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Taiwan
12 scams
Taiwan is home to a bustling metropolis and a cultural center of entertainment that is Taipei, as well as stunning mountain ranges, lush forests and majestic national parks.
The country is also very safe to travel to, though there are some potential pitfalls to watch out for.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Emergency numbers
- Police: 110
- Fire, ambulance: 119
Travel resources
Fake/imitation tea leaves in Taiwan
6 0How it works: Situation: With its mountains and misty, humid conditions, Taiwan is able to produce some top drawer tea leaves (e.g. oolong tea). However, due to demand being greater…
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Fake Taiwan 101 tickets in Taiwan
5 0How it works: Some old women have been spotted peddling fake Taiwan 101 tickets for 150 NT around the area. Places to beware: Taipei: Taipei 101 Metro What to do:…
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Shilin Night Market fruits scam at in Taiwan
5 0How it works: Situation: The Shilin Night Market is a top destination but there are rogue fruit vendors – warning signs have even been put up for this. Set-up: When…
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Price quote scam in Taiwan
3 0How it works: At the many night markets in Taiwan, you may encounter stalls which do not label prices and then quote you a price based on how rich they…
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Donation scams in Taiwan
2 0How it works: Version 1: there are individuals claiming to represent charitable organisations selling you pens for around 200NT (~USD $6.50) each on the streets of Taipei. Version 2: a…
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Bicycle thefts in Taiwan
2 0How it works: Taipei has a high number of bicycle theft cases. For instance, an infamous thief – Mr Chen was released from jail after only a month or two,…
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Restaurant cooking fee charge in Taiwan
2 1How it works: Situation: this borders between a marketing trick and a borderline scam. Set-up: at some restaurants near the Fisherman’s Wharf in Tamsui, a “cooking fee” is charged for…
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Fake gemstones, watches, branded items in Taiwan
2 0How it works: There are shops peddling fake gemstones, high end watches and branded products which pay tour operators a commission to bring tourists to them. Places to beware: Taipei…
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Vacation apartment scam in Taiwan
1 0How it works: Version 1: fraudulent accommodation platforms. Version 2: fake/copied listings. Version 3: ex tenants who copy keys of apartments and then pose as landlords. Version 4: making false…
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Taxi scams in Taiwan
1 0How it works: Situation: taxi drivers here are honest and trustworthy. However, there are still some rogue ones: Version 1: choosing not to use the meter so an inflated flat…
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Fake car accidents in Taiwan
1 0How it works: Uncommon, but there have been cases of scammers throwing themselves at your moving car. They usually strike at roads where there are few pedestrians to act as…
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Pickpockets in Taiwan
1 0How it works: They work in a gang – one onlooker, one blocks, pushes, distracts, or engages you, one grabs and the final hides the loot under a cover (e.g….
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