A woman has been charged over the stabbing of a taxi driver outside a suburban Adelaide shopping centre this morning.

The 22-year-old woman had been dropped off at Elizabeth Shopping Centre and promised taxi driver Ali Awary she’d withdraw cash from an ATM to pay the $37.10 fare she owed him.

When she didn’t pay up, Mr Awary confronted her.

“The gentleman was trying to get at her and he was shouting. I don't know what he was shouting. And she was shouting back,” witness Brenda Robinson said.

Police allege during the confrontation, the woman produced a knife and stabbed the 47-year-old driver in his hand and arm.

“The gentleman had blood all over his hands and she's trying to get away,” Ms Robinson said.

Witnesses assisted Mr Awary while security guards detained the 22-year-old woman until police arrived.

Mr Awary underwent surgery this afternoon. The driver’s boss said his family are thankful the situation wasn’t any worse.

The 22-year-old woman from Clare has been charged with aggravated assault causing serious harm.

She’s been refused bail to appear in court on Monday.