Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Shulan, China

1. Street Food Scam

Fraudsters selling overpriced or fake food items disguised as local delicacies.

Price Check: Avoid buying from street vendors without checking prices at reputable shops first.
Time of Purchase: Be cautious during late night hours when scammers are more active.
Crowded Areas: Avoid eating from vendors in overly crowded or secluded areas.

Unlicensed tour guides offering services at lower prices but leading tourists to scams.

Licensing: Only hire licensed tour guides registered with the Shulan Tourism Bureau.
Group Size: Join larger groups for safety and to avoid isolated scams.
Prepaid Services: Always pay in advance for all tour services to eliminate overcharging.

Drivers manipulating taximeters or taking longer routes to overcharge tourists.

Prepaid Services: Use prepaid taxi services offered at major tourist destinations.
Fare Calculation: Request the driver to show proof of fare calculation during the ride.
Registered Taxis: Only use registered taxis with operating permits and license plates.

Skimming devices attached to ATMs to steal card information.

Secure Locations: Use ATMs located in secure and well-lit areas, preferably inside banks or malls.
Cover the Keypad: Always cover the keypad while entering your PIN to prevent shoulder surfing.
Monitor Your Account: Regularly monitor your account for unauthorized transactions.

Receiving fake Chinese Yuan instead of the authentic currency.

Check for Quality: Examine the bill for signs of poor quality, such as inconsistent texture or colors.
Feel for Tension: Genuine bills have a slight tension when folded due to their plastic composition.
Check Serial Numbers: Verify the serial numbers on your bills are unique and not identical.

Thieves targeting travelers in crowded areas to steal wallets or valuables.

Secure Wallet: Keep your wallet in a front pocket or use a pickpocket-proof bag.
Awareness: Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuables openly.
Safety in Numbers: Travel with friends or join groups to reduce the risk of being targeted individually.

Fraudulent accommodation providers offering substandard or non-existent rooms.

Reputable Websites: Book accommodations through reputable travel websites.
Online Reviews: Read online reviews of the accommodation before booking.
Arrival Inspection: Inspect the room upon arrival and take photos for evidence.

Unscrupulous vendors overcharging tourists during local festivals.

Research Prices: Research prices for festival items beforehand to avoid being overcharged.
Bargain: Always bargain with vendors to negotiate a fair price.
Stick to Reputable Shops: Purchase festival items from reputable shops instead of street vendors.

Vendors selling counterfeit or overpriced goods at local markets.

Knowledgeable Shoppers: Shop with locals or experienced travelers to avoid scams.
Avoid Peak Hours: Visit markets during off-peak hours when there are fewer tourists.
Haggle: Always haggle with vendors to negotiate a fair price.

Bicycle rental shops charging excessive fees or providing faulty bicycles.

Check the Bike: Inspect the bike for damage before renting to avoid hidden charges.
Ask for Receipt: Always ask for a receipt and note all rental terms beforehand.
Reputable Shops: Rent bicycles from reputable shops with good reviews.

Scammers taking advantage of language barriers to trick tourists.

Travel with a Guide: Travel with a guide who can assist in communication.
Use Translation Apps: Download translation apps for quick and easy communication.
Learn Basic Chinese Phrases: Learn basic Chinese phrases to facilitate simple conversations.

Selling fake or overpriced tickets for tourist attractions.

Official Sellers: Purchase tickets from official sellers at the attraction's ticket counter.
Online Booking: Book tickets online to avoid overpriced tickets sold by scammers.
Check for Authenticity: Verify the authenticity of the ticket before entering an attraction.

Serving contaminated or undercooked food at restaurants.

Reputable Restaurants: Dine at reputable restaurants with good reviews and hygienic conditions.
Avoid Street Food: Avoid eating street food to reduce the risk of contaminated meals.
Check for Health Certificates: Ensure restaurants display their health certificates and adhere to sanitation standards.

Asking tourists for money in exchange for taking photos or offering to mail photos.

Take Your Own Photos: Use a selfie stick or hire a professional photographer instead of relying on strangers.
Be Aware of Surroundings: Avoid isolated areas where scammers may approach you for money.
Ignore Unsolicited Offers: Ignore unsolicited offers and requests for money from strangers.

Taking longer routes or overcharging passengers in shared transportation.

Prepaid Services: Use prepaid transportation services where available.
Ask for Receipts: Request receipts for all transportation services to verify the fare.
Travel During Peak Hours: Travel during peak hours when transportation is more regulated and less likely to be scammed.