Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Kagoshima, Kagoshima, Japan

All Topics about Kagoshima All Cities in Japan

1. Senukaku Island Scam

Avoid fake tour guides offering Senukaku Island tours at discounted rates. Genuine tickets are only available from the Kagoshima City office.

Fake Guides: Unauthorized guides may provide misleading or false information.
Genuine Tickets: Tickets can only be purchased from the Kagoshima City office to ensure authenticity.
Discounted Rates: Beware of unusually cheap offers as they may be part of a scam.

Ensure you receive a proper tax refund by keeping original purchase receipts and using official Customs counters at the airport.

Original Receipts: Keep all original receipts to prove purchases.
Official Customs Counters: Use official counters for tax refund processing.
Fake Refund Offers: Be cautious of individuals offering to process tax refunds outside of the airport.

Avoid using street exchange services and only use authorized banks or currency exchange shops for exchanging money.

Street Exchange Services: Exchange rates may be inflated or unfair at street-side exchanges.
Authorized Banks and Shops: Official banks and currency exchange shops offer fair exchange rates.
Counterfeit Money: Be aware that counterfeit money may be used in some street exchanges.

Avoid offering your taxi driver more than the fare indicated on the meter and stick to registered taxis.

Fare Indicator: Do not give extra money without checking the displayed fare.
Registered Taxis: Use only registered taxis for a secure and reliable journey.
Unmetered Taxis: Be wary of unmetered taxis as they may overcharge or scam passengers.

Be cautious when using public computers at internet cafes and avoid saving personal information on them.

Public Computers: Sensitive information may be compromised when using shared computers.
Data Protection: Avoid saving personal information on public computers.
Malware and Viruses: Public computers may be infected with malware or viruses that can steal data.

Choose reputable restaurants and avoid consuming street food that has not been properly prepared or stored.

Reputable Restaurants: Eat at established, popular restaurants to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Properly Stored Food: Avoid consuming street food that has been sitting out for an extended period.
Cleanliness: Look for clean, well-maintained establishments to minimize the risk of food contamination.

Book shore excursions from authorized travel agencies and not through unsolicited offers on the ship.

Authorized Agencies: Use only authorized travel agencies for shore excursions.
Unsolicited Offers: Avoid offers from individuals on the ship as they may be fraudulent.
Discounted Rates: Be wary of unusually cheap offers as they may be part of a scam.

Book accommodation through reputable websites or hotels directly and avoid using unregistered guesthouses.

Reputable Websites: Use well-known travel websites for booking accommodation.
Hotel Directly: Book directly through the hotel to avoid hidden fees or scams.
Unregistered Guesthouses: Avoid unregistered guesthouses as they may be illegal or lack safety measures.

Be cautious when strangers approach you offering help or friendship. They might try to take advantage of your vulnerability.

Vulnerable Travelers: Travelers who appear lost or vulnerable are more likely to be targeted by scammers.
Fake Friendliness: Friendly locals may offer help, but their intentions could be misleading or fraudulent.
Scams Involving Money: Watch out for scammers trying to swindle money from you by asking for help with fake emergencies.

Purchase SIM cards only from authorized retailers and avoid using street vendors.

Authorized Retailers: Buy SIM cards at official stores or kiosks to ensure proper functionality.
Street Vendors: SIMs sold by street vendors may be stolen, counterfeit, or have improper configurations.
Data Security: Be aware that stolen SIM cards can be used to access your personal data without your knowledge.

Research prices for attractions and shops ahead of time to avoid being overcharged.

Ahead-of-Time Research: Know the typical price range for popular tourist spots.
Overcharging: Some vendors may charge higher prices to unsuspecting tourists.
Negotiation Skills: Negotiate prices where possible, especially for items sold at open-air markets.

Only visit hot springs run by reputable facilities and check the price before entering.

Reputable Facilities: Choose well-known hot spring facilities to ensure safety.
Price Check: Ask for the price before entering a hot spring facility.
Unregistered Hot Springs: Be cautious of unregistered or illegal hot springs as they may be unsafe.

Participate in only authentic festivals and avoid street vendors who sell counterfeit goods.

Authentic Festivals: Research the festival ahead of time to ensure its authenticity.
Counterfeit Goods: Avoid street vendors selling cheap or counterfeit goods during festivals.
Scams Involving Money: Watch out for scammers trying to swindle money from you by pretending to be part of the festival.

Respect local customs and avoid offering more than the suggested donation at temples.

Local Customs: Learn about local customs to avoid causing offense or appearing disrespectful.
Suggested Donation: Research the suggested donation amount for temples before visiting.
Overdonations: Be wary of vendors trying to take advantage of your generosity by asking for more than the suggested donation.

Use ATMs located in well-lit, busy areas and avoid using ATMs with unusual features or coverings.

Well-Lit and Busy Areas: Choose ATMs in safe locations to minimize the risk of theft or vandalism.
Unusual Features: Avoid ATMs with unconventional features, such as card skimmers or cameras.
Coverings and Modifications: Be cautious of ATMs that appear to have been tampered with, including coverings or modifications.