Scam in TaiwanTaxis
Taxi detours in Taiwan
How it works
The driver takes an indirect route, making the metered fare higher.
Warning signs
- The route repeatedly moves away from your destination.
- The driver cannot explain a large detour.
How to avoid it
- Have your destination written in Chinese or carry its business card.
- Follow the journey on a map.
- Ask about an unexpected route while the journey is still underway.
- Request a receipt.
If it happens to you
Keep the receipt and taxi identification. Ask police to help if the fare dispute cannot be settled safely.
- Move to a safe place. Do not chase a thief or argue with anyone who threatens you.
- Stop further payments. Contact your bank or card issuer immediately to freeze missing cards or try to stop a transfer.
- Save receipts, messages, booking details and transaction records. Write down the time, place and any vehicle identification.
- Report the incident to police. Call 110 if you need urgent help, or 165 for a scam enquiry.
- Ask for a report reference. For a major crime, also contact the Foreign Affairs Police unit and your government's representative office in Taipei.
- Contact your insurer and any relevant booking provider. Keep copies of reports and expenses for your claim.
Questions
What is the taxi detours scam in Taiwan?
The driver takes an indirect route, making the metered fare higher.
How can I spot it early?
The route repeatedly moves away from your destination. The driver cannot explain a large detour.
How do I avoid taxi detours in Taiwan?
Have your destination written in Chinese or carry its business card. Follow the journey on a map. Ask about an unexpected route while the journey is still underway. Request a receipt.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Keep the receipt and taxi identification. Ask police to help if the fare dispute cannot be settled safely.
Where in Taiwan does this happen?
Taxi journeys across Taiwan. Roundabout routes are also mentioned in Tainan. It has been reported in Tainan.
How much can it cost me?
An indirect trip may cost about 50% more.
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.
Are there similar scams in Taiwan?
Yes: night taxi rates charged during the day, extra taxi charges for mountain roads, taxi fare demands without a running meter.
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.
Reviewed by @snuck