
Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
1. Liuhe Night Market Scam Prevention
Stay vigilant for pickpocketing and overpriced goods at Liuhe Night Market. Use trusted stalls and keep belongings secure.
- Trusted Stalls: Avoid smaller, less busy stalls.
- Secure Belongings: Keep wallets and phones in zipped pockets or bags.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices with other stalls before buying.
2. Taxi Scam Avoidance
Avoid taxi scams by using only official taxis and ensuring the meter is used.
- Official Taxis: Recognize Kaohsiung City Corporation or Tai-Chung Transportation Corporation taxis.
- Meter Usage: Insist on using the meter for your ride.
- Prepaid Taxis: Consider prepaid taxis for fixed-price trips.
3. Temple Scam Warning
Be cautious when offered 'special' items or services at temples. Decline unwanted offerings and donate only to official boxes.
- Official Boxes: Look for clearly marked offering boxes.
- Decline Unwanted Offerings: Politely decline any unsolicited offerings.
- Awareness of Scams: Research common temple scams before your visit.
4. Street Food Scam Detection
Avoid food that looks unappetizing or is being aggressively sold. Stick to popular and well-reviewed street food spots.
- Popular Spots: Find busy, well-known street food areas.
- Well-Reviewed: Check online reviews before trying new places.
- Avoid Aggressive Selling: Be wary of pushy vendors, especially if the food doesn't look appealing.
5. Love Scam Protection
Avoid online romance scams by meeting people in person only after conducting thorough research and verifying their identity.
- Thorough Research: Check social media profiles, background information, and verify photos.
- Meeting in Person: Arrange a public first meeting to ensure safety.
- Verify Identity: Request video calls or meet during daylight hours for added security.
6. ATM Scam Prevention
Use well-lit ATMs in secure locations and be cautious of anyone loitering nearby. Only use machines that are part of a bank or reputable institution.
- Secure Locations: Avoid using ATMs in dimly lit or isolated areas.
- Reputable Machines: Choose ATMs located at banks or other secure institutions.
- Cautious of Loiterers: Be alert for anyone watching you use the machine.
7. Tour Guide Scam Detection
Avoid unlicensed tour guides and verify their credentials before accepting services.
- Licensed Guides: Ensure your guide has an official Kaohsiung City Tour Guide Association badge.
- Verification of Credentials: Check the guide's ID and verify their registration number.
- Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Ignore unsolicited tour offers in public areas or markets.
8. Sim Card Scam Avoidance
Purchase sim cards only from official retailers and avoid any offers that seem too good to be true.
- Official Retailers: Buy sim cards at authorized dealers or mobile operator stores.
- Avoid Suspicious Offers: Be wary of unsolicited offers on the street or in markets.
- Too Good to be True: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
9. Bar Scam Protection
Be cautious when buying drinks, as some bars may use overpriced or watered-down liquor. Stick to popular and well-reviewed bars.
- Popular Bars: Choose busy, well-known bars for a safer experience.
- Well-Reviewed: Check online reviews before trying new places.
- Avoid Unwanted Offerings: Be wary of bartenders pushing expensive drinks.
10. Public Transportation Scam Prevention
Beware of pickpocketing on public transportation, especially during rush hour. Keep personal belongings secure and avoid displaying valuable items.
- Secure Belongings: Keep wallets and phones in zipped pockets or bags.
- Avoid Displaying Valuables: Hide valuable items, such as jewelry or expensive electronics.
- Rush Hour Awareness: Remain extra vigilant during peak travel times.
11. Street Performance Scam Warning
Avoid participating in street performances that request money upfront or pressure you to tip excessively.
- No Upfront Payments: Don't pay for a performance before it starts.
- Reasonable Tips: Tip based on the quality and length of the performance.
- Avoid Pressure: Refuse any unwanted pressure to tip more than you're comfortable with.
12. Currency Exchange Scam Detection
Use reputable exchange services and avoid exchanging money on the street. Research exchange rates beforehand to verify fairness.
- Reputable Services: Exchange currency at banks, hotels or licensed exchange centers.
- Avoid Street Exchanges: Do not exchange money with street vendors or individuals.
- Research Exchange Rates: Compare rates online to ensure fairness.
13. Accommodation Scam Protection
Book accommodations through reputable channels and verify the property's location before arrival.
- Reputable Channels: Book accommodations on established travel websites.
- Verify Location: Check the property's address and location on a map before booking.
- Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Ignore unsolicited accommodation offers in public areas or markets.
14. Baggage Storage Scam Warning
Avoid storing bags with unlicensed or questionable storage services. Use only reputable luggage storage facilities.
- Reputable Facilities: Choose baggage storage facilities affiliated with hotels, train stations, or airports.
- Avoid Unlicensed Services: Stay away from street vendors offering storage services.
- Secure Storage: Check the facility for security cameras and staff supervision.
15. Ticket Scam Prevention
Purchase tickets only from authorized sellers or official outlets. Be cautious of ticket prices that are significantly lower than the average market price.
- Authorized Sellers: Buy tickets at the venue box office or from authorized agents.
- Avoid Significantly Lower Prices: Be wary of tickets priced significantly below market rates.
- Check Authenticity: Verify the authenticity of tickets before use.