Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Niigata, Japan

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid unlicensed taxis and agree on the price before starting your journey.

Unlicensed Taxis: They may overcharge or take longer routes.
Price Agreement: Prevent unexpected high charges with a pre-agreed price.
Licensed Taxis: Recognize licensed taxis by their distinct number plates and logos.

Be cautious when shopping at street markets, especially for branded goods.

Street Markets: Many vendors sell counterfeit goods, especially in busy tourist areas.
Branded Goods: Counterfeits may look authentic but are of lower quality and can be dangerous.
Legitimate Shops: Find legitimate stores for branded goods or research online beforehand.

Avoid restaurants near popular tourist spots as they often overprice their dishes.

Tourist Spots: Restaurants near attractions may overcharge due to high foot traffic.
Overpriced Dishes: Dishes can be significantly more expensive than in other areas of the city.
Local Areas: Find local eateries away from tourist hotspots for authentic and reasonably priced meals.

Buy tickets only from official outlets or authorized agents to avoid buying counterfeit tickets.

Official Outlets: Only buy tickets at recognized sales points to ensure validity.
Counterfeit Tickets: Counterfeits can be invalid or cause problems with entry into attractions.
Authorized Agents: Look for authorized agents when tickets are not available at the venue.

Be wary of overly friendly locals offering help or advice, as they may lead you into scams.

Overly Friendly Locals: These individuals may intentionally divert your attention for personal gain.
Scam Situations: Common scams include pickpocketing or directing you to a fraudulent shop or restaurant.
Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, trust your instincts and move away from the situation.

Use ATMs in well-lit, secure locations to avoid skimming devices being installed on them.

Well-Lit Locations: ATMs in poorly lit areas are more likely to have skimming devices.
Skimming Devices: These devices capture your card information for unauthorized transactions.
Secure Locations: ATMs inside banks or well-known retail stores are safer options.

Avoid using public WiFi for sensitive activities like online banking and shopping.

Public WiFi: Public networks can be insecure, making them easy targets for hackers.
Sensitive Activities: Avoid sensitive activities on public WiFi to prevent data breaches.
VPN Services: Use a VPN service for secure and private internet connections.

Exchange money only at authorized exchange offices or banks to avoid being scammed.

Authorized Exchange Offices: These locations offer better exchange rates and are more secure.
Unsafe Exchanges: Street exchangers may use unfair exchange rates or give counterfeit currency.
Banks: Banks also offer currency exchange services, often with better rates.

Book guided tours through reputable companies to avoid fraudulent guides.

Reputable Companies: Reliable tour operators have good reviews, clear contact information, and are licensed.
Fraudulent Guides: These guides may lead you into scams or overcharge for services.
Licensed Guides: Check if your guide is licensed by the Japan National Tourism Organization.

Be cautious when interacting with street performers, especially those who ask for assistance.

Interaction with Street Performers: Avoid giving money or personal belongings to performers, as they may try to scam you.
Scams: Some performers may distract you while an accomplice pickpockets.
Safe Zones: Stay in safe zones and keep your belongings secure when enjoying street performances.

Ignore people pretending to be injured or in need of help, as they may ask for money or distract you.

Injured Individuals: These individuals may feign injuries to trick you into giving them money.
Distractions: Scammers use distraction techniques to get close enough to steal from you.
Maintain Awareness: Stay alert and avoid interacting with suspicious individuals asking for help.

Purchase SIM cards from authorized retailers or official outlets to avoid overpricing.

Authorized Retailers: Find authorized retailers for mobile network providers.
Official Outlets: Purchase SIM cards from official stores of mobile network operators.
Overpriced SIM Cards: Street vendors may sell overpriced or counterfeit SIM cards.

Buy souvenirs only from reputable shops to avoid purchasing counterfeit items.

Reputable Shops: Find shops with good reviews and clear contact information.
Counterfeit Items: Counterfeits may look authentic but are of lower quality and can be dangerous.
Local Markets: Research local markets for genuine souvenirs before making a purchase.

Keep your belongings secure at all times to avoid pickpocketing.

Secure Belongings: Use a bag with a zipper, carry only essential items, and keep your valuables close.
Crowded Places: Pickpocketing is more common in crowded areas like markets or tourist spots.
Safe Locations: Keep your belongings safe in secure places like hotels when not needed.

Purchase tickets only from official outlets or authorized agents to avoid scams related to tourist attractions.

Official Outlets: Only buy tickets at recognized sales points to ensure validity.
Authorized Agents: Look for authorized agents when tickets are not available at the venue.
Counterfeit Tickets: Counterfeits can be invalid or cause problems with entry into attractions.