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Few scams

Eastern Asia

Tourist scams in Taiwan

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.
  1. 1 TheftCommonPickpocketing in crowdsSomeone steals a wallet or other belongings while people are packed together. This is a known problem in crowded areas across Taiwan, including Taipei.TaipeiRead
  2. 2 TaxisOccasionalTaxi detoursThe driver takes an indirect route, making the metered fare higher.TainanRead
  3. 3 TaxisOccasionalNight taxi rates charged during the dayThe driver uses the night rate during daytime hours to raise the fare.Taxi journeys, including trips to Wenshan and Wulai.Read
  4. 4 TaxisOccasionalExtra taxi charges for mountain roadsSome drivers add an extra charge because the route uses mountain roads.Mountain-road journeys, including Wenshan and Wulai.Read
  5. 5 TaxisOccasionalTaxi fare demands without a running meterA 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.PuliRead
  6. 6 Fake officialsOccasionalPhone fraud and callers posing as policeA caller tries to get you to send money. They may claim to be law enforcement.Unfamiliar phone calls. The described fraud targets Chinese speakers.Read
  7. 7 TaxisOccasionalFake taxisA vehicle passes itself off as a taxi. Reported incidents have involved attacks on passengers.Taxi pickups. The account mentions reports of passengers entering fake taxis and being attacked, without naming locations.Read
  8. 8 ShoppingOccasionalExtra charges for card payments or receiptsA 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.Smaller stores and some hostels.Read

Where to stay alert

  • WenshanSome taxi drivers try to add mountain-road charges or use night rates for trips here.
  • WulaiSome taxi drivers try to add mountain-road charges or use night rates for trips here.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Check the driver's photo identification and vehicle licence number.
  • Watch the meter and have your destination written in Chinese.
  • For late-night trips alone, ask a hotel or restaurant to arrange a taxi.
  • In Puli, agree on the total before an unmetered journey.
  • Carry small notes and request a receipt.

Money

  • Ask whether a quoted price is cash-only and check the final total.
  • Check card and official receipt fees before paying.
  • Count your change before leaving.
  • Keep receipts for purchases and accommodation.

Cards and ATMs

  • Read any ATM fee shown before confirming a withdrawal.
  • Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
  • Keep enough cash before travelling to remote mountain areas, where ATMs may run out.
  • Check card transactions and report unfamiliar charges promptly.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags closed and in front of you in night markets and festival crowds.
  • Keep wallets and phones out of back pockets.
  • Carry a backup payment method separately.
  • Keep control of your luggage and do not carry items for strangers.

Where you stay

  • Ask whether the quoted room price assumes payment in cash.
  • Confirm any card fee before committing.
  • Keep the booking confirmation and payment receipt.

Police and officials

  • Treat unexpected calls claiming to be from law enforcement with caution.
  • Verify the caller independently before sending money.
  • Call 165 if you are unsure about a possible scam.

Questions

Is Taiwan a high-risk place for tourist scams?

No. Taiwan is very safe for tourists. Keep normal precautions for crowded places, taxi fares and unfamiliar calls asking for money.

Where should I be most careful with my wallet?

In crowded night markets and festivals. Pickpockets also operate in crowded areas of Taipei. Keep your bag closed and your valuables secure.

How can I avoid paying for a taxi detour?

Have your destination written in Chinese and follow the journey on a map. Ask about unexpected detours and request a receipt.

Can a taxi charge extra for a mountain road?

Some drivers try to add charges or use night rates for trips to places such as Wenshan and Wulai. Insist on the meter fare for these mountain-road journeys.

What should I do if a taxi does not use its meter?

Raise it before the journey starts. In Puli, few taxis use meters, so agree on the total first. If a fare dispute develops, ask police to help settle it.

How can I choose a safer taxi late at night?

Ask your hotel or restaurant to call one. Check the driver's photo identification and match the vehicle number to the dispatch booking. Share the licence number with someone you trust.

What if someone phones and claims to be the police?

Do not transfer money based on the call. End it and verify the claim independently. Call 165 if you suspect a scam. The described phone fraud targets Chinese speakers.

Why did a shop or hostel add a card fee?

Some smaller stores and hostels quote cash prices and may add up to 8% for card payment. Ask for the full total before agreeing to pay. A disclosed fee alone does not prove fraud.

Will asking for an official receipt change the price?

It can. Some sellers may ask for 3–5% more when you request an official invoice. Check this before buying and keep your payment records.

Can I get help in English after a scam?

Yes. Police emergency service on 110 is available in English. Most jurisdictions have a Foreign Affairs Police unit with English-speaking officers. The 1990 foreigner assistance hotline also offers English service around the clock.

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