Sunday, February 21, 2010
Taxi Scams
Taking a taxi in many parts of the world can be a trying task. The drivers aren't always the most honest and can spot a tourist a mile off. Once you're in the cab, they'll take their time, going the long way round the block or driving around in circles a few times, just to make sure the fare's nice and high by the time they drop you off. Sometimes they seem to find a button to make the meter click through twice as fast, and sometimes they switch your money, "Sorry love, you didn't give me a ten, it was only a five."
Doha's different though. It's so small, and everyone is so friendly and honest...
Last night my Karwa taxi driver dropped me off at my friend's house. I gave him a 50.
"Sorry ma'am, it's 14 Riyals," he said holding up a 10.
I hesitated. I was sure I'd given him 50. But was I sure enough?
As I thought about it, Felipe who was unaware of what was going on, handed him another 5...and the taxi vanished, speeding down the road like a bat-out-of-hell.
I looked at my purse again...and pulled out my cash. The driver was really unlucky. I'd just been to the cash machine, and in my purse were two 100 Riyal notes and now only one 50 note. The cash machine doesn't give out 10s. He had just swapped the notes.
The driver was doubly unlucky, as in Doha you can't get away with things so easily. I called Karwa, the taxi firm. Once they'd picked up the phone (which obviously took about 5 minutes, good job I love their hold musak) they were actually really helpful, giving me his name, his Karwa ID and his mobile number!
I called Mr Joseph, and told him he had 10 minutes to get back here and give me my money back, or I was going to the police.
...and 10 minutes later, I was in my friend's house, with the 50 Riyals safely back in my purse.
The days of not being ripped-off by your taxi driver may be over for Doha, but is there anywhere else in the world would I have got my cash back? Probably not.
Comments:
<< Home
Incase you were wondering, would I really have gone to the police for the sake of 9 pounds? No, of course not!
Hi Steff glad to hear you got your money back but now you are at that age where you can't remember what money you gave over after a few seconds lets hope you dont get lost on your way home ha ha..
# posted by 
: 6:03 AM
: 6:03 AM
You are RIGHT! I am losing my marbles! ...plus I have another birthday coming up. There is no hope for me :(
Post a Comment
<< Home
