Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Zhoukou, China

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overcharging and unofficial taxis. Always use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps.

Licensed Taxis: Ensure the taxi is properly marked and has a license plate.
Ride-hailing Apps: Use popular ride-hailing apps to book official and affordable rides.
Avoid Unofficial Taxis: Do not accept rides from unmarked or unlicensed vehicles.

Avoid purchasing counterfeit goods. Stick to reputable stores for authentic items.

Reputable Stores: Choose stores with a good reputation and customer reviews.
Quality of Goods: Look for high-quality items that resemble the authentic version.
Price Check: Compare prices with other stores to avoid overpriced counterfeits.

Avoid eating from unhygienic street food vendors. Opt for busy and popular stands.

Busy Stands: Choose stands with a steady flow of customers.
Hygiene: Look for clean food preparation areas and utensils.
Popular Food Items: Choose well-known local dishes to minimize the risk of contamination.

Use bank ATMs or those in reputable locations. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Bank ATMs: Use ATMs located inside banks, hotels, or shopping centers.
Cover Keypad: Prevent shouldermen from observing your PIN.
Monitor Account: Regularly check your account transactions for any unusual activity.

Exchange currency at banks or reputable exchange centers. Be wary of street vendors.

Banks: Exchange currency at authorized bank branches.
Reputable Exchange Centers: Opt for well-established exchange centers with good reviews.
Check Rates: Compare rates among different providers before exchanging your money.

Avoid gambling at unlicensed casinos. Know the odds and stick to a budget.

Licensed Casinos: Choose casinos with proper licensing and regulation.
Know the Odds: Understand the games' house edge and odds before playing.
Budget Management: Set a budget for gambling and stick to it to avoid financial loss.

Book tours with reputable agencies. Be wary of unsolicited offers.

Reputable Agencies: Choose tour agencies with good reviews and a proven track record.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Decline offers from unlicensed guides or suspicious sources.
Check Tour Itinerary: Ensure the tour itinerary is reasonable and meets your expectations.

Book hotels through reputable online platforms or the hotel's official website.

Reputable Online Platforms: Use popular travel websites to book your accommodation.
Official Website: Book directly with the hotel via their official website.
Check Reviews: Read reviews from past guests to ensure a positive experience.

Avoid accessing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi networks.

Use a VPN: Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your online activity.
Avoid Sensitive Info: Avoid accessing sensitive information like bank accounts or emails.
Secure Websites: Ensure websites are secure (https) before logging in or making transactions.

Buy tickets from authorized venues or reliable resellers. Check ticket details for authenticity.

Authorized Venues: Purchase tickets directly from the venue box office.
Reliable Resellers: Opt for reputable ticket resellers with good reviews.
Check Ticket Details: Look for holograms, serial numbers, and other security features on tickets.

Avoid high-pressure sales tactics. Haggle prices but be reasonable.

Haggle Prices: Negotiate prices for better deals, but remain fair to the seller.
Avoid High-pressure Sales Tactics: Decline aggressive offers and take time to make your decision.
Check Quality of Goods: Inspect goods carefully before purchasing, especially when haggling.

Avoid overpaying for performances. Offer a fair price based on the quality of performance.

Fair Price: Offer a reasonable amount, considering the performer's skill and effort.
Decline Unfair Requests: Refuse to pay exorbitant amounts or hand over personal belongings.
Avoid Distractions: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings during performances.

Learn some basic Mandarin phrases or use translation apps. Verify information before acting.

Basic Language Skills: Learn simple Mandarin phrases to communicate effectively.
Translation Apps: Use translation apps for more complex conversations.
Verify Information: Double-check information from unreliable sources before following their advice.

Be cautious when meeting people online. Meet in public places and share travel plans with friends.

Public Meeting Places: Meet new acquaintances in busy, public areas for safety.
Share Travel Plans with Friends: Inform friends about your travel plans and check-in regularly.
Be Cautious Online: Verify the authenticity of online profiles before meeting in person.

Avoid giving money to beggars. Instead, donate to reputable charities.

Donate to Charities: Support organizations with a proven track record in helping the needy.
Avoid Giving Money Directly: Offer food or other necessities instead of money.
Be Aware of Scams: Beware of organized begging groups posing as genuine needy individuals.