European travel scams every tourist needs to know about

[MULTIZ321]

European travel scams every tourist needs to know about.


https://www.usatoday.com/story/trav...-every-tourist-should-be-aware-of/3785994002/


Richard

 

[Pompey Family]

Are these all just operated in Europe? Of course not! My recent trip to Orlando saw me being ripped off on four occasions by Uber drivers taking me the long route (I knew they were taking the long route because I also had a rental car that I drove during the day and two weeks of driving the area results in knowing the route back to your resort). Fortunately Uber reimbursed me on every occasion.

I was also scammed in Dallas. Whilst looking over the spot where JFK was shot I was approached by a man who casually started pointing out other points of interest. At first I thought he was simply being friendly but the more he went on the more suspicious I became. Eventually I made my excuses to leave and he demanded $15 for his commentary. My reply was that I didn't request it and he made no effort to introduce his services, he then became hostile, accused me of being racist (he was black) to which I responded with anger. Eventually, I gave him $5 just to get out of my face.

 

[PigsDad]

My recent trip to Orlando saw me being ripped off on four occasions by Uber drivers taking me the long route (I knew they were taking the long route because I also had a rental car that I drove during the day and two weeks of driving the area results in knowing the route back to your resort). Fortunately Uber reimbursed me on every occasion.

I'm confused. With Uber, the price you pay is set upfront, before you step into the vehicle. How does going a longer route result in a higher fare?

Kurt

 

[Pompey Family]

The fare isn't set, it's an estimate. That's why when you book one you'll have an estimate of say $9 to $11 but that's based on the route Uber determines is the most cost effective, if the driver deviates from the route then the fare reflects the deviation.

 

[PigsDad]

The fare isn't set, it's an estimate. That's why when you book one you'll have an estimate of say $9 to $11 but that's based on the route Uber determines is the most cost effective, if the driver deviates from the route then the fare reflects the deviation.

I thought it worked the same way as Lyft -- when you confirm the ride in Lyft, it is the exact price you pay. At least that is how it has always worked for me. Another reason to use Lyft over Uber for me.

ETA:

Just found this on the Lyft site:

Straightforward fares. When you schedule your ride, we’ll predict your rate based on the average fare at that time. Once you confirm your request, we’ll lock in that rate — so you’ll never have to pay more, even if it’s during Prime Time.

So I was correct in stating with Lyft, once you confirm the fare cannot change. I once had a Lyft ride in Pittsburgh where the fare was confirmed as around $10 and an estimated 10 min ride. Well, there was some major bridges that were closed and traffic suddenly backed up, so the driver was forced to detour and the 10 min ride turned into almost on hour. No change in fare for me!

Kurt

 

[Pompey Family]

Just found this on the Lyft site:

​

So I was correct in stating with Lyft, once you confirm the fare cannot change. I once had a Lyft ride in Pittsburgh where the fare was confirmed as around $10 and an estimated 10 min ride. Well, there was some major bridges that were closed and traffic suddenly backed up, so the driver was forced to detour and the 10 min ride turned into almost on hour. No change in fare for me!

Kurt

Sucks for the driver though. I don't mind paying for unforseen circumstances that the driver has no control over but I do mind being taken for a ride to screw me out of more money.

 

[PigsDad]

Sucks for the driver though. I don't mind paying for unforseen circumstances that the driver has no control over but I do mind being taken for a ride to screw me out of more money.

I gave her a good tip, so I think she did fine.

BTW, I do have an Uber account, so if I have time I will compare the estimated fare between Uber and Lyft before confirming a ride, and every single time Lyft has been less expensive. Sometimes by a large margin. Between some of Uber's corporate shenanigans and their policies, Lyft has been my go-to app for rides.

Kurt