Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Nagoya, Japan

1. Taxi Scam at Nagoya Station

Fraudulent taxi drivers may overcharge tourists or take longer routes. Always use official taxis from the designated stands.

Official Taxis: Taxi stands located inside major stations are staffed by authorized personnel.
Meter Rates: Ensure the taxi meter is turned on and running during your ride.
Avoid Late Night Travel: It's safer to travel during daylight hours, especially if you are unfamiliar with Nagoya.

Thieves install skimmers on ATMs in busy shopping areas to steal your card information. Use ATMs inside banks or at the post office.

Bank ATMs: ATMs located within banks are less likely to be tampered with.
Post Office ATMs: Post office ATMs also have a reduced risk of skimming devices due to increased security measures.
Card Monitoring: Regularly check your bank statements for any unauthorized transactions.

Some tour operators may charge exorbitant prices or take you to less appealing destinations. Use reputable companies and read reviews.

Reputable Companies: Look for well-established, licensed tour operators with good customer feedback.
TripAdvisor Reviews: Check TripAdvisor or other review websites to get an idea of the quality of a tour operator before booking.
Destination Research: Research the destination you want to visit beforehand, so you know what to expect and can make informed decisions about tours.

Counterfeit goods are sold in some shops, especially electronics. Buy from authorized dealers or official stores.

Authorized Dealers: Look for authorized retailers of the product you're interested in.
Official Stores: Purchase from official stores, especially those located within shopping centers or malls.
Price Checks: Compare prices with other shops to ensure you're not overpaying for counterfeit goods.

Pickpockets operate in crowded tourist areas like stations and shopping malls. Keep your belongings close and use a money belt.

Money Belt: A money belt keeps your valuables secure and hidden under your clothing.
Zippered Pockets: Use zippered pockets on jackets or bags to prevent easy access to your belongings.
Awareness: Be aware of your surroundings and any suspicious individuals, especially in crowded areas.

Public Wi-Fi hotspots can be used to steal your personal information. Use mobile data or a VPN when possible.

Mobile Data: Use mobile data instead of public Wi-Fi networks.
VPN: A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet connection and protects your data from being intercepted.
Trusted Wi-Fi: Only connect to Wi-Fi networks you trust, such as those at hotels or known coffee shops.

Some accommodation providers may charge excessive prices. Use booking websites or reputable agencies.

Booking Websites: Book your accommodations through trusted online travel agencies like Booking.com or Agoda.
Reputable Agencies: Use reputable local agencies that have good reviews and a proven track record.
Comparison Shopping: Compare prices on various booking websites before making a decision.

Scalpers may sell fake or overpriced tickets for popular sporting events. Buy from official outlets only.

Official Outlets: Purchase tickets from the official ticket office or authorized vendors.
Avoid Last-Minute Purchases: Buying tickets in advance reduces the risk of encountering scalpers.
Check Authenticity: Examine your ticket carefully for any signs of tampering or fakes.

Some language tutors may overcharge for poor-quality lessons. Use reputable language schools or online resources.

Reputable Language Schools: Research and choose a well-established language school with good reviews.
Online Resources: Use online resources like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone for self-study.
Comparison Shopping: Compare prices and reviews of various tutors or language schools before making a decision.

Car rental companies may charge excessive fees or offer low-quality vehicles. Compare prices and use reputable agencies.

Price Comparison: Compare prices on car rental websites like Rentalcars.com before making a decision.
Reputable Agencies: Choose a well-established, reputable car rental agency with good customer feedback.
Insurance Coverage: Understand the insurance coverage options and choose one that best suits your needs.

Some street food vendors may sell contaminated or low-quality food. Stick to popular, busy food stalls.

Popular Food Stalls: Choose food stalls with a steady stream of customers and a clean appearance.
Busy Areas: Street food vendors in busy, tourist-friendly areas are more likely to be reputable.
Cooking Practices: Observe the vendor's cooking practices to ensure they follow proper hygiene standards.

Massage parlors may offer services that are illegal or unhygienic. Use licensed massage establishments only.

Licensed Establishments: Choose a massage establishment with a valid license and good reviews.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals or hotel staff for recommendations on reputable massage parlors.
Check the Premises: Examine the cleanliness and professionalism of the establishment before agreeing to a massage.

Counterfeit souvenirs are sold in some shops. Buy from authorized dealers or official stores.

Authorized Dealers: Look for authorized retailers of the souvenir you're interested in.
Official Stores: Purchase from official stores, especially those located within tourist areas or shopping centers.
Price Checks: Compare prices with other shops to ensure you're not overpaying for counterfeit souvenirs.

Money exchange shops may offer unfavorable rates or exchange fake money. Use banks or trustworthy exchange services.

Banks: Use banks to exchange currency, as they tend to have better rates and security measures.
Trustworthy Exchange Services: Choose reputable exchange services with good reviews and a proven track record.
Compare Rates: Compare exchange rates between various banks or exchange services before making a decision.

Arcades may sell fake game cards or offer rigged games. Use only officially sold cards or play straightforward games.

Officially Sold Cards: Purchase game cards from the official distributor or the arcade management office.
Simple Games: Choose straightforward games that don't require you to insert multiple cards or have complex mechanics.
Check Game Rules: Understand the rules of each game before playing and be wary of any unusual or unclear instructions.