Italian Tourist Claims Overpriced Bicitaxi Ride in Old Havana as a Scam

An Italian traveler has reported being scammed during a bicitaxi ride in Old Havana, alleging that two men charged him an exorbitant fee for a short trip spanning only a few blocks.

This incident, highlighted by CubaNet on X, underscores the declining quality of the tourist experience in Cuba's capital and the increasing sense of insecurity faced by visitors.

"I've been deceived, I've been defrauded," the tourist lamented as he recounted to the person recording him how he ended up paying 6,000 Cuban pesos for a nighttime ride that should have cost only a small fraction of that amount.

He questioned incredulously, "The bicitaxi at night charged 3,000 and 3,000 pesos. It was a lie, wasn't it?" Still puzzled by how he was tricked, he recounted the experience.

Switching between Spanish and Italian with nervous gestures, he described how a young man persuaded him to hop onto a bicitaxi, and then another joined, demanding an excessive payment. "There were two... I think both of them realized," he said, trying to recall the streets he was taken through before being forced to pay.

Although he wasn't physically harmed, the tourist noted that his mother back in Italy was fearful for his safety. "My mom is scared..." he mentioned when advised not to look directly at the camera.

The episode reportedly occurred around midnight, a time when Old Havana becomes more deserted and susceptible to such incidents.

CubaNet shared the video with the caption: "This Italian tourist was scammed last night in Old Havana, where two men charged him a bicitaxi fare far above the norm."

Recurring Issues: Fear, Scams, and Lack of Protection

This case is not an isolated one. In recent weeks, multiple tourists have reported distressing experiences in the Cuban capital, transforming what should have been a pleasurable visit into moments of anxiety and confusion.

A young Mexican named Carlos was robbed twice in one night during a blackout in Old Havana that left him in complete darkness and at the mercy of criminals.

Initially, an attempt was made to rob him in the street; later, other young men posed as helpers and stole his mobile phone. This scene, also documented by a CubaNet reporter, portrayed a city where the darkness from power outages and the absence of police presence make tourists easy targets.

Recently, a Mexican tourist named Sonya Ruiz reported being deceived and put at risk after arriving at an Airbnb accommodation, where the supposed host demanded an additional payment under threats and left her alone in a dark, dilapidated building.

Her account sparked intense online debate about Havana's deterioration and the rise in scams affecting both foreigners and locals.

Old Havana: A More Vulnerable Destination

Reports of scams, extortionate charges, thefts, and hostilities have surged as Cuba desperately tries to revitalize its tourism industry. However, the lack of oversight, urban decay, power outages, and economic crisis have created an ideal environment for opportunists who see foreign visitors as a quick source of cash.

The Italian tourist's experience, who merely wanted to enjoy an evening in the city, adds to a growing list of incidents that paint a picture of a less secure Old Havana, increasingly tense, and with fewer safeguards for those who explore it. What should have been a simple bicitaxi ride became yet another warning about the vulnerability of tourists on the island.

Still shaken, the Italian traveler later attempted to see if he could identify the man who scammed him. "Let's see if I spot him," he said, without much hope. His story, however, joins many others who have shared their negative experiences to caution future travelers.