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

1. Toyama Station Taxi Scam

Avoid unlicensed taxi drivers at Toyama Station who may overcharge or direct you to scam ATMs.

Recognizable Taxis: Legitimate taxis in Toyama are easily identifiable by their logos and license plates.
ATM Locations: Use ATMs inside banks or convenience stores for safe transactions.
Travel Tips: Ask your hotel for advice on reliable transportation services.

Be cautious of fake Tourist Information Centers offering fraudulent city maps and overpriced goods.

Legitimate Centers: Official Tourist Information Centers are usually operated by the city or prefecture government.
Map Quality: Free city maps provided by official centers are accurate and reliable.
Reporting Scams: If you encounter a suspicious information center, report it to your embassy or hotel staff.

Avoid purchasing cheap souvenirs that may be counterfeits from street vendors.

Authenticity: Authentic souvenir shops are usually found in tourist areas with quality products.
Price Comparison: Compare prices of similar items at different stores to avoid overpriced counterfeits.
Warranty and Guarantee: Legitimate souvenir shops offer warranties or guarantees on their products.

Be wary of accommodation bookings made through unverified websites or individuals.

Booking Reputable Sites: Book accommodations through reputable booking sites or hotels directly.
Reviews and Ratings: Check reviews and ratings of accommodation options before booking.
Payment Methods: Use secure payment methods, such as credit cards or PayPal, for bookings.

Avoid guided tours offered by unlicensed individuals who may lead you to scam attractions.

Licensed Tour Operators: Book tours with licensed and reputable tour operators.
Tour Contracts: Ask for a clear contract outlining the itinerary, prices, and services offered.
Customer Reviews: Check customer reviews of tour operators before booking to ensure quality service.

Avoid restaurants that offer unusually cheap prices or aggressive sales tactics.

Menu Prices: Restaurant menu prices should be within the average price range for Toyama.
Location: Avoid restaurants located far from tourist areas or in secluded locations.
Food Quality: Check the cleanliness and quality of the food before ordering to ensure it is safe and authentic.

Be cautious when exchanging money at unofficial currency exchange offices.

Official Offices: Use official banks, post offices, or airport currency exchange services for exchanges.
Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates at different locations to ensure fairness.
Secure Transactions: Transact in secure areas and avoid exchanging large amounts of money on the street.

Avoid unlicensed massage parlors that may offer sexual services or overcharge.

Licensed Parlors: Visit licensed and reputable massage parlors.
Price Comparison: Compare prices of massages at different parlors to avoid overpriced services.
Ask for Receipt: Always ask for a receipt after your massage and check the parlor's name and address.

Avoid internet cafes that may install malware or overcharge.

Reputable Internet Cafes: Visit reputable and well-reviewed internet cafes.
Internet Speed: Check the speed of the internet connection before using the cafe's services.
Payment Methods: Pay for your usage with a prepaid card or credit card to avoid overcharges.

Be cautious of bus services that may overcharge or lead you to scam attractions.

Licensed Operators: Use licensed and reputable bus companies for your travel.
Clear Contracts: Request a clear contract outlining the route, prices, and services offered.
Customer Reviews: Check customer reviews of bus companies before booking to ensure quality service.

Avoid overpriced sightseeing spots that may offer poor quality experiences.

Official Attractions: Visit officially recognized tourist attractions.
Price Comparison: Compare prices of similar attractions to ensure fairness.
Travel Guidebooks: Use travel guidebooks or online resources for information on popular attractions.

Avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi hotspots that may install malware or steal personal data.

Secure Connections: Connect to secure Wi-Fi networks, such as those at hotels or cafes.
VPN Usage: Use a VPN to encrypt your data when accessing public Wi-Fi networks.
Data Saving: Save sensitive data for use on your private network or device.

Be aware of pickpockets operating in crowded tourist areas.

Secure Valuables: Keep your valuables secure and out of sight.
Beware of Distractions: Stay alert in crowded areas, especially when using ATMs or handling cash.
Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover lost items.

Avoid ticket agencies that may sell fake or overpriced tickets for attractions.

Official Ticket Booths: Buy tickets directly from official attraction ticket booths.
Price Comparison: Compare prices of tickets at different locations to ensure fairness.
Customer Reviews: Check customer reviews of ticket agencies before purchasing to ensure quality service.

Be cautious when buying tickets for events from unverified sources.

Official Outlets: Buy tickets for events through official outlets or the event's website.
Price Comparison: Compare prices of tickets at different locations to ensure fairness.
Event Website: Check the event's website for details on ticket sales and official outlets.