Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Taizhou, China

1. Taxi Scams

Watch for drivers who refuse to use meter or overcharge. Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps for safe travel.

Unlicensed Taxis: These are illegal and may not follow safety regulations
Overcharging: Some drivers may overcharge for long routes or fake traffic jams
Refusing to Use Meter: Avoid taxis that do not want to use the meter

Be wary of shops selling cheap electronic devices, luxury items or branded clothing. Check for authenticity marks and buy from reputable stores.

Cheap Prices: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is
Lack of Authenticity Marks: Authentic goods usually have holograms or serial numbers
Reputable Stores: Buy from well-known shops, malls, or official outlets

Cover the keypad when entering PIN and be aware of strangers near ATMs. Use machines indoors or in well-lit areas.

Shoulder Surfing: Some thieves watch as you enter your PIN
Skimming Devices: Criminals use devices to copy card information
Unsafe Locations: ATMs in isolated areas or with poor lighting are more prone to scams

Choose guided tours from reputable companies. Be cautious of guides who offer unsolicited help and overprice services.

Unsolicited Help: Guides may approach you claiming to be a local, but they could lead you to scams
Overpriced Services: Some guides might charge excessively for their services
Reputable Companies: Book tours with established agencies to ensure safety and fair pricing

Avoid eating from street vendors who do not have a hygiene certificate or use poor sanitation practices.

No Hygiene Certificate: Food handlers should have proper certifications
Poor Sanitation Practices: Food prepared in unsanitary conditions can lead to foodborne illnesses
High-Risk Foods: Avoid consuming raw or undercooked seafood, meat, and eggs

Stay away from teahouses that lack a menu or have hidden prices. Research popular locations and be aware of excessive tea pouring.

Lack of Menu: A proper teahouse should display its menu
Hidden Prices: Prices might be high if they are not clearly displayed
Excessive Tea Pouring: Tea is poured repeatedly to make you consume more, resulting in overpricing

Use reputable internet cafes and avoid leaving personal belongings unattended. Be cautious of USB sticks provided by the café.

Reputable Internet Cafes: Choose well-known internet cafés to prevent potential theft or viruses
Leaving Belongings Unattended: Valuables might be stolen if left unattended
USB Sticks: Avoid using unknown USB sticks as they may contain viruses or malware

Use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on unsecured connections.

VPN Usage: A VPN encrypts your data and protects you from hackers
Sensitive Accounts: Avoid logging into financial accounts or other sensitive information on public Wi-Fi
Secure Connections: Private connections are more secure than public ones

Purchase sim cards from authorized dealers and avoid offering personal information to strangers.

Authorized Dealers: Buy sim cards from official stores or authorized resellers
Personal Information: Never give out personal information to unknown individuals
Strangers Offering Sim Cards: Be cautious of strangers offering sim cards, as they may be fake or stolen

Choose bike rental shops with a contract and return the bike to the same location. Avoid renting from street vendors.

Contracts: A written agreement protects you in case of damages or disputes
Street Vendors: Renting from street vendors can lead to hidden fees and poor quality bikes
Returning the Bike: Always return the bike to the same location to avoid being charged for loss or damage

Research accommodation prices before arrival. Compare rates from multiple sources and read reviews.

Research Prices: Know the average price range for accommodations in Taizhou
Multiple Sources: Book from various booking platforms to compare prices
Read Reviews: Reviews provide insights into the quality and service of accommodations

Buy tickets from official outlets or authorized resellers. Be cautious of cheap ticket deals that may be fake.

Official Outlets: Purchase tickets from authorized sellers to ensure validity
Cheap Ticket Deals: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is
Authorized Resellers: Find authorized resellers through reputable sources

Ask for official identification if approached by a police officer. If in doubt, find a nearby police station or embassy.

Official Identification: Police officers should carry and show their ID
Nearby Police Station: If unsure, go to a nearby police station for assistance
Embassy: Contact your embassy if you feel threatened or uncertain

Research the average price of items before visiting night markets. Bargain with vendors and be aware of hidden costs.

Research Prices: Know the typical prices for items at night markets
Bargaining: Negotiate with vendors to get a better price
Hidden Costs: Ask about any additional fees or charges before making a purchase

Avoid giving money to street performers who demand payment. Enjoy the show but do not feel obligated to pay.

Demanding Payment: Street performers should not demand payment
Enjoy the Show: Appreciate street performances, but do not feel pressured to pay
No Payment Required: Street performers may accept donations, but it is not mandatory