Bolt launches new feature in Croatia to protect elderly and tourists from taxi rip-offs

(Photo: Bolt)

ZAGREB, 28 August 2025 – Reports of unfair practices by some traditional taxi drivers in Croatia continue to make headlines, particularly in tourist hotspots.

From inflated fares to extreme cases where short rides have cost passengers hundreds of euros, the issue remains a serious concern for both visitors and locals.

One widely reported case involved a tourist in central Zagreb who was charged an astonishing €1,506 for a two-kilometre journey.

Although much of the sum was later refunded, the incident highlighted the risks.

According to research by Compare the Market, overpriced taxi rides are the most common tourist scam globally, with almost a third of travellers falling victim.

Ride-hailing company Bolt, which operates in more than 50 countries and 600 cities across Europe and Africa, has now introduced a new feature in Croatia designed to address these problems – the Family Profile.

This function allows one person to manage and pay for rides for up to nine family members or friends under a single account.

For example, a relative can book and pay for a journey for an elderly parent or grandparent, knowing the exact fare in advance.

The feature is designed to provide peace of mind, particularly for vulnerable groups such as seniors and tourists, who are often targeted by unfair pricing.

Unlike traditional taxis, Bolt trips display the fare before the ride begins, with payment handled automatically through the app. Each trip generates a fiscal receipt with the driver’s name, company details and exact price, sent directly to the passenger’s email.

(Photo: Bolt)

The Family Profile is especially useful for older people who may not use smartphones or ride-hailing apps themselves. Caregivers, parents and relatives can set up the account, manage bookings and payments, and even set monthly spending limits.

Notifications in real time keep the account holder updated whenever a ride starts or finishes, and they can check the car’s location live if needed.

“Family Profile is a simple but powerful way to support your loved ones, whether it’s elderly relatives or adult children,” said Marko Radenović, Bolt’s Director of Ride-Hailing in Croatia. “It also allows account holders to manage spending by setting monthly limits for members.”

Setting up the feature involves opening the Bolt app, selecting Family Profile under the account menu, inviting members from the contact list, and choosing whether to set spending caps or receive journey notifications. Currently, rides can only be booked for adults (18+), meaning the service cannot be used to arrange solo rides for minors.

(Photo: Bolt)

Bolt notes that around 2–6% of its rides in Croatia are already booked for someone else, often requiring extra coordination. The new feature streamlines this process, ensuring clarity, control and safety.