by law, so say you want to pay by card before the door closes.

If something feels off

Stay calm and speak slowly. Record visibly with your phone, note the taxi number and license plate, and for a flat-rate ride, hand over the correct amount and ask for a receipt. If the driver refuses to take you where you need to go, do not get out in an unfamiliar area at night; call the police on 17. Once you are safe, you can file a taxi complaint.

To skip the taxi line entirely, we use a pre-booked airport transfer with a driver waiting in arrivals, and inside the city the G7 app books licensed taxis. For the rest of your trip, see our selection of the best things to do in Paris and our Paris Guide Bundle.