Tourists Scammed by NYC Pedicab Drivers Over Pricing
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Tourists in New York City's Times Square are being overcharged by pedicab drivers who advertise low per-minute rates as if they were total fares. An Israeli tourist reported being charged $80 for a less than ten-minute ride due to this deceptive pricing.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- NYC pedicab drivers are scamming tourists with hidden per-minute fares.
- Advertised low prices are actually per minute, leading to high bills.
- An Israeli tourist was charged $80 for a short ride.
- The per-minute rate is often in small print on pedicab signs.
- Online videos warn tourists about this common scam.
Tourists in New York City, particularly in Times Square, are falling victim to a scam involving pedicabs. While these brightly lit, music-playing rickshaws are a common sight and offer a unique way to see the city, some drivers are misleading passengers about the cost of the ride.
The scam involves drivers advertising a seemingly low price, such as $10, which passengers assume is the total fare. However, this price is actually per minute, a detail often hidden in small print on a sign on the pedicab. This practice can lead to surprisingly high bills, with fares reaching tens or even hundreds of dollars for short trips.
An Israeli tourist named Yonatan recounted his experience, stating that a ride lasting less than ten minutes resulted in a demand for $80. When he questioned the cost, the driver pointed to a sign with the per-minute rate printed in very small font. Yonatan noted that he was initially excited by the city's atmosphere and the experience, only to be shocked by the final bill.
Yonatan is not alone; numerous videos online warn of this specific scam. Travelers who realize they have been deceived often try to negotiate a lower price with the driver to resolve the situation and move on. The practice highlights a common tourist trap in popular city destinations.
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