Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Zhangjiakou, China
1. Temple Street Market Scam
Watch out for overpriced items or fake merchandise at the Temple Street Market. Always negotiate prices and check goods before paying.
- Price Haggling: Always haggle to get a fair price for goods.
- Checking Goods: Inspect items carefully before buying to avoid purchasing counterfeit or low-quality merchandise.
- Awareness: Recognize common scam tactics and be cautious when dealing with street vendors.
2. Taxi Overcharging
Avoid being overcharged by taxis that take unnecessarily long routes. Always use registered and metered taxis or negotiate fares before starting the journey.
- Registered Taxis: Always choose registered taxis with visible taxi signs, license plates, and meters.
- Meter Usage: Ensure the taxi meter is turned on before starting your journey.
- Fare Negotiation: Negotiate fares for longer journeys or night-time travel.
3. Tour Guide Scams
Avoid unlicensed tour guides who may lead you to overpriced shops or fake attractions. Only hire licensed guides and check credentials.
- Licensing: Ensure your guide has a valid Zhangjiakou tour guide license.
- Credential Checking: Ask for identification, licenses, and permits to confirm legitimacy.
- Reputable Agencies: Book tours through reputable agencies with positive customer reviews.
4. Counterfeit Money Scams
Be cautious when exchanging money as counterfeit notes may be used. Check the authenticity of bills using a pen with UV ink or special markings.
- UV Ink Pen: Carry a UV ink pen to check currency authenticity.
- Exchange in Reputable Locations: Exchange money at banks or reputable exchange centers instead of street vendors.
- Know Your Money: Familiarize yourself with the design and security features of Chinese currency.
5. Language Barrier Scams
Scammers often exploit language barriers. Use translation apps or carry a local friend's phone number for emergencies.
- Translation Apps: Download translation apps for basic communication.
- Local Contacts: Maintain the contact information of a local friend or trustworthy individual.
- Awareness: Recognize when you're being taken advantage of due to language barriers and remain vigilant.
6. Staged Accidents Scams
Beware of staged accidents involving motorcycles or bicycles. Politely decline help and contact local authorities if needed.
- Declining Help: Politely refuse help from strangers after an accident.
- Contact Local Authorities: Contact local police or tour agency if involved in an incident.
- Suspicion of Staged Incidents: Recognize signs of staged accidents and remain cautious when approached by strangers.
7. Fraudulent Ticket Sales
Avoid buying tickets from unofficial vendors for attractions like the Wanlong Ski Resort. Only purchase tickets through official channels.
- Official Channels: Buy attraction tickets at official ticket offices or on authorized websites.
- Inspection of Tickets: Check tickets for validity and holograms before using them.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid buying tickets from street vendors or individuals offering discounted rates.
8. Cyber Cafe Scams
Be wary of using untrustworthy cyber cafes as they may install malware on your devices. Use trusted Wi-Fi hotspots or VPN services.
- VPN Services: Use a reputable VPN service to secure your online activities.
- Reputable Cyber Cafes: Choose well-known and reputable cyber cafes for using their Wi-Fi.
- Antivirus Software: Install antivirus software on your devices before traveling to protect them from malware.
9. Fake Friend Scams
Be cautious of overly friendly locals offering friendship, as they may lead you into scams. Maintain a healthy level of skepticism and trust your instincts.
- Healthy Skepticism: Maintain a healthy level of skepticism when interacting with strangers.
- Trust Your Instincts: Follow your intuition and avoid situations that feel uncomfortable or risky.
- Recognize Signs of Friend Scams: Learn common signs of friend scams, such as excessive generosity or offers to help for a fee.
10. ATM Skimming Scams
Protect your card and PIN when using ATMs, as some may have skimmers or hidden cameras. Use secure ATMs in banks and shopping malls.
- Secure ATMs: Use ATMs located inside banks, hotels, or shopping centers for increased security.
- Cover Your Hand: Cover your hand when entering your PIN to prevent others from seeing it.
- Monitor Account Activity: Regularly monitor your account for suspicious transactions and report any unusual activity immediately.
11. Overpriced Food Scams
Avoid being overcharged for food by eating at reputable restaurants or street vendors. Always check prices before ordering.
- Reputable Restaurants: Choose well-known and reputable restaurants for dining.
- Price Checking: Ask for price lists or check menu prices before ordering.
- Local Prices: Recognize typical food prices in Zhangjiakou to avoid being overcharged.
12. Pickpocketing Scams
Be aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like train stations and markets. Keep your belongings secure and use anti-theft bags or backpacks.
- Anti-Theft Bags: Use anti-theft bags or backpacks with lockable zippers and slash-proof materials.
- Beware of Crowds: Be extra cautious in crowded areas where pickpockets are more likely to operate.
- Zipper Security: Keep zippers zipped and secure belongings close to your body at all times.
13. Fake Guidebook Scams
Avoid buying counterfeit guidebooks or maps. Only purchase official travel guides and maps from reputable bookstores.
- Reputable Bookstores: Buy guidebooks and maps from well-known, reputable bookstores.
- Inspection of Books: Check for quality paper, binding, and printing details before purchasing guidebooks or maps.
- Official Travel Guides: Look for official travel guides with the publisher's name and logo clearly displayed.
14. Sham Charity Scams
Be wary of people asking for donations to charity causes. Verify the authenticity of charities before giving money.
- Verify Charities: Research local charities and verify their legitimacy before making a donation.
- Official Donation Boxes: Only use official donation boxes with the charity's name and logo clearly displayed.
- Avoid Street Solicitations: Be cautious of street solicitations for charities, as they may be scams.
15. Counterfeit Souvenir Scams
Avoid buying counterfeit souvenirs. Look for stores with a good reputation and compare prices with other stores.
- Reputable Stores: Choose well-known, reputable souvenir shops or markets.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices of similar items in different stores before making a purchase.
- Quality Assurance: Inspect souvenirs for quality and check for obvious signs of counterfeiting.