Budapest’s Taxi “Hyenas” Are Getting Creative: New Scams Target Tourists (And Someone Actually Left Their Grandpa Behind!)
Well, well, well. Just when you thought Budapest’s taxi situation couldn’t get any more entertaining, the city’s notorious taxi “hyenas” have upped their game with some seriously creative scamming techniques. And in a plot twist that sounds like it’s straight out of a sitcom, Uber’s annual lost-and-found report reveals that someone actually left their grandfather in a taxi this year. Yes, you read that right – a whole human being!
The Wild World of Budapest Taxi Shenanigans
Let’s start with the good news: Budapest has made massive improvements to its taxi situation over the years. The bad news? Some drivers are still pulling stunts that would make a magician jealous. These crafty operators, lovingly dubbed “hyenas” by locals (and trust me, it’s not a compliment), have been getting increasingly sophisticated in their tourist-targeting tactics.
The latest scam making rounds involves a deceptively simple but effective trick with payment terminals. Picture this: you’ve just had a lovely ride through Budapest, the meter shows 4,000 forints (about €10), and you’re feeling pretty good about life. Then the driver casually adds an extra zero to the payment terminal, and suddenly you’re paying 40,000 forints (€103) instead. One Irish tourist learned this the hard way when she paid €110 instead of the expected €11, leaving her so broke she couldn’t even buy drinks later that evening.
The Freelancer Problem: Not All Yellow Cabs Are Created Equal
Here’s where things get interesting. All official Budapest taxis are yellow – that part’s true. But here’s the plot twist: being yellow doesn’t automatically mean they’re trustworthy. The city has two distinct tribes of taxi drivers:
The “Good Guys” (Company Drivers):
Best deals of Budapest
- Display clear company logos on doors and roof signs
- Use official apps like Bolt, Főtaxi, or City Taxi
- Stick to regulated pricing
- Actually turn on their meters
The “Hyenas” (Freelancers):
- Have simple “Taxi” or “Freelancer” signs with no company branding
- Lurk around tourist hotspots like hungry predators
- Quote fixed prices that would make your wallet weep
- Sometimes lock you in the car if you refuse to pay (yes, really!)
The Art of Modern Taxi Warfare
The creativity of these scammers is almost admirable. Almost. Recent reports include:
- The Terminal Trick: Adding extra zeros to card payments
- The Scenic Route Special: Taking you on an unplanned city tour at your expense
- The Broken Meter Excuse: “Sorry, cash only, and it’ll be €50 for this 5-minute ride”
- The Currency Confusion: Giving change in random foreign currencies
Meanwhile, in Other Taxi News: The Great Grandfather Incident
While we’re on the topic of taxi mishaps, Uber’s annual lost-and-found report dropped some absolute gems. Alongside the usual suspects (phones, wallets, keys), this year’s list of forgotten items included:
- Ultrasound photos (someone’s very excited about their future baby)
- Half a pair of shoes (how do you even…)
- An IKEA light bulb (because you never know when you’ll need emergency lighting)
- A watermelon (portable snacks, anyone?)
- A cigar cutter (for those sophisticated taxi rides)
- And yes, “a grandfather”
The grandfather incident has left everyone with so many questions. Was he asleep? Did the family just… forget? Was this an elaborate escape plan? The world may never know.
How to Outsmart the Hyenas: Your Survival Guide
Download These Apps (Your New Best Friends):
- Bolt: The local favorite with the most cars available
- Főtaxi: The official airport partner and old reliable
- City Taxi: Another solid, established option
- Uber: Recently returned to Budapest in 2024
Red Flags to Watch For:
- No company logo visible anywhere on the car
- Driver negotiating prices before starting the trip
- “Broken” card terminals (conveniently only accepting cash)
- Taxi signs that look like they were made in someone’s garage
The Golden Rules:
- Never hail a taxi from the street, especially near tourist areas
- Always use the meter for city rides
- Keep Google Maps open to track your route
- Pay by card through the app whenever possible
What the Experts Say
Zoltán Metál, chairman of the Hungarian Taxi Association, confirmed that the extra-zero scam is becoming increasingly common. Meanwhile, Budapest police have acknowledged receiving multiple reports of similar incidents and are actively investigating these cases.
The BKK (Budapest’s transport authority) has also stepped up enforcement, with the power to revoke taxi permits for up to a year if drivers are caught scamming passengers.
Your Action Plan: Don’t Get Hyena-ed
For Airport Transfers:
Use Főtaxi’s official service or book through your hotel. They have kiosks right outside the terminals and fixed, reasonable rates.
For City Rides:
Stick to app-based bookings. Bolt currently has the largest fleet and most reliable service in Budapest.
If Something Goes Wrong:
- Note the license plate and driver details
- File complaints through BKK’s online portal
- Contact your credit card company if you’ve been overcharged
- Don’t be intimidated – call the police if drivers become aggressive
The Bottom Line
Budapest’s taxi situation has improved dramatically, but a few bad apples are still trying to spoil the bunch. The good news? With the right apps and a bit of street smarts, you can navigate the city safely and affordably. Plus, you’ll have great stories to tell about the time you almost got hyena-ed in Hungary.
Don’t Forget Checklist: Your Anti-Scam Arsenal
Before you step foot in any Budapest taxi, make sure you:
- ✅ Downloaded Bolt, Főtaxi, or another official taxi app
- ✅ Checked that the car displays a clear company logo
- ✅ Confirmed the driver will use the meter (for city rides)
- ✅ Have Google Maps ready to track your route
- ✅ Planned to pay by card through the app
- ✅ Noted the license plate number
- ✅ Avoided street-hailed taxis near tourist areas
- ✅ Set a reasonable price expectation for your journey
- ✅ Prepared to walk away if something feels off
- ✅ Don’t forget grandpa in the taxi!
Remember: a good taxi ride should be boring. If your journey feels like an adventure novel, you’re probably getting scammed. Stay smart, stay safe, and keep all family members accounted for during your Budapest adventures!
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