Street Scams in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas. Below are the street scams scams reported in Kaohsiung — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Kyoto, Beijing, and Shanghai.
Last updated: April 4, 2026
3
Street Scams Scams
9
Total in Kaohsiung
How it works
Kaohsiung's Liuhe Night Market and Ruifeng Night Market see targeted phone and bag snatching in the dense pedestrian crowds. Thieves work in pairs — one creates a distraction or body contact while the other takes the item. The narrow lanes between stalls create conditions where movement is restricted and snatchers can disappear into the crowd quickly.
How it works
Flea markets near the Yanchengpu area and occasional pop-up antique markets in Kaohsiung sell items presented as antique jade carvings, vintage ceramics, or historical artifacts at prices implying genuine value. Most items are modern reproductions manufactured for the tourist market. Jade in particular is difficult to authenticate without specialist equipment.
How it works
Some informal stalls at Kaohsiung's smaller night markets and weekend markets sell counterfeit branded clothing, accessories, and electronics at prices that suggest authenticity. While less brazen than the counterfeit markets in mainland China, sellers do misrepresent goods, particularly branded sportswear and phone accessories.
See all scams in Kaohsiung
9 total warnings across all categories