Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Jinan, Shandong, China

All Topics about Jinan All Cities in China

1. Shangqiu Street Food Scam

Avoid overpriced street food in Shangqiu Market by checking prices with multiple vendors.

Multiple Vendors: Checking prices from several vendors helps you find the best deal.
Popular Foods: Popular local dishes like Liangpi and Shuizhudou are common targets for overpricing.
Time of Day: Prices may rise during peak tourist hours, so plan your visit accordingly.

Avoid overpriced taxi rides by using ride-hailing apps like Didi or taximeters.

Ride-Hailing Apps: Using apps ensures a fair price and eliminates the potential for overcharging.
Taxi Meter: Insist on using the taxi meter to avoid hidden fees or arbitrary pricing.
Common Destinations: Prices may be inflated for popular tourist destinations, so confirm the fare beforehand.

Avoid fake temple guides or donation requests by researching reputable tour companies.

Reputable Tour Companies: Book tours through established, well-reviewed companies for guidance.
Donation Amounts: Be cautious of excessive donation requests at temples; a moderate contribution is sufficient.
Official Guides: Only accept guidance from officially designated temple guides or staff members.

Avoid overpriced food and drink at Baiyun Pagoda by bringing your own or finding nearby alternatives.

Packed Lunch: Bringing a packed lunch helps you avoid inflated food prices.
Nearby Food Stalls: Explore nearby food stalls for affordable and delicious options.
Off-Peak Visits: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid tourist crowds and potential scams.

Avoid high prices at black tea houses by researching authentic establishments.

Authentic Establishments: Research local tea houses with good reviews and recommendations.
Menu Prices: Be cautious of items priced significantly higher than other establishments.
Location: Stick to popular, well-trafficked tea houses to avoid fraudulent businesses.

Purchase tickets for attractions from official sales channels or authorized vendors.

Official Sales Channels: Buy tickets at the attraction's box office or their official website.
Authorized Vendors: Avoid purchasing tickets from street vendors or unauthorized salespeople.
Check Expiry Dates: Ensure ticket expiration dates are valid for your visit.

Avoid overpriced or low-quality hotels by booking through reputable travel websites.

Reputable Travel Websites: Book hotels through well-known and secure travel platforms.
Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to gauge hotel quality and service.
Location: Choose a hotel in a safe and convenient location for easy access to attractions.

Use translation apps or carry a pocket dictionary to communicate effectively and avoid misunderstandings.

Translation Apps: Download a reliable translation app before your trip for on-the-go communication.
Pocket Dictionary: Carry a pocket dictionary or phrasebook for basic language needs.
Patience and Respect: Be patient and respectful when communicating with locals, as they may not speak English fluently.

Purchase authentic souvenirs from reputable shops or markets.

Reputable Shops: Buy souvenirs from established, well-reviewed shops.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other shops to ensure fair pricing and avoid counterfeit goods.
Authenticity Guarantees: Look for guarantees or certifications of authenticity when purchasing souvenirs.

Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas like Qianfo Temple and keep personal belongings secure.

Crowded Areas: Keep a close eye on your personal belongings, especially in crowded places.
Zippered Pockets: Use zippered pockets or cross-body bags to securely store your valuables.
Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover lost or stolen items.

Verify the identity of police officers by asking for their ID and contacting local authorities if necessary.

ID Verification: Ask to see an officer's ID, which should have a badge number and the Jinan Public Security Bureau logo.
Contact Local Authorities: If you are unsure of their authenticity, contact local authorities for assistance.
Stay Calm and Be Aware: Remain calm and be aware of your surroundings when interacting with law enforcement officers.

Avoid overpriced internet cafes by researching affordable options beforehand.

Research Affordable Options: Find and book a reliable, affordable internet cafe before your trip.
Check Rates: Compare rates with other internet cafes to ensure fair pricing.
Location and Security: Choose an internet cafe in a safe area, preferably near your accommodation or popular tourist attractions.

Exchange money at authorized exchange offices or banks to avoid scams.

Authorized Exchange Offices: Exchange money at authorized exchange offices or banks.
Avoid Street Vendors: Never exchange money with street vendors or unauthorized dealers.
Check Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates with other establishments to ensure fair pricing.

Purchase transportation tickets from authorized vendors or ticket machines.

Authorized Vendors: Buy transportation tickets from authorized vendors or ticket machines.
Check Ticket Prices: Compare prices with other travelers to ensure fair pricing.
Travel During Off-Peak Hours: Avoid peak hours to reduce the risk of scams and overcrowding.

Examine banknotes carefully for signs of counterfeiting and exchange only at authorized banks or exchange offices.

Inspection of Banknotes: Thoroughly inspect banknotes for irregularities like poor print quality, misspellings, or watermarks.
Authorized Banks and Exchange Offices: Exchange money only at authorized banks or exchange offices.
Check for Security Features: Be familiar with your currency's security features to help identify counterfeit banknotes.