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

1. Taxi Scam

Some taxi drivers may try to charge tourists exorbitant fares. Always agree on the price before starting the journey.

Counterfeit yen bills are common in tourist areas. Always check your money carefully.

Check Authenticity: Check the authenticity of yen bills using a UV light or special tools.
Exchange at Banks: Exchange money at banks instead of street vendors.
Keep Small Amounts: Carry small amounts of cash for daily expenses.

Unlicensed tour guides may offer their services and charge excessive fees. Only use licensed guides.

Check Licenses: Always ask for a guide's license and verify its authenticity.
Use Reputable Companies: Book tours through reputable travel agencies.
Avoid Street Solicitation: Do not engage with unlicensed guides who approach you on the street.

Some souvenir shops may overcharge tourists. Always compare prices before buying.

Public Wi-Fi hotspots may be set up to steal personal information. Only use secure and trusted Wi-Fi connections.

Use VPN: Always use a VPN when accessing public Wi-Fi.
Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Do not conduct sensitive transactions over public Wi-Fi.
Use Hotel Wi-Fi: Prefer using hotel Wi-Fi for online activities.

Some restaurants in tourist areas may overcharge or serve poor quality food. Research and ask locals for recommendations.

Research Ahead: Research restaurants ahead of time to find good, affordable options.
Ask Locals: Ask locals for restaurant recommendations.
Avoid Busy Streets: Avoid restaurants on very busy tourist streets.

Locals may try to befriend tourists and then ask for money. Be cautious when meeting new people.

Trust Your Instincts: If something feels suspicious, trust your instincts.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Avoid isolated areas at night and always stay in well-lit, populated places.
Stay with Your Group: Always stick with your travel group.

Pickpocketing is common in crowded areas. Keep your belongings safe and secure.

Use Zippered Pockets: Use zippered pockets or a cross-body bag to keep valuables secure.
Avoid Distractions: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions.
Keep Valuables Hidden: Keep valuables hidden instead of displaying them openly.

Some ATMs may be rigged with skimming devices. Use ATMs inside banks or major establishments.

Use Bank ATMs: Use ATMs located inside banks or large establishments.
Check for Tampering: Check the ATM for any signs of tampering before using it.
Use Credit Cards with EMV Chips: Use credit cards with EMV chips instead of magnetic strip cards.

Fake charity collectors may approach tourists asking for donations. Always verify the legitimacy of charities before donating.

Verify Charities: Research charities ahead of time and verify their authenticity.
Avoid Street Solicitations: Do not donate to street collectors without verifying their legitimacy.
Donate Through Reputable Channels: Donate through reputable channels like a charity's official website or office.

Some accommodations may overcharge tourists. Always compare prices and read reviews before booking.

Compare Prices: Always compare prices of different accommodations.
Read Reviews: Read reviews from other travelers to get an idea of the quality and price.
Book in Advance: Book your accommodation well in advance to get better deals.

Some street food vendors may sell contaminated or low-quality food. Only eat from reputable vendors.

Check for Health Certificates: Ensure the vendor has a health certificate and follows proper hygiene practices.
Avoid Busy Streets: Avoid street food vendors on very busy tourist streets.
Stick with Popular Items: Stick to popular, well-known dishes to reduce the risk of contamination.

Some tour operators may offer poor quality or non-existent tours. Always research and book through reputable sources.

Research Tour Operators: Always research tour operators ahead of time.
Check Reviews: Check reviews from other travelers to get an idea of the quality and reliability of the tours.
Book in Advance: Book your tours well in advance to ensure availability.

Some massage parlors may offer services that are not what they seem. Only use licensed and reputable massage parlors.

Check Licenses: Always ask for a license and verify its authenticity.
Avoid Late-Night Visits: Avoid visiting massage parlors after dark.
Stick with Reputable Chains: Choose well-known and reputable massage chains instead of small, unknown parlors.

Some shops sell counterfeit products, such as electronics and branded goods. Be cautious when buying expensive items.

Check for Authenticity Marks: Look for authenticity marks on the product packaging.
Buy from Reputable Stores: Only buy expensive items from reputable stores or official brand outlets.
Ask for Receipts: Always ask for a receipt when making a purchase.