Do Foreigners Often Get SCAMMED in Taiwan?

[@jontheb123]

Good one Nathan. I've been here ten years and the flippin taxi drivers still try to pull it on me. Sometimes I get off the train and tell the taxi driver where to go, sit back and relax - next second, he's completely off course! I've called them out in Chinese and they make some lame excuse about trying to avoid congested traffic (when there wasn't any), but they quickly change course again and start driving in the proper direction. You really can't trust them and it happens frequently! I really wished they hadn't banned Uber here (maybe a video idea - bit of controversy there!) They'll even try it on locals. My wife is Taiwanese, but doesn't have much direction sense and she's been scammed more than a few times like that. Good hint for people - if you find a good, polite and honest taxi driver - get his name card, so you can call him if you need a reliable taxi!

[@iamnathank]

jontheb123 Yeah, they’re absolute buggers some of them. I do occasionally come across a seemingly honest one. I got scammed quite badly by a taxi driver in Malaysia many years ago. Was hands down the worst I’d ever been scammed. He literally took me for a ride. Lol

[@williamdean3636]

Hi been here six years married to a local we have a taxi app these are a different breed of taxi you can’t pick them them up on the street ect ,she just taps smart phone, in no time a taxi pulls up. Great drivers , clean , smart get the phone app ,makes life simple ,

[@katherineclaude2542]

Just today a woman stopped me in the middle of a busy road while she was on a scooter with what I presume was her young son in front of her. She stopped and said "can you do me a favor? My son has not eaten, can you give me money?" I was very confused, simply because I have never heard of people asking for money in Taiwan. I'm sure it happens everywhere. It was also in the middle of a busy road. I couldn't help but wonder if it was because I am a foreigner here. I declined as I actually didn't have any money on me, but I am curious if this has happened to anyone in Taiwan?

[@edison7300037]

well from time to time you'll bump into people like them. just don't mind them and do your own thing. they're just oppertunists, or in most people's eyes, worthless being. they often come up with all kinds of reasons trying to gain sympathy, like no cash for food, water, gas, train ticket.

[@redroser2223]

It's very nice walking and talking at the same time. Thanks

[@CyberEditing]

Hi Nathan. Quick question: is KZbin also demonetizing your videos? I post content that is more & more frequently being demonetized by the demon KZbin AI Bot.

[@iamnathank]

CyberEditing Yes, it does unfortunately sometimes randomly demonetize them for no apparent reason. But at the moment, I don’t really make much off my videos, so it doesn’t have much of a negative impact on me from a financial point of view. Still kind of annoying though.

[@shawnsamurai766]

Regarding taxi drivers, this explains why they keep demanding that politicians create legislation against companies like UBER.

[@CyberEditing]

With regards to traffic accidents. Always drive with traffic recorders (front & rear.) Second, most of the city streets have traffic recorders on the streets. Make sure you have a local driver's license. Otherwise you may be blamed. If you have the video evidence, lots of patience, the scammers will always back down in the presence of higher level police authority.

[@iamnathank]

CyberEditing Good advice!

[@alexmorgan3435]

So when you apply for ARC do you need to provide a copy of your background check or do the Taiwanese authorities make a check themselves?

[@CyberEditing]

Alex Morgan It's relatively new for employers now to request it. The government checks them, not you. It's only valid for 3 months.

[@MrTiger0002]

Relatives said about 85% of cars in Taiwan got dashcam installed so it keeps everyone protected and honest. Another thing I didn't hear Nathan talk about is that police do not pull you over for speeding. All they have to do is take a video of you speeding and mail you the ticket. All citizen are permitted to report reckless or speeding vehicles with their dashcam recordings and police take care of the rest. Very strict in Taiwan.

[@Luckimee]

Ha! The elders are great. I would've taken a pic with them lol

[@bill老外]

Taxis also have scams where the handle falls off, them say you broke the taxi, so owe them money. Happened on old taxi's.

[@URBANSELFDEFENSETAIPEITW]

Like it. Nathan, good job mate. I thought that was a fair and accurate view. I've been in Taiwan almost 20 years. I work as a nightclub doorman in Taipei. You should probably do a video about the nightlife here. (maybe you already have). That is where a lot of scams take place. Dodgy KTV's, motels, and seedy hotels. Tourists and ex-pats get themselves in trouble by not using common sense. Too much alcohol, and the lure of pretty women.

[@iamnathank]

URBAN SELF DEFENSE TAIPEI Thanks mate. That’s a good idea. Would be good to get some insights into the nightlife in Taiwan & turn that into a video.

[@fakecitrik2851]

Even though we're Taiwanese we get scammed when we speak english.

[@yiyatsen]

Almost every same incident you mentioned can happen to all Taiwanese. Not only foreigners.

[@safahelvaci9501]

For taxi scam which all over the world, just ask how much cost to go that destination before ride.

[@iamnathank]

Good point, unless you can't speak Chinese or your taxi driver can't speak your native language.

[@231-k3b5d]

Hi there. You're absolutely right, most taxi drivers here can't be trusted that's why as much as possible I don't take a taxi in commuting. That's my personal experience. Take the mrt, or the public bus. I also drive a motorcycle in my commute. The best there is.

[@EstebanCarbajalChen]

Haha, some elders just look at you XD.

[@iamnathank]

艾斯特班卡巴哈爾 Lol

[@fraktaalimuoto]

How very reassuring. By the way, how honest do you find Taiwanese people to be in normal circumstances? Only about a month until I will move to Taiwan. Soon I can put all this information to test... :)

[@Luther84695]

fraktaalimuoto the average ones in my opinion are way too honest for their own good. The dishonest ones are those who make it to the top and controlling all the businesses and government.

[@fraktaalimuoto]

Joseph Studley Sounds like my own country :D.

[@lifeintaiwan]

Taiwanese are super honest... when they can communicate.... if they can't then they tend to just laugh and smile!

[@iamnathank]

fraktaalimuoto Generally speaking, Taiwanese are lovely people. Very kind, helpful & honest.

[@CyberEditing]

Generally the Taiwanese are great. That's why I've been here 18 years.