Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Kunming, Yunnan, China

All Topics about Kunming All Cities in China

1. Golden Temple Scam

Tour guides offering shortcuts to the Golden Temple may charge excessive fees or lead to overpriced shops. Be wary of unsolicited offers.

Unsolicited Offers: Beware of guides who approach you unprompted.
Exorbitant Fees: Be aware of guide fees and shop prices that seem too high.
Time-wasting Shortcuts: Steer clear of shortcuts that may waste your time with unnecessary stops.

Taxi drivers might take a longer route to increase the fare near Green Lake. Always agree on the price before starting your journey.

Longer Routes: Be aware of taxi drivers taking roundabout routes.
Price Agreement: Always agree on the fare before starting your journey.
Reputable Taxis: Choose reputable taxis or use ride-hailing apps for a hassle-free experience.

Overpriced or contaminated street food may be offered in some areas. Stick to popular and well-reviewed vendors.

Price: Be cautious if the price seems unusually high.
Reviews: Choose street food vendors with positive reviews and recommendations.
Hygiene: Look for clean food preparation areas to ensure safety.

Counterfeit souvenirs may be sold in Kunming markets. Purchase souvenirs from reputable stores or vendors.

Reputation: Buy souvenirs from reputable shops and vendors.
Price: Be aware of extremely low prices, which may indicate counterfeit items.
Authenticity: Research the authenticity of popular souvenirs before purchasing.

Unauthorized charges or low-quality SIM cards may be provided by unofficial vendors. Purchase from authorized stores or official booths.

Authorized Stores: Buy your SIM card from an authorized store or official booth.
Charges: Be aware of unauthorized charges on your account after purchase.
Quality: Ensure you receive a good quality SIM card with no connectivity issues.

Some tea shops may offer low-quality teas or misrepresent their origin. Research shops and ask for certifications.

Research: Research tea shops before visiting to ensure they have a good reputation.
Certification: Ask for certifications that guarantee the authenticity and quality of the teas.
Tasting: Try teas before purchasing to ensure you like their taste.

City tour guides may lead to overpriced shops or take longer routes. Organize tours through reputable companies.

Reputable Companies: Book city tours through reputable travel agencies or tour operators.
Itinerary: Review the itinerary to ensure you're visiting places of interest, not shops.
Price: Compare prices for city tours to avoid overpaying.

Some hotels may charge hidden fees or overpriced services. Always read the fine print and compare prices.

Fine Print: Read the terms and conditions carefully before booking a hotel room.
Comparisons: Compare prices of hotels in the area to ensure you're getting a good deal.
Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to get an idea of hidden fees or overpriced services.

Unauthorized money changers may offer unfavorable exchange rates. Use banks, hotels, or authorized exchange centers.

Authorized Centers: Use banks, hotels, or authorized exchange centers for your currency exchanges.
Rates: Compare exchange rates from different authorized centers to get the best deal.
Security: Ensure your money and documents are secure during the exchange process.

Counterfeit or overpriced transportation tickets may be sold. Purchase from authorized vendors or reliable sources.

Authorized Vendors: Buy your transportation tickets from authorized vendors or at the station.
Price: Compare prices of transportation tickets to avoid overpaying.
Authentication: Check for authenticity marks or holograms on the ticket.

Some individuals may pretend to be interested in a relationship to gain personal information or money. Be cautious and verify their identity.

Verification: Verify the identity of your potential partner through social media, video calls, or meeting in person.
Suspicious Behavior: Be wary of individuals who ask for money or personal information early in the relationship.
Meeting in Person: Meet your potential partner in person to confirm their identity and sincerity.

Skimmers may be placed on ATMs to steal your card information. Use secure ATMs and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Secure ATMs: Use ATMs located in banks or well-lit, populated areas.
Keypad Coverage: Cover the keypad with your hand while entering your PIN to prevent shoulder surfing.
Monitor Account: Regularly monitor your account for any unusual activity or charges.

Performers may pressure you to donate more than expected. Limit your donations and set a budget.

Set a Budget: Decide on a budget for street performances beforehand.
Pressure: Be aware of performers who pressure you to donate more than expected.
Gratitude: Appreciate the performance but do not feel obligated to overpay.

Guides may approach you offering services and charge for them later. Politely decline unwanted offers.

Politeness: Be polite but firm in declining unwanted guide offers.
Unsolicited Offers: Beware of guides who approach you unprompted or pressure you into their services.
Avoid Obligations: Avoid obligations to unwanted guides and focus on your travel plans.

Public Wi-Fi may be unsecured, allowing hackers to access your device or personal information. Use a VPN when using public networks.

VPN Usage: Use a VPN to encrypt your data and protect yourself from hacking attempts.
Secure Networks: Avoid using unsecured networks for sensitive activities like banking or shopping.
Passphrase: Use a strong, unique passphrase for your device's security features.