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Occasional in Taiwan

Scam in TaiwanShopping

Extra charges for card payments or receipts in Taiwan

Smaller stores and some hostels.

How it works

A quoted price may be a cash price. Paying by card or asking for an official invoice may raise the total. These are described pricing practices, so an added fee alone does not prove a scam.

Warning signs

  • The quoted price applies only to cash payments.
  • A card fee appears when you are ready to pay.
  • The seller asks for more money when you request an official invoice.

How to avoid it

  1. Ask for the final total before buying or booking.
  2. Check whether card payments cost extra.
  3. Ask whether the price includes an official receipt.
  4. Keep the receipt and check the amount charged.

If it happens to you

Ask the seller to explain the difference. Keep proof of the quoted price and payment if you need to dispute an unexplained charge.

  1. Move to a safe place. Do not chase a thief or argue with anyone who threatens you.
  2. Stop further payments. Contact your bank or card issuer immediately to freeze missing cards or try to stop a transfer.
  3. Save receipts, messages, booking details and transaction records. Write down the time, place and any vehicle identification.
  4. Report the incident to police. Call 110 if you need urgent help, or 165 for a scam enquiry.
  5. Ask for a report reference. For a major crime, also contact the Foreign Affairs Police unit and your government's representative office in Taipei.
  6. Contact your insurer and any relevant booking provider. Keep copies of reports and expenses for your claim.
What it can costCard payments may add up to 8%. Asking for an official invoice may add 3–5%.
Where it happensSmaller stores and some hostels.
More scams in TaiwanPickpocketing in crowds: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the extra charges for card payments or receipts scam in Taiwan?

A quoted price may be a cash price. Paying by card or asking for an official invoice may raise the total. These are described pricing practices, so an added fee alone does not prove a scam.

How can I spot it early?

The quoted price applies only to cash payments. A card fee appears when you are ready to pay. The seller asks for more money when you request an official invoice.

How do I avoid extra charges for card payments or receipts in Taiwan?

Ask for the final total before buying or booking. Check whether card payments cost extra. Ask whether the price includes an official receipt. Keep the receipt and check the amount charged.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Ask the seller to explain the difference. Keep proof of the quoted price and payment if you need to dispute an unexplained charge.

Where in Taiwan does this happen?

Smaller stores and some hostels.

How much can it cost me?

Card payments may add up to 8%. Asking for an official invoice may add 3–5%.

How common is this scam in Taiwan?

Occasional. Taiwan is very safe for tourists, and most taxi drivers are honest. The main concerns are pickpockets in crowds, occasional taxi overcharging, and phone fraud aimed at Chinese speakers. Small shops and some hostels may also add payment or receipt fees, so check the full price first.

Who can I report it to?

Police: call 110 for urgent police help or visit a local police station. Stations display the word Police in English and have a red light above the door. Police emergency service is available in English. Scam enquiry service: call 165 to check a suspected scam, including an unfamiliar caller asking for money. Foreign Affairs Police unit: for a major crime, contact this unit as well as the local precinct. Most jurisdictions have a unit staffed by English-speaking officers. Taipei City Police Department Foreign Affairs Division: visit No. 96, Yanping S. Rd, or call +886-2-2381-8251 or +886-2-2381-7494. Taipei City Police Department Foreign Affairs Service Station: visit No. 80, Dadong Rd, or call +886-2-2556-6007. Your government's representative office in Taipei: report a major crime and ask for help if your passport or travel documents were stolen. Your bank or card issuer: use its official app or a trusted contact number. Report stolen cards, unauthorised charges or a fraudulent transfer immediately. Your insurer or booking provider: use its official claims or support channel. Supply receipts, payment records and the police report reference. Foreigner assistance hotline: call 1990 within Taiwan for assistance. Mandarin, English and Japanese service is available 24 hours a day.

What number do I call in an emergency in Taiwan?

Police, with English service: 110, Fire and ambulance, with English service: 119, Scam enquiry: 165, Foreigner assistance, domestic calls: 1990.

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