Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Suzhou, Anhui, China

1. Taxi Scams

Unscrupulous taxi drivers may overcharge or take longer routes. Avoid by using licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps.

Licensed Taxis: Taxis with red license plates are official and reliable.
Ride-Hailing Apps: Apps like Didi and Kuaidi Dache provide affordable, convenient rides.
Avoid Unofficial Taxis: Unofficial taxis might charge inflated rates or not use meters.

Some street vendors sell counterfeit goods. Be cautious and check for quality before purchasing.

Know the Differences: Learn about authentic Suzhou products to identify fakes.
Check Quality: Inspect goods carefully before purchase, especially for subtle flaws.
Ask Locals: Ask locals or shopkeepers for advice on reputable shops.

Scammers may exploit language barriers to cheat tourists. Learn basic Mandarin or use translation apps.

Basic Mandarin Knowledge: Knowing a few phrases can help navigate situations.
Translation Apps: Apps like Google Translate can assist in communication.
Trustworthy Intermediaries: Work with trusted individuals or businesses when dealing with transactions.

Some unscrupulous vendors may ask for inflated entrance fees at tourist attractions. Verify official rates before paying.

Official Entrance Fees: Know the correct entrance fees for each attraction.
Ask at the Official Ticket Booth: Ensure you purchase tickets from authorized ticket booths.
Online Research: Research attraction prices before visiting to avoid overpaying.

Some street food vendors may serve undercooked or contaminated food. Stick to popular and busy stalls.

Popular Stalls: Choose busier, well-established stalls with numerous customers.
Food Hygiene Standards: Ensure the vendor follows proper food handling and preparation procedures.
Check for Local Approval: Look for local residents eating at the stall as a sign of approval.

Some hotels may overcharge or provide subpar service. Research hotels before booking and read reviews.

Reviews: Read traveler reviews to gauge the quality of a hotel.
Licensed Hotels: Ensure the hotel is licensed and registered with local authorities.
Online Booking Platforms: Book through reputable online platforms for secure transactions.

Unlicensed tour guides may provide inaccurate information or scam tourists. Only use licensed guides.

Licensed Tour Guides: Tour guides with licenses are vetted by local authorities.
Check for Licenses: Ask to see the guide's license and confirm its validity.
Reputable Tour Agencies: Book tours through reputable agencies or local tourism boards.

Some money exchange shops may provide unfavorable rates. Compare rates before exchanging money.

Compare Rates: Check multiple exchange shops for the best rate.
Avoid Street Exchanges: Exchange money at banks or authorized exchange centers to avoid scams.
Secure Transactions: Ensure the transaction is secure and there are no hidden fees.

Some SIM card vendors may sell faulty or stolen cards. Purchase from official retailers.

Official Retailers: Purchase SIM cards from official retailers like China Mobile.
Check for Damage: Inspect the SIM card for any signs of tampering or damage.
Ask for Receipt: Always request a receipt to verify the transaction.

Some beggars may attempt to steal from tourists. Keep personal belongings secure and be cautious.

Secure Personal Belongings: Keep wallets, phones, and other valuables in a safe location.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Stay in well-lit, populated areas to reduce the risk of being targeted.
Report Suspicious Activity: Inform local authorities if you encounter any suspicious activity.

Some cybercafes may install keyloggers or viruses on your device. Use trusted cafes and protect your data.

Trusted Cybercafes: Choose well-established, reputable cybercafes.
Use a VPN: Use a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your data while online.
Keep Software Updated: Install and update antivirus software on your devices before traveling.

Some temples may request excessive donations or mislead tourists. Research temple customs before giving.

Research Temple Customs: Learn about the appropriate donation amounts for each temple.
Avoid High-Pressure Tactics: Ignore aggressive requests for donations and give only if you choose to.
Verify Temple Authenticity: Check the temple's authenticity before making a donation.

Some transportation ticket sellers may sell fake or expired tickets. Purchase tickets at official booths.

Official Booths: Always buy tickets from authorized booths or machines.
Check Expiration Dates: Ensure the ticket has a valid expiration date before boarding.
Avoid Unattended Machines: Avoid using unattended ticket machines to minimize the risk of buying fake tickets.

Some bridge toll collectors may overcharge or not provide change. Verify toll costs before crossing bridges.

Verify Toll Rates: Know the correct toll rates for each bridge.
Carry Small Denominations: Carry small denominations of coins to avoid issues with change.
Avoid Unofficial Collectors: Ensure you hand your toll payment to an authorized collector.

Some businesses may charge unreasonable fees or provide subpar services. Research businesses before using their services.

Research Businesses: Check reviews, ask locals, and compare prices before making a decision.
Ask for Receipts: Always request a receipt to document the transaction.
Verify Business Addresses: Ensure the business is located where it claims to be and has an official address.