Why You Should Never Take a Pink Taxi in Mexico City

Never take pink taxis in Mexico City, they're notorious for card skimming scams charging $1,000+ instead of agreed fares, robberies, and kidnappings that even native chilangos (Mexico City locals) avoid. Scammers use modified payment terminals showing one amount while charging another, insist on card-only payment, and display amounts on their phones instead of terminals. Use Uber, DiDi, or white "Sitio" taxis with visible company names and phone numbers instead. Even speaking perfect Spanish doesn't protect you, drivers target everyone from tourists to natives. Uber/DiDi provide fixed prices, driver tracking, and payment security.

The Scams Are Real

A recent case that made the rounds: A tourist took a pink taxi and verbally agreed on a fare of 100 pesos. The driver insisted on card payment only, claiming "company policy." When the tourist paid, the terminal screen didn't show the amount—the driver showed his phone instead, displaying 100 MXN. Hours later, the tourist discovered a charge for 999.95 Euros (over $1,000 USD) on their bank statement.

This isn't an isolated incident. The same scam has been reported multiple times, with drivers using modified payment terminals that display one amount while charging another.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Driver insists on card payment and refuses cash
• Payment terminal has a small or non-functional screen
• Driver shows you the amount on their phone instead of the terminal
• Driver asks you to pay "through the window"
• Driver wants to agree on a fare upfront instead of using the meter

It's Not Just About Money

The financial scams are bad enough, but there are more serious concerns. As one local bluntly put it: "Much worse things happen than having your card skimmed." Pink taxis have been associated with robberies, kidnappings, and other crimes over the years. This is why even native chilangos—people born and raised in Mexico City—avoid them.

Everyone Gets Targeted

Don't think speaking Spanish will protect you. Here's the progression of who taxi drivers will try to scam:

• Foreigners who can't speak Spanish: Definitely
• Foreigners who speak some Spanish: Still yes
• Mexicans without a chilango accent: Yep
• Native chilangos: They'll still try

As one Mexico City native put it: "I'm Mexican, speak perfect Spanish, and still they try to scam me. Mexico City is a place you need some barrio to survive."

What to Use Instead

Uber and DiDi

The overwhelming recommendation from both locals and expats is to use rideshare apps. Benefits include:

• Fixed prices agreed before the ride
• Driver and vehicle information on record
• Payment through the app (no cash handling)
• GPS tracking of your route
• Accountability—drivers care about their ratings

Mexico City has one of the best Uber services in the world—cheap, friendly, and easily accessible at almost any time, even late at night in isolated areas.

Pro Tips for Rideshares

• Pay by card through the app, never cash—some drivers have been known to claim you didn't pay and get you charged again
• Double-check that they end your trip when you arrive at your destination
• If a driver asks for "gas money," decline
• Be aware of toll road situations—sometimes drivers take alternate routes and the price adjusts

The Metro

Mexico City's metro is extensive, cheap, and generally safe during daytime hours. It's a great option if you know where you're going.

Metrobús

The bus rapid transit system is another reliable option, with dedicated lanes that avoid traffic.

Pre-Paid Airport/Bus Station Taxis

The one exception to the "no taxis" rule: official pre-paid taxi kiosks at the airport and major bus terminals. You pay a fixed fare at the booth, receive a ticket, and are assigned a specific taxi. These are legitimate and safe.

If You Must Take a Taxi

Sometimes circumstances force your hand. If you absolutely must take a regular taxi:

• Never pay by card. Cash only, always
• Never agree to a fare upfront. In CDMX, you pay what the meter says. Agreeing to a set price is already the start of a scam
• Use the minimum of words. Don't advertise that you're a tourist
• Watch the meter. Make sure it's running and starts at the correct base fare
• Have exact change if possible. Minimizes interaction at the end

What If You Get Scammed?

If you discover a fraudulent charge:

1. Block your card immediately
2. Report to your bank as fraud—most banks will refund you
3. File a report with your bank in writing—email correspondence helps your case
4. Contact the payment processor (like Clip) if you have details—this can support your dispute

Reporting to Authorities

You can report taxi issues to Mexico City's transportation department:

• Phone: 55-5566-5891
• Email: atencion.invea@cdmx.gob.mx or denuncia.vigimovi@semovi.df.gob.mx
• Social Media: @VigimoviCDMX on Twitter
• Emergency: 911

Provide: license plate, vehicle description, date/time, pickup and dropoff locations, and any evidence you have.

That said, be realistic about expectations. As one victim noted, "the police were useless." Your best recourse is usually through your bank.

Credit Card vs. Debit Card

If you're traveling in Mexico City (or anywhere), use a credit card rather than a debit card for purchases. Credit cards offer better fraud protection—the money isn't immediately taken from your bank account, giving you time to dispute charges before they affect your finances.

The Bottom Line

This isn't about being paranoid or assuming everyone is out to get you. It's about being smart. Even lifelong Mexico City residents avoid pink taxis. When locals who've lived here for 35 years won't use them, that tells you everything you need to know.

Stick to Uber, DiDi, the metro, or pre-paid official taxis from terminals. Your wallet—and your safety—will thank you.

Related Mexico City Safety Guides

• Explore Mexico City safely - services and transportation
• Browse transportation services in Mexico City
• Is Mexico Safe? Debunking Safety Myths with Real Data
• Read more Mexico City safety and living guides

Transportation service in Mexico City? List your services on ExpatsList to help travelers stay safe.