A post by Stephanie Cohen in the Rick Steves’ Europe Facebook Group has struck a chord with travelers, serving as a crucial warning for anyone arriving at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and beyond. Her firsthand experience shows how aggressive and deceptive some unlicensed taxi operators can be, and it’s a reminder to always follow official procedures when taking a taxi.
Cohen wrote: “WARNING: Taxi at CDG in Paris: Follow the circles on the floor to TAXI. You will try to go out the door following the right path towards the taxi and somebody will try to head you off and ask how many people you are. If you say you are a family of five, they will try to send you to a different door and tell you that is where you must go for a minivan. It is important that you do not listen. Then the first person who tried to send you to a different door that cut you off when you were trying to go out the correct door will pass you off to another person who claims they are the next minivan driver and asks you where you’re going. Do not give these people any information and only go to the taxi stand and talk to the person wearing this vest. The other shady people are really really persistent and deceptive here.”
Other travelers immediately added their own advice and experiences. Liz B. commented: “So true. As someone told us to go to the official taxi stand line.”
Deborah N. warned: “Amen! They are so aggressive! I saved a family from falling into their trap the last time I was in Paris, and the unlicensed drivers started yelling at me. No real taxi drivers are inside and I’ve heard terrible stories where these unlicensed ‘taxi drivers’ charge huge sums—100 Euros per person—to travel to Paris for four people (400 Euros). There are flat rates for taxis from the airports to Paris and they are much, much less.”
Sharon D., a former Paris resident and CDG employee, shared additional tips: “Just jump on the RER B and then call a G7. Download their app and use that instead of dodgy cabs and unreliable Uber. You can also order a G7 into town from CDG. Taxis MUST ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS! Do not let them claim that the machine is ‘broken.’ If you call G7, you pay on the app and skip the whole ordeal. This is not a paid sponsorship. I’ve lived in France 29 years and go to Paris often.” She also provided the official taxi information: Service Public.
Terry M. added: “There’s an official taxi booth in CDG by the luggage carousels. An official taxi person will ask where you’re headed, walk you to the official taxi stand, share your destination with the driver, tell you the exact cost, and send you on your way. As we were walking, several non-official ‘taxi’ drivers attempted to engage. My escort told them to beat it (in French).”
Other travelers shared personal experiences and advice:
Michele C.: “And the taxi price is a set amount (around €50 to Paris). We were charged over €100.”
Cheryl S.: “Happened to us. Got nervous and went back inside to find the real taxis.”
Nanci D.: “THANKS! Great info—hoping others traveling could also give this kind of info out no matter what foreign airport you fly into.”
Noelle N.: “Don’t engage. Keep walking. Some are very persistent, so don’t hesitate to walk to a group of soldiers (usually in groups of three) or a gendarme to get help. This will get them off your back quickly.”
Sue C.: “That’s what they did at JFK last year. Gave a price but didn’t include tolls. We got scammed.”
Glenys V.: “Whenever you travel:
1️⃣ Inform yourself on the official taxis and what they look like.
2️⃣ When you get to an airport, follow the signs for the taxi line and completely ignore anyone who talks to you.
3️⃣ Once on the line, make sure you know whether there is a flat rate or if the meter should be set a certain way.”
Nick B. reminded everyone that large signs warn about taxi scams, to which Cohen replied: “Of course, and we saw groups earlier and kept walking. I was sharing this because they were literally in the taxi exit vestibule and then had a 1-2 tag team routine.”
This is a great reminder to always follow official signage, use the official taxi booths, ignore unlicensed drivers and know the flat rates or metered prices before leaving the airport. Doing so can save you from scams, overcharging and unnecessary stress on your trip to Paris and beyond.
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