Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Nanyang, China
1. Taxi Scams
Fraudulent taxi drivers overcharging or taking longer routes. Stay safe with licensed cabs and use meter.
- Licensed Taxis: Only take taxis from recognized companies with legal licenses.
- Meter Usage: Ensure the meter is on and running during your ride.
- Avoid Night Rides: If possible, avoid taking taxis at night to reduce potential scams.
2. Street Food Scams
Counterfeit or low-quality food sold as authentic street delicacies. Eat at popular and busy street food stalls.
- Busy Street Food Stalls: Choose food stands with numerous customers, indicating popularity.
- Fresh Ingredients: Look for stalls that frequently change ingredients and use fresh produce.
- Local Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations to find the best authentic street food.
3. Counterfeit Goods Scams
Selling fake goods such as branded clothing and electronics. Buy from authorized retailers.
- Authorized Retailers: Purchase items only from official stores or licensed dealers.
- Price Check: Compare prices with other retailers to ensure fairness and authenticity.
- Packaging Quality: Inspect the packaging for quality and consistency, as well as authentic logos.
4. ATM Skimming Scams
Criminals installing skimming devices on ATMs to steal card data. Use well-lit and busy areas, and cover the keypad when entering PIN.
- Well-Lit and Busy Areas: Choose ATMs located in well-lit, public locations with a lot of foot traffic.
- Inspect ATM: Thoroughly inspect the ATM for any suspicious devices before using it.
- Monitor Bank Statements: Regularly check your bank statements for unauthorized transactions.
5. Fake Guides Scams
Unlicensed guides taking tourists to overpriced shops or offering poor advice. Use official tour guides and do research beforehand.
- Official Tour Guides: Book tours through officially registered travel agencies.
- Research Destinations: Gather information about popular destinations before traveling.
- Verify Licenses: Check for tour guides' licenses and ask for proper identification.
6. Bar Scams
Overpriced drinks or rigged games. Stick to popular bars with clear pricing.
- Popular Bars: Choose well-known bars with a good reputation.
- Clear Pricing: Ensure the bar has clear and transparent pricing.
- Ask Locals: Ask locals for recommendations to find the best bars in town.
7. Hotel Scams
Overbooked or low-quality hotels. Book with reputable providers and read reviews.
- Reputable Providers: Book hotels through well-known booking sites.
- Read Reviews: Thoroughly read reviews from previous guests to make informed decisions.
- Check Hotel Amenities: Ensure the hotel meets your expectations regarding amenities and services.
8. Currency Exchange Scams
Unfavorable exchange rates or being given counterfeit money. Use official exchanges and count your money carefully.
- Official Exchanges: Exchange money at banks, authorized bureaus, or hotel receptions.
- Count Your Money: Carefully count your exchanged currency to make sure you received the correct amount.
- Avoid Late Night Exchanges: Exchange money during business hours and avoid late-night transactions.
9. Business Card Scams
Fraudulent businesses offering subpar services. Research providers beforehand.
- Research Providers: Thoroughly research businesses and their services online.
- Read Reviews: Look for reviews from previous customers to gauge the quality of service.
- Verify Businesses: Check for business licenses and certifications to ensure legitimacy.
10. Tourist Traps
Overpriced souvenirs or services in tourist areas. Explore local markets for better deals.
- Local Markets: Find local markets to purchase authentic and affordable souvenirs.
- Haggle Prices: Negotiate prices with vendors for better deals.
- Avoid Peak Hours: Shop during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and high prices.
11. Sim Card Scams
Unauthorized charges or poor service. Purchase sim cards from authorized retailers.
- Authorized Retailers: Buy sim cards from official stores, kiosks, or airport counters.
- Check for Coverage: Ensure the sim card provides coverage in areas you plan to visit.
- Read Reviews: Look for reviews from other customers to gauge the quality of service.
12. Fraudulent Charities
Fake charities collecting donations under false pretenses. Research charities and verify their legitimacy.
- Research Charities: Learn about the charity's mission, goals, and impact.
- Verify Legitimacy: Check for official registration numbers, tax-exempt status, and contact information.
- Ask for Receipts: Request a receipt or proof of donation to confirm your contribution.
13. Airport Scams
Unnecessary services or overpriced goods at the airport. Use reputable providers and compare prices.
- Reputable Providers: Choose services and shops from well-known brands.
- Compare Prices: Compare prices with other airports or online before making a purchase.
- Ask for Receipts: Request a receipt or proof of purchase to confirm your transaction.
14. Ticket Scalping Scams
Buying tickets from unauthorized vendors at a higher price. Purchase tickets directly or through authorized resellers.
- Authorized Ticket Vendors: Buy tickets only from the venue box office, official websites, or authorized resellers.
- Compare Prices: Check prices with multiple vendors to ensure you're getting a fair deal.
- Ask for Receipts: Request a receipt or proof of purchase to confirm your transaction.
15. Wire Transfer Scams
Sending money to scammers posing as friends, family, or businesses. Only wire money to trusted individuals and conduct transactions in person when possible.
- Trusted Individuals: Only send money to people you know and trust.
- In-Person Transactions: Conduct transactions in person whenever possible to minimize risk.
- Secure Payment Methods: Use secure payment methods like credit cards or verified PayPal accounts for online transactions.