Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Nanchong, Sichuan, China

All Topics about Nanchong All Cities in China

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overpriced taxi rides by using authorized taxis or ride-hailing apps.

Authorized Taxis: Recognize taxis with city license plates and official logos.
Ride-Hailing Apps: Download popular ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing or Uber China to secure fair prices.
Avoid Unmarked Taxis: Stay away from unlicensed taxis that may overcharge or drive unsafe routes.

Avoid buying counterfeit goods by visiting authorized shops or malls.

Authorized Shops: Look for official brand stores and authorized retailers.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other shops to avoid overpaying for counterfeit items.
Quality Assurance: Check the quality of goods before purchasing, as counterfeits often have lower quality.

Ensure street food is safe to eat by choosing busy vendors with good hygiene practices.

Busy Vendors: Look for vendors with a steady flow of customers and quick turnover.
Hygiene Practices: Check if the vendor uses gloves, wears a facemask, and frequently cleans their space.
Crowded Areas: Avoid eating from vendors in secluded areas or late at night.

Exchange money only at authorized banks or reputable exchange shops.

Authorized Banks: Use major international banks for a safer and more reliable experience.
Reputable Exchange Shops: Check online reviews before exchanging money and avoid shops in secluded areas.
Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates with other banks or shops to avoid being overcharged.

Avoid unlicensed tour guides and choose authorized ones for a safe and informative experience.

Authorized Tour Guides: Look for guides with proper licenses or affiliated with reputable tour companies.
Language Skills: Check the guide's language skills to ensure clear communication throughout the tour.
Tour Itinerary: Review the tour itinerary before booking and avoid guides who promise unrealistic experiences.

Purchase tickets only from authorized ticket booths or official websites to avoid counterfeit tickets.

Authorized Booths: Look for ticket booths at the entrance of attractions with clear signage.
Official Websites: Purchase tickets online through the official website of the attraction.
Ticket Quality: Check the quality of the ticket for signs of counterfeiting, such as poor printing or unusual materials.

Avoid scam calls by using a VPN service and blocking unknown numbers.

VPN Service: Use a reliable VPN service to protect your phone number and data.
Block Unknown Numbers: Set up your phone settings to block calls from unknown numbers.
Careful with Personal Information: Be cautious when sharing personal information and never provide sensitive data over the phone.

Visit reputable art galleries or museums to avoid purchasing counterfeit or overpriced artwork.

Reputable Galleries: Research the gallery's reputation and affiliations online before visiting.
Artwork Quality: Assess the quality of artwork by consulting experts or comparing it with similar pieces.
Certificates of Authenticity: Insist on receiving a certificate of authenticity for each piece purchased.

Be wary of unsolicited business cards and only exchange contact information with trusted individuals.

Solicited Cards Only: Exchange business cards only when the offer is initiated by you.
Verify Contact Information: Check the contact information for signs of suspicious activity or inconsistencies.
Careful with Personal Information: Be cautious when sharing personal information, especially in public settings.

Choose restaurants with good reviews and clear pricing to avoid overpriced or poor-quality meals.

Good Reviews: Check online reviews before dining at a restaurant for a better experience.
Clear Pricing: Ensure the menu has clear pricing, and avoid restaurants that are vague about costs.
Busy Restaurants: Choose busy restaurants with a steady flow of customers, as these tend to have better food and service.

Book accommodation in advance through trusted websites or agencies to avoid overpricing.

Trusted Websites: Use popular booking sites like Booking.com, Agoda, or Expedia for a reliable experience.
Advance Bookings: Book accommodation in advance to secure the best rates and avoid overpricing.
Location: Choose accommodation in safe, central locations to avoid potential scams or issues.

Maintain a level of skepticism when interacting with overly friendly strangers who may try to scam you.

Caution with Personal Information: Be cautious when sharing personal information, especially with strangers.
Avoid Isolated Locations: Avoid secluded or isolated locations where it's easier for scammers to approach you.
Trust Your Instincts: Listen to your instincts and trust them when something seems suspicious.

Use only secure, trusted Wi-Fi networks like those at hotels or coffee shops to protect your personal data.

Secure Networks: Avoid public Wi-Fi networks that are unsecured or require no password.
VPN Service: Use a VPN service to encrypt your data and protect it from potential scammers.
Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication for your important accounts to add an extra layer of security.

Purchase SIM cards only from authorized retailers or mobile service providers to avoid overpricing.

Authorized Retailers: Look for retailers that are affiliated with the mobile service provider you choose.
Comparing Prices: Compare prices of SIM cards among different retailers to ensure you're getting a fair deal.
Data Packages: Choose data packages that fit your needs and avoid excessive or unnecessary add-ons.

Avoid bartering with street vendors or strangers to prevent being taken advantage of.

Fixed Prices: Purchase items at fixed prices, as bartering may lead to unfair deals.
Know the Market Value: Research the market value of items before purchasing or bartering to ensure fairness.
Avoid Unfamiliar Items: Avoid bartering for unfamiliar items, as it may be difficult to assess their value or quality.