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Tourist scams and rip-offs in Taipei, Taiwan: how to avoid them
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Taipei is a very safe city for tourists with low violent crime, but common petty scams exist around markets, temples, and transport hubs. The biggest watch-outs are unlicensed taxi drivers, inflated night market and souvenir prices, and exchange counters with poor rates near tourist spots. The MRT is clean, efficient, and easy to use with easy card and phone payments.
Updated September 2026
Common scams in Taipei, Taiwan and how to avoid them
1. Unlicensed airport touts
How it works: Touts inside or just outside Taoyuan airport approach arriving tourists offering rides at inflated fixed prices, sometimes in unmarked cars with no meter or license.
How to avoid it: Walk to the official metered taxi rank at the arrivals curb. Ignore anyone approaching you with a fixed price offer.
2. Poor-rate exchange booths
How it works: Money exchange counters in tourist-heavy areas offer poor rates plus hidden commission, while advertising 'no fee' or showing a misleading board rate.
How to avoid it: Use bank ATMs or official bank exchange counters. Check the rate online first and always confirm total TWD received before handing over cash.
3. Fake monk donations
How it works: Individuals dressed as monks or temple staff approach tourists near temples and ask for 'donations' or sell blessed bracelets at inflated prices, keeping the money themselves.
How to avoid it: Give only inside official temple donation boxes. Decline anyone selling blessed items on the street.
Official tickets for the top sights in Taipei, Taiwan
Skip street sellers: book official tickets and tours with free cancellation.
From the airport to the city centre
Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Fair taxi price (official, daytime): 1,100 NT$ - 1,400 NT$ (€31 - €39). Use the official metered taxi rank outside arrivals. Many hotels offer lower pre-booked rates. Refuse fixed overpriced offers from touts inside the terminal.
Best alternative: Taoyuan Airport MRT (Express train) to Taipei Main Station (160 NT$ (€4.49), about 35 min)
Public transport: tickets, validation and fines
- Single ticket
- 20 NT$ (€0.56) (Single MRT ride, 20 TWD minimum base fare)
- Validation rules
- Use an EasyCard or iPASS: tap in and out at MRT gates. For city buses, tap on entry and exit. No paper ticket validation needed in Taipei; the card deducts automatically.
- Fine without a valid ticket
- 1,500 NT$ (€42.10). Fine up to 50 times the base fare for fare evasion on the MRT, commonly around 1500 TWD
- Paying by card
- EasyCard and iPASS work across MRT and buses. Contactless bank cards and phone payments accepted at MRT ticket gates since 2023 for most banks.
Tipping and service charges
Tipping: Tipping is not expected anywhere. Restaurants sometimes add a 10 percent service charge, shown on the bill. No need to tip taxis or tours.
Cover and service charges: Many restaurants include a 10 percent service charge on the bill. A few night market stalls or teahouses add cover charges; always check the menu or ask before ordering. Menus without prices are rare in Taipei, but confirm prices at night market stalls if unclear.
Cards, ATMs and currency exchange
Use bank-attached ATMs (e.g. at 7-Eleven or bank branches) and always choose to be charged in TWD, declining dynamic currency conversion. Independent ATM machines in tourist areas often have high withdrawal fees. Credit cards are widely accepted in shops and hotels but night markets and small stalls are cash only.
Areas where extra care is advised
- Taipei Main Station and back streets: Around the main station and the underground walkways late at night, keep bags closed and be alert, as pickpocketing has been reported. Police are present and responsive.
- Ximending at night: The pedestrian zone is busy at night; keep wallets and phones secured, as crowding attracts occasional opportunistic theft.
Emergency number
110
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Frequently Asked Questions about Taipei, Taiwan
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Based on widely reported traveler experiences and official advice. Prices are approximate and change; check current fares on arrival. Updated September 2026.