Airport Transfer Safety Tips for International Travelers

Pre-booked transfers from reputable platforms are overwhelmingly safe. But a few precautions make the experience even more secure — especially in unfamiliar countries.

Before your transfer

Screenshot your booking details. Driver name, phone number, vehicle type, license plate. You need this if airport Wi-Fi is down.

Share your itinerary. Send your booking confirmation to a friend or family member. They'll know who's picking you up and when.

Download the provider's app. Welcome Pickups, Kiwitaxi, and others have apps with real-time tracking. Your location is shared with the platform.

At the airport

Only go with YOUR driver. Ignore anyone approaching you inside the terminal offering rides. Your pre-booked driver will have a name sign at the designated meeting point.

Verify the vehicle. Check the license plate against your confirmation. Check that the driver knows your destination. This takes 10 seconds.

Trust your instincts. If the vehicle doesn't match, the driver seems impaired, or anything feels off — don't get in. Walk back to the terminal and contact the platform's support.

During the transfer

Share your live location. WhatsApp and Google Maps let you share live location with contacts. Do this for late-night transfers in unfamiliar cities.

Stay alert on the route. If you're using Google Maps, keep an eye on the route. Significant deviations should be questioned.

If something goes wrong

Contact the platform immediately. All major services have 24/7 support. Welcome Pickups has in-app chat. Others have email and phone support.

Document everything. Photos, screenshots, times. This helps with refunds and platform investigations.