A Singapore private-hire vehicle (PHV) driver recently sounded the alarm online, urging fellow drivers to be extra careful when collecting cash payments—especially from foreign passengers—after a shocking encounter involving a cunning sleight of hand. The driver recounted how he picked up a Caucasian man (colloquially known as “ang mo”) and drove him to the airport. The agreed fare was S$25, and when the passenger handed over the cash, the driver noticed something suspicious: two RM10 Malaysian ringgit notes tucked inside a folded S$5 bill.
When the driver pointed out the foreign currency, the passenger’s face turned sour, and he reluctantly rummaged through his bag before pulling out a S$50 note for change. The driver highlighted how easily he could have been shortchanged if he hadn’t checked carefully—raising concerns about what could happen to PHV drivers with weaker eyesight or who are too rushed to verify cash on the spot.
The incident has sparked a heated discussion among other PHV and taxi drivers online. Mary Jo, another driver, shared that her last three fare evaders included two Caucasians and one Georgian who all used sleight-of-hand techniques. Michael Lim added that he once picked up an American missionary who insisted on collecting a 20 or 30 cents change, challenging his long-held belief that Americans are usually generous tippers.
Changing Perceptions of Foreign Passengers
Many local drivers chimed in, noting that the image of all Westerners being rich or generous no longer holds true. JT JT pointed out that some foreigners coming to Singapore today are actually struggling financially, and drivers should not assume they will automatically tip or pay honestly. Other commenters, like Tan Chin Yih, reminded everyone that ang mo are humans too—with good and bad apples—so it’s important to check your cash before letting them exit your vehicle.
Another driver, Raymond Yeo, added that many “low-end” Western travellers are now in Southeast Asia, including Singapore, and some locals still wrongly regard them with awe, thinking “ang mo is god.” This outdated mindset can leave PHV drivers vulnerable to scams if they let their guard down.
Why PHV Drivers Must Inspect Cash Closely
As this case shows, PHV drivers—who often operate long hours and deal with fatigue—are prime targets for cheats trying to slip foreign currency into their payments. Unlike taxi drivers who may have cashless options built into their meters, many PHV drivers rely on direct cash payments and need to take extra precautions.
Checking cash immediately upon receipt, unfolding every bill to confirm denomination and currency, and refusing to rush through transactions are key steps every driver should adopt to protect their hard-earned income.
A Broader Lesson for All
This cautionary tale is not just for PHV drivers. Hawkers, small retailers, and anyone in Singapore who accepts cash from tourists should also remain vigilant. As more budget-conscious travellers arrive in the region post-pandemic, it’s vital to recognise that not all visitors are affluent or honest. By staying alert and thoroughly inspecting cash payments, you can avoid unnecessary losses and keep your business safe.