by croatiaweek
August 22, 2025
in
Reactions continue to pour in after a shocking case in Zagreb where a taxi driver charged a tourist from New Zealand an eye-watering €1,506 for a ride worth just a few euros.
The victim, Carol Cowan, arrived in the Croatian capital on 26 May and, tired after her journey, stopped a car without official taxi markings outside the main train station.
According to her account, the metre at the end of the trip at Frankopanska Street quoted €185 and the driver insisted on cash payment.
After not having the cash on her, and distraught at the price, the driver offered a ‘discount’ and said he would accept €150.
Another car arrived at the destination with a POS machine which showed €150 would be charged, but once Cowan entered her PIN, her Visa card was debited ten times that amount – €1,506.
After three months, the money has now been returned.
Speaking to RTL Danas, Cowan managed to find humour in the ordeal: “My children tell me I am now famous in Croatia,” she said with a smile.
Official reaction
Croatia’s Minister of Tourism and Sport, Tonči Glavina, strongly condemned the incident.
“If this was intentional, as it appears from the reports, such people have no place in Croatian tourism or in providing services to either domestic or foreign guests. I expect professional associations to react and help eliminate such cases, because behaviour like this causes great damage and casts a shadow over the work of tens of thousands of people who make Croatia a welcoming destination,” Glavina said.
He confirmed that both the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) and the Zagreb Tourist Board (TZGZ) are in contact with Cowan and will look at ways to make amends.
When asked whether she would consider returning to Croatia if invited, Cowan responded warmly: “Yes, I would come back. Thank you, that is very nice, very nice.”
Investigation ongoing
Zagreb police are still investigating the case. The matter has also been reported to the Tax Administration due to the lack of a proper receipt for the inflated sum.
Cowan, meanwhile, had a parting message for the driver who scammed her:
“Thank you for returning €1,350. I am sorry it took you three months to do so. You still owe me six euros, but I forgive you. Buy your wife some chocolate. And here is some advice – if you work with honesty and integrity, your business will grow and people will respect you.”