Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Sendai, Japan
1. Taxi Scams
Avoid overpriced rides or drivers taking longer routes. Use registered taxis or apps like Japan Taxi.
- Registration Check: Ensure the taxi is officially licensed and registered.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices with other taxi companies or apps for a fair fee.
- Route Awareness: Be aware of your route and question any sudden changes.
2. Coin Scam in Vending Machines
Avoid inserting large bills into vending machines. Use exact change or small denominations for safer transactions.
- Exact Change: Use the correct amount of coins to avoid issues with the machine.
- Location Scout: Choose well-maintained vending machines in populated areas for increased security.
- Reporting Incidents: Notify store owners or local authorities if you encounter any problems.
3. Tourist Spots Pickpocketing
Stay vigilant in crowded areas like Aoba Castle or Sendai Station. Use a travel pouch and keep valuables close.
- Awareness: Be aware of your surroundings and potential threats.
- Secure Storage: Keep valuables in a secure pouch or zipped pocket.
- Reporting Incidents: Inform local authorities if you are the victim of theft.
4. Fake Tour Guides
Ask for credentials when hiring a guide. Use official tourism websites like Sendai City's or Japan National Tourism Organization.
- Official Credentials: Ensure the guide has proper certification and identification.
- Reputable Sources: Book guides through reputable sources for increased trustworthiness.
- Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews and seek recommendations from other travelers.
5. Fraudulent Restaurants
Avoid restaurants with no customers during peak hours. Look for the Food Sanitation public seal on restaurant doors.
- Busy Hours: Choose busy restaurants during peak meal times.
- Sanitation Seal: Check for the Food Sanitation seal on restaurant doors.
- Food Taste and Quality: Try a small dish before ordering a full meal to assess quality.
6. Counterfeit Souvenirs
Purchase souvenirs from reputable shops like Sendai Park or the Sendai Station souvenir shop.
- Reputable Sources: Buy souvenirs from authorized stores for authenticity.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices with other shops to avoid overpriced items.
- Quality Assurance: Inspect the product for signs of poor quality or counterfeiting.
7. Unlicensed Accommodations
Book accommodations through trusted online platforms like Airbnb or hotels.com. Use official hotel listings provided by Sendai City.
- Official Listings: Choose accommodations from official city lists or reputable online platforms.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices with other listings to avoid overpricing.
- Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews and seek recommendations from other travelers.
8. ATM Scams
Use ATMs at banks or secure locations like Sendai Station. Avoid using machines that appear damaged or tampered with.
- Bank ATMs: Use ATMs located inside banks or secure areas.
- Condition Inspection: Check the ATM for signs of tampering before using it.
- Transaction Limits: Be aware of daily transaction limits and plan withdrawals accordingly.
9. Overpriced Wi-Fi Services
Use free Wi-Fi provided by shops, cafes, or public spaces in Sendai. Be cautious of offers requiring payment.
- Free Wi-Fi Availability: Look for places offering free Wi-Fi before purchasing a service.
- Reputation of Venue: Choose well-known venues with positive reviews for better service quality.
- Privacy Concerns: Be aware of potential privacy issues when using public Wi-Fi networks.
10. Fraudulent Charity Collectors
Support recognized charities like the Sendai Red Cross or St. Francis Xavier Church instead of unknown collectors.
- Recognized Charities: Donate to established and recognized charities.
- Investigation: Research the charity before donating to ensure legitimacy.
- Secure Payment Methods: Use secure payment methods like credit cards or official donation boxes.
11. Street Performers Extortion
Appreciate street performances but avoid pressure to pay excessively. Set a reasonable amount based on the quality of performance.
- Fair Payment: Pay a fair and agreed-upon price for the performance.
- Avoid Pressure: Refuse pressure to donate more than you are comfortable with.
- Safety Concerns: Be aware of your surroundings and personal belongings during the performance.
12. Peddler Scams at Sendai Market
Bargain for prices and choose items carefully. Be aware of high-pressure sales tactics.
- Negotiation Skills: Use negotiation skills to get a fair price.
- Product Inspection: Inspect items carefully before purchasing.
- Sales Tactics Awareness: Recognize and resist high-pressure sales tactics.
13. Ferry Scams
Book ferry tickets in advance through official channels like JR East or travel agencies. Be cautious of overpriced offers on the spot.
- Advance Booking: Book your ferry ticket ahead of time for a guaranteed price.
- Official Channels: Use official channels to purchase your ferry ticket.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices with other travelers or agencies to avoid overpricing.
14. Overpriced Local Products
Shop for local products at reputable stores or markets like Sendai Market. Compare prices with other shops to avoid overpaying.
- Reputable Sources: Choose reputable stores or markets for your purchases.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices with other shops to ensure a fair deal.
- Quality Assurance: Inspect the product for signs of poor quality or overpricing.
15. Street Food Scams
Avoid buying street food from unlicensed vendors. Look for licensed food carts and check for hygiene practices.
- Licensed Vendors: Choose licensed street food vendors.
- Hygiene Practices: Ensure the vendor follows proper hygiene practices.
- Quality Assurance: Inspect the food for signs of poor quality or tampering.