Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei, Taiwan, Taipei, Local Insights & Practical Info, Common Scams & How to Avoid Them

Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan

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1. Taxi Overcharging

Avoid getting overcharged by unscrupulous taxi drivers. Always use official taxis and keep the meter on.
  • Official Taxis: Ride only in licensed, official taxis.
  • Meter Usage: Ensure the meter is turned on and being used.
  • Know Fares: Be aware of average fares for common destinations to avoid overpayment.

2. Counterfeit Goods

Avoid buying counterfeit goods. Look for authenticity seals and shop at reputable stores.
  • Authenticity Seals: Check for authenticity seals on items.
  • Reputable Stores: Shop at established, reputable stores and markets.
  • Price Too Good to Be True: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

3. Credit Card Skimming

Protect yourself from credit card skimming. Use ATMs inside banks and avoid using cards for small purchases.
  • ATMs Inside Banks: Use ATMs located inside banks or secure areas.
  • Card Usage: Avoid using cards for small purchases when possible.
  • Secure Your Card: Keep your card secure and monitor transactions regularly.

4. Tourist Trap Restaurants

Avoid tourist trap restaurants with inflated prices. Ask locals for recommendations or look for popular eateries.
  • Locals Recommendations: Ask locals for dining recommendations.
  • Popular Eateries: Look for busy, popular restaurants.
  • Menu Prices: Compare prices with other establishments to ensure they're reasonable.

5. Fake Travel Agencies

Avoid fake travel agencies. Book tours through reputable companies or use online booking platforms.
  • Reputable Companies: Book tours with well-established, reputable companies.
  • Online Booking Platforms: Use trusted online booking platforms for tour bookings.
  • Reviews and Ratings: Check reviews and ratings before making a decision.

6. Street Scams

Avoid street scams such as distraction theft. Stay aware of your belongings and be cautious in crowded areas.
  • Keep Belongings Secure: Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas.
  • Avoid Distractions: Be cautious of distractions that may lead to theft or pickpocketing.
  • Trust Your Instincts: Trust your instincts and be aware of your surroundings.

7. Sim Card Scams

Avoid Sim card scams by buying from official vendors or trusted sources.
  • Official Vendors: Buy Sim cards only at official vendor outlets.
  • Trusted Sources: Ask locals for recommendations on where to buy a Sim card.
  • Check the SIM Before Leaving the Store: Make sure the SIM works before leaving the store.

8. Unlicensed Massage Parlors

Avoid unlicensed massage parlors that may offer illegal services. Look for licensed establishments and ask for identification from the staff.
  • Licensed Establishments: Choose licensed massage parlors.
  • Ask for Identification: Request identification from the staff.
  • Location: Be wary of massage parlors located in less busy or secluded areas.

9. Unsafe Taxis

Avoid unsafe taxis by choosing licensed cabs and ensuring they have functioning seat belts.
  • Licensed Cabs: Choose only licensed taxis.
  • Seat Belts: Ensure the taxi has functioning seat belts.
  • Taxi Condition: Inspect the interior and exterior of the taxi for signs of wear or damage.

10. Fake Tickets

Avoid fake tickets to attractions. Buy from official outlets or authorized vendors.
  • Official Outlets: Buy attraction tickets at official outlets.
  • Authorized Vendors: Purchase tickets from authorized vendors.
  • Check for Authenticity: Inspect the ticket for authenticity before use.

11. ATM Card Swiping

Protect yourself from ATM card swiping by using well-lit, busy ATMs and shielding your PIN.
  • Well-Lit ATMs: Use ATMs that are well-lit.
  • Busy ATMs: Choose busy ATMs for increased security.
  • PIN Protection: Shield your PIN when entering it at the ATM.

12. Counterfeit Money

Avoid counterfeit money by exchanging money only at reputable exchange offices.
  • Reputable Exchange Offices: Exchange money at trusted exchange offices.
  • Check the Money Carefully: Thoroughly inspect the money for signs of tampering or counterfeiting.
  • Use Credit Cards When Possible: Use credit cards whenever possible instead of carrying large amounts of cash.

13. Street Food Scams

Avoid street food scams by choosing popular, busy food stalls and checking the ingredients.
  • Popular Food Stalls: Choose popular, busy food stalls.
  • Check Ingredients: Ensure that the ingredients used in the food are fresh and visible.
  • Hygiene Standards: Look for clean, well-maintained food stalls with high hygiene standards.

14. Overpriced Accommodation

Avoid overpriced accommodation by comparing prices online and booking in advance.
  • Online Comparison: Compare prices of accommodations online before booking.
  • Book in Advance: Book your accommodation well in advance to get the best deals.
  • Read Reviews: Read reviews from other travelers before choosing an accommodation.

15. Street Performer Scams

Avoid street performer scams by not giving money without a performance or checking the price beforehand.
  • Performance First: Ensure the street performer gives a performance before offering payment.
  • Check the Price: Ask for the price of the performance beforehand to avoid overpayment.
  • Gratuity Only: Only offer gratuity if you're satisfied with the performance.
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