I’ve talked about Taxi Scams at NAIA in several of my previous posts—again and again—urging travelers to steer clear of those so-called “metered taxis” right at the terminal. But clearly, it hasn’t been enough. Honestly, I feel a bit guilty for not being more proactive about it. After seeing yet another viral video exposing a Taxi Scam, I figured it’s time to break it down properly. So here’s my take on how to spot the red flags—and how to make sure you don’t end up as their next target.
If you’ve just landed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport—sweaty, sleepy, and slightly dehydrated from airplane air—you might think the worst is over.
Plot twist: You haven’t even gotten to the taxi stand yet.
For many travelers, the first “local experience” they get in the Philippines isn’t a warm hug from a balikbayan relative or a delicious bowl of Jollibee spaghetti. It’s a wildly overpriced taxi ride from NAIA to their hotel, complete with a laminated “official fare chart” that seems more fictional than Marvel movies.
Welcome to the infamous Taxi Scam at NAIA—a scheme so legendary, it deserves its own teleserye.
What Is the Taxi Scam in NAIA?
The Taxi Scam in NAIA is a classic. A staple. An OG. It’s the kind of scam that has endured across changes in administration, inflation, and even a pandemic.
This scam typically involves unscrupulous drivers who prey on unsuspecting passengers by:
- Refusing to turn on the meter
- Charging fixed fares way above the normal rate
- Showing laminated fare charts that look “official”
- Driving you in circles to inflate the meter
These scams tactics mostly happen just outside the terminals, especially at the Arrival Area, where passengers are vulnerable, tired, or just eager to get to their destination.
The Many Faces of the Scam: A Rogues’ Gallery
The Taxi Scam isn’t a one-size-fits-all operation. It’s a whole rogues’ gallery of tricks. Here’s how they get you:
Fixed Fare Scam
Driver refuses to use the meter and instead hands you a fake laminated “fare chart.” This is Taxi Scam 101. Rates can go as high as PHP1,500–2,500, even for short rides.
Meter is “Broken”
A classic Scam line: “Sir/ma’am, meter is broken,” then quotes you something that makes your wallet cry.
The Long Route Loop
The driver takes the longest, most congested route (hello, EDSA at rush hour) so the meter climbs faster than your blood pressure. A textbook Taxi Scam move.
Who Are Most Likely to Be Scammed?
Let’s be clear: anyone can fall for the Taxi Scam, but certain travelers are more at risk.
Foreign Nationals Visiting the Country
First-time tourists are prime scam targets. They don’t know the system, and those laminated charts look official enough to fool even Sherlock Holmes.
Balikbayan or Probinsyano
If you haven’t been to Manila in a while, you might be shocked to discover that what used to be a PHP150 ride now magically costs PHP1,500—courtesy of the scam artists at NAIA.
Literally Anyone Who Doesn’t Know the Scam
Caught in a storm, with a dead phone and a crying baby? Congrats, you’re the perfect mark for a Taxi Scam. All it takes is a moment of weakness.
A Real-Life Story from NAIA Terminal 4 (Cue Typhoon!)
Scammed at NAIA Terminal 4 – October 2, 2012
I remember it clearly—not because I want to, but because I paid PHP1,000 for a Makati ride that should’ve cost a third of that. Yup, a classic SCAM.
My former coworkers and I had just landed at NAIA Terminal 4. Our flight from Cebu got delayed from 10:50 AM to about 4:00 PM. By the time we touched down, it was 6:00 PM and raining cats, dogs, and maybe a few frogs.
Dragging luggage, tired, and desperate to get home, we took the first taxi we saw. That’s when the Taxi Scam began.
The driver handed us a laminated fare chart—so “official” it had logos and tables. When we asked about the meter, he shrugged it off. The fare to Makati? PHP1,200.
We were already en route, our phones were dead, and our patience was hanging by a thread. We negotiated it down to PHP1,000. Still daylight robbery. Still a SCAM.
Again, this was back in 2012. No receipts. No documentation. No photos. This was before the era of phone cameras and digital trail obsession.
Lesson learned the hard way.
More NAIA Taxi Scam Horror Stories
Exhibit B: On December 7, 2024, a traveler arriving at NAIA Terminal 3 fell victim to a taxi scam after accepting a ride from a seemingly official “metered taxi” near the smoking area. The driver quoted a vague rate of PHP 50 per 100 meters and later demanded PHP 3,000 mid-trip to Terminal 2.
When the traveler refused and mentioned the police, the driver detoured to a secluded spot. Fearing for safety, the traveler recorded the incident, which the driver forced him to delete before lowering the demand to PHP 1,000. The traveler paid, left safely, and later recovered the deleted video.
This case underscores the persistent danger of taxi scams at NAIA, even from taxis that look legitimate.
