Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Yongzhou, Hunan, China

1. Yongzhou Taxi Scam

Avoid overpriced taxi rides by using registered taxis only and setting the fare before starting the journey.

Registered Taxis: Official, metered taxis ensure a fair price.
Fare Setting: Setting the fare before starting the journey prevents overcharging.
Avoid Unofficial Taxis: Unofficial taxis may charge exorbitant prices or scam passengers.

Be wary of room swaps in budget hotels; always check rooms before accepting swaps.

Budget Hotels: Budget hotels are often targeted for this scam.
Room Condition: Check the room condition before accepting any swaps.
Report Unfair Practices: If you encounter such practices, report to hotel management or tourism authorities.

Avoid unlicensed guides who may lead you into shops for commissions.

Licensed Guides: Only use licensed guides to ensure professionalism and safety.
Commission-Based Guides: Unlicensed guides may lead you to shops for commission.
Ask for Credentials: Always ask for credentials before hiring a guide.

Exchange money at banks or authorized exchange centers to avoid receiving less than agreed.

Banks and Authorized Centers: Official locations provide fair exchange rates.
Avoid Street Exchanges: Street exchanges may offer unfavorable rates or exchange less than agreed.
Check Exchange Rates: Always check the current exchange rate before making an exchange.

Choose reputable restaurants to avoid food tampering and ensure proper hygiene.

Reputable Restaurants: Established restaurants are less likely to engage in scams.
Food Hygiene: Proper hygiene is crucial to avoid foodborne illnesses.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals or hotel staff for restaurant recommendations.

Bargain at souvenir shops to avoid overpaying for items.

Bargaining: Bargaining is common practice and expected in souvenir shops.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may overprice items or sell counterfeit goods.
Shop Around: Shop around to compare prices and find the best deals.

Buy from authorized dealers or branded stores to avoid purchasing counterfeit goods.

Buy bus tickets at the station to avoid overpriced tickets from unofficial sellers.

Station Tickets: Tickets bought at the station are official and not overpriced.
Avoid Street Sellers: Street sellers may offer overpriced or invalid tickets.
Check Schedule and Routes: Always check the schedule, route, and price of the bus ticket.

Use ATMs in banks or well-lit areas to avoid skimming devices.

Bank ATMs: ATMs inside banks are less likely to have skimming devices.
Well-lit Areas: Well-lit areas reduce the chances of someone installing a skimming device.
Cover Pin: Always cover your pin when entering it at an ATM to prevent eavesdropping.

Only use password-protected Wi-Fi networks or your mobile data to protect personal information.

Password-Protected Networks: Secure networks protect your personal information.
Mobile Data: Using mobile data is a safer alternative when Wi-Fi is not secure.
Avoid Public Sharing of Information: Never share sensitive information via unsecured networks.

Buy sim cards at authorized retailers to avoid malware and overpricing.

Authorized Retailers: Official retailers sell genuine, malware-free SIM cards.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may overprice or provide malware-infected SIM cards.
Check for Malware: Scan your device after inserting the new SIM card to ensure it's clean.

Choose reputable cybercafes or use your mobile data instead to protect personal information.

Reputable Cybercafes: Established cybercafes are less likely to engage in scams.
Mobile Data: Using mobile data is a safer alternative when cybercafes are not secure.
Secure Browsing: Always use secure websites to protect personal information.

Avoid street performances that ask for donations as they may pressure or scam visitors.

Reputable Venues: Performances at reputable venues are less likely to scam visitors.
Avoid Street Performances: Street performances may pressure visitors for donations.
Check the Quality of Performance: Only consider giving donations to quality performances that deserve it.

Keep belongings secure and avoid crowded areas during peak hours to reduce the risk of pickpocketing.

Secure Belongings: Keeping your belongings secure reduces the risk of theft.
Avoid Crowded Areas: Crowded areas increase the likelihood of pickpocketing.
Be Aware of Surroundings: Always be aware of your surroundings and any suspicious activities.

Be cautious when giving money to beggars as some may be scammers.

Legitimate Charities: Donate to legitimate charities instead of individual beggars.
Avoid Giving Money Directly: Instead, offer food or other non-monetary help.
Be Wary of Beggars Around Tourist Spots: Beggars around tourist spots may be scammers.