Skip to content
Occasional in Taiwan

Scam in TaiwanTaxis

Taxi fare demands without a running meter in Taiwan

Taxi journeys across Taiwan. Few taxis in Puli use meters, so an agreed fare is especially important there.

How it works

A driver leaves the meter off and may demand an inflated fare at the end. In Puli, an unmetered trip is not by itself proof of cheating.

Warning signs

  • The taxi moves off without the meter running.
  • The driver will not agree on a fare before an unmetered journey.

How to avoid it

  1. Check that the meter starts when the journey begins.
  2. In Puli, agree on the total price before setting off if no meter is used.
  3. Book through a taxi dispatch service and check the assigned vehicle number.

If it happens to you

Ask a police officer to help settle the fare dispute. Avoid a confrontation over payment.

  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.
Where it happensTaxi journeys across Taiwan. Few taxis in Puli use meters, so an agreed fare is especially important there.Puli
More scams in TaiwanPhone fraud and callers posing as police: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the taxi fare demands without a running meter scam in Taiwan?

A driver leaves the meter off and may demand an inflated fare at the end. In Puli, an unmetered trip is not by itself proof of cheating.

How can I spot it early?

The taxi moves off without the meter running. The driver will not agree on a fare before an unmetered journey.

How do I avoid taxi fare demands without a running meter in Taiwan?

Check that the meter starts when the journey begins. In Puli, agree on the total price before setting off if no meter is used. Book through a taxi dispatch service and check the assigned vehicle number.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Ask a police officer to help settle the fare dispute. Avoid a confrontation over payment.

Where in Taiwan does this happen?

Taxi journeys across Taiwan. Few taxis in Puli use meters, so an agreed fare is especially important there. It has been reported in Puli.

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: taxi detours, night taxi rates charged during the day, extra taxi charges for mountain roads.

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