Exhibit C: ABS-CBN News shared a case where some tourists were handed a laminated card that listed so-called “regular taxi rates” from NAIA to various Metro Manila spots—ranging from a jaw-dropping PHP 9,700 to PHP 11,500. Yep, for a taxi ride that should cost just a few hundred pesos.
Exhibit D: A Filipino taxi driver was nabbed after pulling off a wild stunt—charging a whopping $115 (around PHP 6,500) for a ride that lasted only 15 minutes. That’s not a fare, that’s highway robbery on wheels.
Just do a quick Google search for “NAIA taxi scams” and—boom—you’ll find story after story.
How Much Should a Ride from NAIA Cost?
Let’s bust the Taxi Scam with actual prices.
NAIA to Makati
- Metered Taxi: PHP250–PHP400
- Grab: PHP300–PHP600
NAIA to BGC/Taguig
- Metered Taxi: PHP300–PHP450
- Grab: PHP350–PHP700
NAIA to Quezon City
- Metered Taxi: PHP400–PHP600
- Grab: PHP500–PHP800
A PHP1,500 quote? That’s not inflation—it’s Taxi Scam imagination.
How to Avoid Getting Scammed: Expert Tips
Okay, fam. Let’s armor up and block that Taxi Scam with a Tita-approved checklist:
Book Inside the Airport
I wouldn’t recommend taking the Yellow Metered Taxi either. While it might look more official and “safe,” several reviews mention that it runs on a meter that charges almost double the regular rate. So unless you’re in a rush and don’t mind the extra cost, you’re better off exploring other options.
From one traveler to another—do yourself a favor and just use Grab. Trust me, it’ll save you from sky-high fares, unnecessary arguments, and that headache you definitely didn’t plan for after a long flight.
Use a Ride-Hailing App
Use Grab if you need to rent a car or SUV. For quick zips through traffic, go with Joyride, Move It, or Angkas for motorbike rides. These apps show you the fare upfront and even give you digital receipts—no funny business, no surprise charges. The Taxi Scam doesn’t stand a chance when tech has your back.
Always Ask: “Meter po?”
If they say no, it’s a red flag waving in your face. That’s the start of a Taxi Scam.
Have Small Bills Ready
You just paid PHP 500 for a PHP 300+ ride, and surprise—the driver suddenly pulls the classic “Wala akong barya” move. Yep, that’s straight out of the Taxi Scam playbook. It’s sneaky, annoying, and sadly, all too common.
Take a Photo of the Plate Number
Sometimes, just the act of taking a photo is enough to shut down a potential Taxi Scam in its tracks.
Don’t Fall for the Laminated Lie
No legit fare chart uses Comic Sans. Repeat after me: if it’s laminated and shady, it’s a Taxi Scam baby.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
Too late? Already victimized by a Taxi Scam? Here’s what you can do:
Report It
Call LTFRB hotline 1342 or file online at ltfrb.gov.ph. Yes, the government is trying to fight the Taxi Scam—slowly but surely.
Document Everything
Taxi plate, driver ID, location, time. These receipts can help fight back against the Taxi Scam menace.
Share It Online
Go viral for justice! Most Taxi Scam stories only get traction once they’re posted with 47 hashtags and a dash of rage.
Alternative Transportation from NAIA
Don’t feel stuck with the airport taxi mafia. You have Taxi Scam-free alternatives:
Grab/Joyride/Move It
App-based rides are traceable and transparent—exactly what the Taxi Scam isn’t.
UBE Express
This shuttle bus goes to Makati, BGC, and major malls. At PHP100–PHP200, it’s comfy, clean, and free of Taxi Scam trickery.
Jeepneys or Buses
Sure, it’s the cheapest—but not advisable late at night, with luggage, or if you’re new to the country. Still, it’s Taxi Scam-proof if you’re confident.
Final Thoughts from Your Tita-Guide
Getting scammed at NAIA isn’t a rite of passage. It’s not just “how things are.” The Taxi Scam is a persistent problem, but you don’t have to be its next victim.
To recap your Tita-approved Taxi Scam survival checklist:
- Install Grab (or any legit ride-hailing app) before you land
- Book from inside the terminal
- Always ask if the meter is on
- Don’t be afraid to say no
- Document anything shady
- Stay calm. But firm. You are not a walking ATM.
And if all else fails? Laugh it off, then fire up that Wi-Fi and expose them with receipts. And yes—make them famous (because nothing travels faster than a viral post, especially one that might just reach their families… and we all know nothing stings more than a disappointed family member). Warn others, share your story, and who knows? You might just save the next poor soul from falling into the same trap.
Have You Been Scammed at NAIA?
Let’s be real: the only way to defeat the scam is to talk about it. Loudly. Online. In cafés. On YouTube. In barbershops. Wherever.
So if you’ve got a story, don’t be shy—share it in the comments below or message us directly. Let’s build a community that protects each other from the next Taxi Scam attempt.
