Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Xiangyang, China

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overpriced taxis by using official taxi stands or apps like Didi Chuxing.

Official Taxi Stands: Located at major intersections and tourist attractions
Didi Chuxing App: China's equivalent to Uber for safe and reliable taxis
Avoid Street Hails: Street hailed taxis can overcharge tourists

Avoid buying counterfeit goods from street vendors. Visit authorized retailers for authentic products.

Authorized Retailers: Found in shopping malls and official brand stores
Counterfeit Signs: Poor quality, misspellings, or irregular logos may indicate counterfeits.
Bargaining: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls instead of street machines. Cover the keypad while entering your PIN.

Bank ATMs: Provide better security and less chance of fraud.
Shopping Mall ATMs: Also considered safe, often found near banks or information desks.
Cover Keypad: Prevent skimming devices from stealing your card and PIN data.

Book guided tours through reputable agencies. Be cautious of anyone offering unsolicited tour services.

Reputable Agencies: Licensed by local authorities and have good online reviews.
Unsolicited Tour Services: May overcharge, take you to unwanted locations, or not be knowledgeable about the city.
Ask for Permit: Legitimate tour guides will have a permit or badge.

Be careful when shopping at night markets. Haggle fairly but avoid items that seem too cheap or have no price tag.

Items with No Price Tag: These can be priced much higher later.
Haggle Fairly: Don't offer such a low price that it offends the vendor, but still get a good deal.
Stay Aware of Surroundings: Avoid secluded areas and always keep your belongings secure.

Learn basic Chinese phrases to avoid misunderstandings. Carry a translated cheat sheet for emergencies.

Basic Chinese Phrases: Can help in daily interactions and negotiations.
Translated Cheat Sheet: Emergency phrases for situations like asking for help or explaining an issue.
Use Translation Apps: Helpful when communication is difficult, but be aware of potential mistakes.

Appreciate street performances, but don't feel obligated to tip or pay for an unexpected fee.

Avoid Unexpected Fees: Don't let performers guide you away from the main performance area.
Tip Appropriately: If you wish to tip, do so at your discretion and not under pressure.
Follow Main Performance Area: Performers may try to lead you away from the main area for additional fees.

Choose teahouses near tourist attractions or in popular areas. Be wary of excessive prices and unwanted extras.

Near Tourist Attractions: Offer better prices and avoid overpriced, shady establishments.
Excessive Prices: High prices may indicate hidden charges or substandard tea quality.
Avoid Unwanted Extras: Some teahouses may push expensive, unnecessary items.

Buy souvenirs from authorized stores or reputable vendors. Be aware of inflated prices and counterfeit goods.

Authorized Stores: Found in tourist areas, shopping malls, or official brand stores.
Inflated Prices: High prices may indicate counterfeit goods or unreasonable profit margins.
Counterfeit Goods: Poor quality, misspellings, or irregular logos may indicate counterfeits.

Buy a sim card from official stores. Be wary of street vendors offering cheaper deals.

Official Stores: Provide better service, warranties, and help with activation.
Street Vendors: May sell damaged or stolen sim cards, or offer poor customer support.
Check for Damages: Ensure the sim card and package are not tampered with before use.

Use reputable money changers or banks for exchanging currency. Be cautious of street vendors offering better rates.

Reputable Money Changers: Found in tourist areas, shopping malls, or banks.
Street Vendors: May offer lower rates but give less money back.
Check Rates Beforehand: Research exchange rates before traveling to avoid being deceived.

Keep personal belongings close and secure. Avoid overtly displaying valuable items.

Secure Personal Belongings: Use cross-body bags or pouches that are difficult to steal.
Avoid Displaying Valuables: Cover valuable items like smartphones and wallets.
Stay Aware in Crowds: Pickpockets often operate in crowded areas, so stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Avoid dining at unknown restaurants. Pay with a credit card or use reliable money exchangers like WeChat Pay or Alipay.

Known Restaurants: Reduce the risk of being overcharged or left stranded.
Credit Card Payments: Provide better protection and dispute resolution if there are issues.
WeChat Pay / Alipay: China's leading mobile payment platforms for secure transactions.

Be cautious of people pretending to be in accidents or needing help. Don't offer money or personal belongings.

Don't Offer Money: Avoid giving money or valuables, as it may encourage more scams.
Report to Authorities: If in doubt, inform local authorities for assistance.
Stay Away from Scenes: Avoid getting too close or involved in alleged accidents.

Avoid eating from street vendors without a permit. Choose official food courts or reputable restaurants.

Street Vendors Without Permit: May use unsafe ingredients, lead to foodborne illnesses.
Official Food Courts: Provide better hygiene and safety standards.
Reputable Restaurants: Follow food safety regulations, ensuring quality and sanitation.