Airport Arrival Safety Guide: Stay Safe, Avoid Scams, and Get Where You're Going

Common approaches may include:

• "Taxi? Taxi? Best price!"
• "Your hotel is closed. I know a better one."
• "Uber doesn't work here. I can take you."
• "The official taxi line is too expensive."
• "I can help you exchange money."
• "I work for the airport."
• "Your reservation has a problem."
• "Let me help you with your luggage."

A friendly approach does not automatically mean a person is dishonest, but travelers should independently verify services before accepting assistance or making payments.

Use your smartphone and trusted applications to independently locate services.

Transportation Apps

Use recognized local or international transportation apps to:

• Request a ride.
• See estimated prices before booking.
• Identify the driver and vehicle.
• Track the trip.
• Share trip details.
• Create a digital record of the journey.

Never get into a vehicle simply because someone asks, "Are you waiting for a ride?"

One of the biggest advantages of using official transportation apps is price transparency. Before accepting transportation, travelers should know:

• The estimated cost.
• Whether the price is fixed or metered.
• Whether airport surcharges apply.
• Whether tolls are included.
• Whether luggage fees apply.
• Whether the currency displayed is local currency.
• Whether payment will be made by card, cash, or through the app.

If using a taxi outside of an app:

• Use the official airport taxi stand.
• Ask whether the fare is metered or fixed.
• Confirm the approximate price before departing.
• Ask about tolls and airport fees.
• Keep the receipt.
• Take a photo of the taxi identification number if appropriate.

A stranger offering assistance could potentially:

• Change your transportation destination.
• Access personal information.
• Install unwanted applications.
• View banking or financial information.
• Access email or messages.
• Change account settings.
• Create unauthorized payments.

Never reveal:

• ATM PIN numbers.
• Banking passwords.
• One-time verification codes.
• Email passwords.
• Credit card security codes.
• Digital wallet authentication information.

Look for:

• Official airport information desks.
• Official taxi counters.
• Authorized transportation pickup areas.
• Airport police or security personnel.
• Official currency exchange counters.
• Official mobile carrier stores or kiosks.

Uniforms, badges, or business cards can be imitated.

Do not follow strangers to another location simply because they claim to offer a better service.

Arrange mobile connectivity as soon as possible through a verified provider. Options may include:

• Purchasing an eSIM before traveling.
• Using an international roaming plan.
• Purchasing a SIM card from an official mobile carrier.
• Using an authorized airport provider.

Avoid purchasing SIM cards from individuals approaching travelers unless the provider and transaction can be independently verified.

Having internet access allows travelers to:

• Verify transportation prices.
• Contact hotels.
• Use maps.
• Access emergency services.
• Communicate with family and friends.
• Check reservations.
• Use translation apps.
• Report suspicious activity.

• Keep most cash out of sight.
• Avoid displaying large amounts of money.
• Use ATMs located in secure and well-lit areas.
• Be cautious of unsolicited currency exchange offers.
• Check exchange rates before exchanging money.
• Count cash discreetly.
• Keep emergency cash in a separate location.
• Use cards or digital payments when appropriate.
• Enable transaction notifications from your bank.

• Keep your bags within sight.
• Do not leave luggage unattended.
• Do not allow strangers to carry your bag out of sight.
• Never agree to transport an unknown person's package.
• Use official luggage services.
• Keep passports, medications, money, electronics, and important documents in your personal carry-on bag.

Before departing the airport:

1. 1Open your hotel or accommodation reservation.
2. 2Verify the exact address.
3. 3Confirm the property is still operating.
4. 4Check the official contact information.
5. 5Save the address offline or take a screenshot.
6. 6Compare the destination shown in your transportation app.

Do not automatically believe someone who claims:

• Your hotel is closed.
• Your reservation has been canceled.
• Your hotel is unsafe.
• They know a "better" hotel.

Contact the accommodation directly using independently verified contact information.

Scams often use urgency. Examples include:

• "You need to decide right now."
• "The last taxi is leaving."
• "This special price is only available now."
• "Your reservation will disappear."
• "You cannot use that app here."
• "The police are coming."
• "You must pay immediately."

Save the following information before traveling:

• Local emergency number.
• Embassy or consulate information.
• Hotel contact information.
• Travel insurance emergency number.
• Bank fraud contact number.
• Family or trusted contact information.

Recommend sharing the following with a trusted person:

• Flight details.
• Accommodation information.
• Planned transportation.
• Expected arrival time.