
Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Yuncheng, Shanxi, China
1. Counterfeit Taxi Scam
Unlicensed taxi drivers charging inflated fares or taking longer routes.
- Official Taxis: Recognize official taxis by their license plates and yellow color.
- Fare Estimates: Ask for a fare estimate before starting the journey to avoid unexpected charges.
- Trusted Apps: Use trusted taxi apps like Didi and Kuaidi for bookings and payments.
2. Overpriced Hotel Rooms
Hotels overcharging foreign tourists for their rooms.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices of hotels on various online booking platforms.
- Local Recommendations: Seek local recommendations or advice from hotel staff at the tourist information center.
- Negotiation Skills: Negotiate prices and ask for any available discounts.
3. Fraudulent Tour Guides
Unlicensed tour guides providing substandard services or leading tourists to overpriced shops.
- Licensing Information: Check for a valid tour guide license and ask for proper identification.
- Tour Reviews: Read reviews of tour guides or agencies online before booking.
- Itinerary Clarification: Ask for a detailed itinerary and clarify all inclusions and exclusions.
4. Scams at the Market
Overcharging foreigners or selling poor quality goods.
- Bargaining Skills: Develop bargaining skills to negotiate prices.
- Local Prices: Ask locals for the correct price or compare prices with other shops.
- Quality Checks: Inspect goods carefully before purchasing to ensure quality.
5. Fake Currency Exchange Scams
Exchanging money at unofficial exchange booths or receiving fake currency.
- Official Exchange Centers: Use official banks, hotels, or airport exchange centers.
- Currency Checks: Check the authenticity of currency by feeling for holograms and watermarks.
- Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates with other establishments to avoid overpricing.
6. Street Food Scams
Serving undercooked or contaminated food.
- Busy Stalls: Choose busy street food stalls with many customers.
- Cleanliness: Check for cleanliness of the food preparation area.
- Cooked Food: Avoid food that has been left unattended or reheated.
7. Scams at ATMs
Skimming devices attached to ATMs to steal card data.
- Well-lit ATMs: Use ATMs in well-lit, visible areas and avoid isolated machines.
- Card Skimmers: Check for unusual devices attached to the card reader or pin pad.
- Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad while entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers.
8. Friendly Scammers
Posing as friendly locals to gain trust before asking for money or stealing items.
- Trust Your Gut: Trust your instincts and be cautious of overly friendly strangers.
- Ask for ID: Ask for identification if someone claims to be a local official or police officer.
- Sharing Personal Information: Minimize sharing personal information with strangers, especially in public places.
9. Rickshaw Scams
Charging inflated fares or taking longer routes.
- Fare Estimates: Ask for a fare estimate before starting the journey to avoid unexpected charges.
- Local Prices: Ask locals for the correct price or compare prices with other rickshaws.
- Busy Areas: Avoid using rickshaws in isolated areas or late at night.
10. Unfair Bargaining Scams
Sellers refusing to negotiate prices or offering poor quality goods.
- Bargaining Skills: Develop bargaining skills to negotiate prices.
- Local Prices: Ask locals for the correct price or compare prices with other shops.
- Quality Checks: Inspect goods carefully before purchasing to ensure quality.
11. Language Barrier Scams
Taking advantage of language barriers to overcharge or sell low-quality items.
- Language Translation Tools: Use translation apps or carry a phrasebook for communication.
- Local Assistance: Seek local assistance when negotiating prices or making purchases.
- Trusted Sellers: Find trusted sellers who have experience dealing with foreign tourists.
12. Hotel Room Scams
Overcharging for hotel rooms or providing substandard accommodations.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices of hotels on various online booking platforms.
- Local Recommendations: Seek local recommendations or advice from hotel staff at the tourist information center.
- Hotel Reviews: Read reviews of hotels online before booking.
13. Internet Café Scams
Installing keyloggers or spyware on computers to steal personal information.
- Reputable Internet Cafés: Choose reputable internet cafes that have good reviews.
- Password Protection: Use secure passwords and avoid logging into sensitive accounts.
- Antivirus Software: Install antivirus software on your devices before using public computers.
14. Tourist Attraction Scams
Charging inflated prices for tickets or providing substandard experiences.
- Advance Bookings: Book tickets in advance to avoid overpricing.
- Local Prices: Ask locals for the correct price or compare prices with other attractions.
- Online Research: Research ticket prices and experiences online before visiting.
15. Unsafe Transportation Scams
Using unsafe or poorly maintained vehicles for transportation.
- Safe Transport Options: Choose safe transport options like official taxis, buses, and trains.
- Vehicle Inspection: Inspect the vehicle before getting in to ensure it's well-maintained.
- Driving Safety: Wear seatbelts and follow safety instructions during transportation.