offline scams · 3 min read
Top 10 Scams in Tokyo and How to Avoid Them
Learn about scams in Tokyo to stay safe while having fun. Your guide to avoiding tricky situations.
Tokyo is an amazing city with so much to explore. But guess what? There are some tricky things out there that you need to know about to keep yourself safe while having fun.
Top 10 Scams in Tokyo
1. Too Expensive Stuff:
- Spot: If something costs a lot more than usual, be careful. It might be a trick!
- React: If the price seems really high, just say “no, thanks.” If they keep bothering you, just walk away.
- Avoid: Look up how much things should cost, and only buy from good shops.
2. Fake Tickets:
- Spot: Don’t buy tickets from random people near popular places. Those tickets might not be real!
- React: Get tickets from the official ticket places or their websites. Don’t let anyone rush you into buying.
- Avoid: Plan ahead, get tickets online, and make sure they’re real before you go.
3. Pretend Cops or People:
- Spot: Some people might act like police or important folks. Always ask for their ID.
- React: If you’re not sure, find a real police officer or go where there are lots of people.
- Avoid: Be careful with strangers and stick with your family or friends.
4. Tricky Money Exchange:
- Spot: Be careful with people who want to change your money on the street.
- React: Politely decline and go to a proper bank or money exchange place.
- Avoid: Change your money at legitimate places, not on the street.
5. Bad SIM Cards:
- Spot: Watch out for SIM cards from people you don’t know. They might not work well.
- React: Get SIM cards from the phone stores you know. Don’t share personal information.
- Avoid: Find out about good SIM cards before you travel and only get them from reputable shops.
6. Long Taxi Rides:
- Spot: Some taxi drivers might take you on a longer ride to make more money.
- React: Use your map app to see if they’re going the right way. Let them know if you’re worried.
- Avoid: Show the driver where you want to go on a map, or ask an adult for help.
7. Fake Hotel Helpers:
- Spot: Be careful if someone says they work in your hotel but they don’t. They might try to trick you.
- React: Politely decline and ask the real hotel staff for help.
- Avoid: Only trust the real hotel workers or grown-ups you know.
8. Tricky Bills at Nightclubs:
- Spot: Pay attention at nightclubs where they might give you a big bill for things you didn’t order.
- React: Ask for a list of what you had. Don’t pay for things you didn’t get.
- Avoid: Pick nightclubs with good reviews and clear prices.
9. Fake Things to Buy:
- Spot: Be careful with things that look fake or too cheap in markets. They might not be good quality.
- React: Only buy things from reputable stores. Ask for a receipt if you buy something.
- Avoid: Shop at established shops and malls, not from people on the street.
10. Too Nice Strangers:
- Spot: Be careful if someone you don’t know is super nice and wants you to go somewhere.
- React: Politely decline and stick with your family or group.
- Avoid: Stick to your plans and don’t go with strangers.
How to Get Help:
If someone tries to trick you, ask for help from these places:
- Look for a real police officer or go where there are other people.
- Talk to your country’s embassy or consulate for help.
Watch this video to get an overview of common tourist scams in Tokyo, Japan.
Make sure to check out our other scam guides.
Tokyo is an awesome place with lots of cool things. Just remember these tips, and you’ll be ready to have fun and stay safe during your trip!