Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Taoyuan District, Taoyuan, Taiwan

1. Taxi Overcharging

Avoid overpriced taxi rides by using meter or fixed rate before journey.

Meter Usage: Ensure taxi uses meter for fair pricing.
Fixed Rate: Ask for a fixed rate before starting the journey.
Reputable Companies: Choose reputable taxi companies for safer and more reliable service.

Avoid buying counterfeit goods in shopping malls by checking for quality and brand authenticity.

Quality Check: Inspect products thoroughly for poor workmanship or inconsistencies.
Brand Authenticity: Look for official branding and authentic packaging.
Price Disparities: Be wary of products that are significantly cheaper or more expensive than usual.

Avoid food poisoning and scams by eating at popular street food vendors.

Popularity: Choose busy stalls with many customers as they are likely to be reliable.
Fresh Ingredients: Look for vendors using fresh ingredients and cooking food in front of you.
Recommendations: Ask locals or other travelers for recommendations on good street food stalls.

Protect your bank details from ATM skimming by using well-lit and protected machines.

Well-lit Machines: Choose ATMs that are well-lit to deter potential thieves.
Protected Machines: Use ATMs located in protected areas or inside banks for added security.
Cover Card Slot: Always cover the card slot and keypad when entering your PIN to prevent eavesdropping.

Avoid sim card scams by purchasing sim cards from authorized retailers.

Authorized Retailers: Buy sim cards only from authorized dealers or mobile operator's stores.
Warranty Check: Ensure the sim card comes with a valid warranty and proper documentation.
Data Limitations: Be aware of data limitations, as some unauthorized sellers may provide restricted internet access.

Avoid overpriced tours by researching tour operators and negotiating prices.

Reputable Operators: Choose reputable tour operators with positive reviews and recommendations.
Price Comparison: Compare prices between different tour operators for the same service.
Negotiation: Negotiate prices before booking the tour to ensure a fair deal.

Avoid fraudulent accommodation bookings by using reputable booking platforms.

Reputable Platforms: Book accommodations through well-known and secure platforms.
Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to ensure a positive experience.
Payment Security: Use secure payment methods provided by the booking platform.

Avoid unhygienic or fraudulent massage parlors by visiting licensed establishments.

Licensed Establishments: Visit massage parlors with valid licenses and proper certifications.
Cleanliness: Look for clean, well-maintained establishments to ensure a safe experience.
Recommendations: Ask locals or other travelers for recommendations on good massage parlors.

Avoid overpriced bus rides by using official and clearly marked vehicles.

Official Vehicles: Choose official and clearly marked buses for a reliable ride.
Fixed Routes: Stick to fixed routes and schedules to avoid overpriced or unauthorized rides.
Avoid Private Cars: Refuse offers for private cars claiming to be a bus, as they may overcharge.

Avoid purchasing counterfeit tickets by buying from authorized vendors.

Authorized Vendors: Buy tickets only from authorized sellers or venues.
Official Ticket Design: Check for official ticket design and holograms to ensure authenticity.
Suspicious Prices: Be wary of tickets that are significantly cheaper or more expensive than usual.

Avoid buying counterfeit local products by visiting reputable stores.

Reputable Stores: Purchase local products from well-known and trustworthy stores.
Product Authenticity: Look for proper branding, packaging, and quality to ensure authenticity.
Price Comparisons: Compare prices between different stores before making a purchase.

Avoid unwanted performances or scams by donating only to authorized performers.

Authorized Performers: Support local artists and performers with valid permits.
Donation Boxes: Look for authorized donation boxes or receptacles.
Avoid Pressure to Donate: Refuse any pressure to donate money, and give only if you wish.

Avoid overpriced services or scams at the airport by doing research beforehand.

Research Beforehand: Find out about common scams and how to avoid them at Taoyuan International Airport.
Official Services: Use official airport services or designated areas for a reliable experience.
Negotiate Prices: Negotiate prices for any services before agreeing to use them.

Avoid overpriced taxis by using official taxi stands or pre-booking a ride.

Official Taxi Stands: Use official taxi stands located at the airport for a reliable service.
Pre-booking: Pre-book taxis before arrival to ensure a fair price and reliable transportation.
Negotiate Prices: Always negotiate prices with the driver before starting your journey.

Avoid data theft or scams in cybercafés by using secure devices and networks.

Secure Devices: Use your own, secured device whenever possible.
Secure Networks: Choose cybercafés with secure, password-protected networks.
Cybersecurity Apps: Install and use cybersecurity apps to protect your devices and data.