Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Shijiazhuang, China

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overcharging and unwanted stops by using licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps.

Licensed Taxis: Taxis with official license plates and logos are safer.
Ride-hailing Apps: Apps like Didi provide pre-set prices, helping to avoid overcharges.
Avoid Unmarked Taxis: Unlicensed taxis may not follow regulations and can charge higher fees.

Avoid purchasing counterfeit goods to ensure quality and safety.

Brand Reputation: Purchase from reputable stores or brands to avoid fakes.
Product Quality: Counterfeit goods may lack quality and safety standards.
Legal Consequences: Purchasing counterfeit goods can lead to legal issues for both buyer and seller.

Ensure food is prepared hygienically by choosing popular, clean street food stalls.

Popularity: Busy and popular stalls are more likely to maintain good hygiene.
Cleanliness: Check for clean food preparation areas and handling practices.
Recommendations: Ask locals or fellow travelers for recommendations.

Decline offers from unofficial guides and stick to registered tour agencies.

Unofficial Guides: Unofficial guides may lead you to scams or overpriced attractions.
Registered Tour Agencies: Registered tour agencies provide licensed guides and fair pricing.
Avoid Upfront Payment: Never pay a guide upfront; agree on a price before starting the tour.

Use ATMs in banks or shopping malls to minimize skimming and card trapping.

Bank ATMs: ATMs in banks offer better security than standalone machines.
Shopping Mall ATMs: ATMs in shopping malls are also less likely to be compromised.
Card Trapping: Never leave your card in the machine after a transaction; ensure it is returned immediately.

Use reputable exchange locations and avoid exchanging money on the street.

Reputable Exchange Locations: Banks, hotels, or authorized exchange centers are safer options.
Street Exchanges: Street exchanges may provide lower quality or counterfeit bills.
Exchange Rates: Know the official exchange rate to avoid being overcharged.

Avoid offering money or gifts at temples and respect cultural norms.

Cultural Respect: Respect local customs and traditions when visiting temples.
Offerings: Avoid offering money or gifts at temples; instead, light incense or make a donation as appropriate.
Guides and Offers: Decline offers for guided tours or souvenirs within the temple complex.

Purchase Sim cards from authorized retailers to avoid fraudulent charges.

Authorized Retailers: Official stores or kiosks provide legitimate SIM cards.
Street Vendors: SIM cards purchased from street vendors may be fraudulent.
Contract Terms: Be aware of contract terms, data usage limits, and other fees.

Avoid bars that heavily promote drink specials or require upfront payment.

Drink Specials: Beware of overpriced drinks disguised as 'specials'.
Upfront Payment: Never pay for drinks before receiving them; settle the bill at the end of the night.
Reviews and Recommendations: Check reviews online or ask locals for recommendations.

Book accommodations through reputable websites or local agencies.

Reputable Websites: Bookings.com, Agoda, and Airbnb are reliable options.
Local Agencies: Hotels or local agencies can provide safe and trustworthy accommodations.
Read Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to gauge the quality of the accommodation.

Avoid overpriced restaurants in heavily tourist areas; seek out local favorites instead.

Heavily Tourist Areas: Restaurants in crowded tourist areas often charge higher prices.
Local Favorites: Seek out local favorites for authentic, affordable meals.
Menu Prices: Check menu prices before ordering; if they seem excessive, consider dining elsewhere.

Appreciate street performances but avoid donating money unwisely.

Performance Quality: Enjoy the show, but be cautious about donating.
Donation Requests: Avoid donating to performances that seem pushy or aggressive.
Local Customs: Respect local customs and only donate if the performance is truly exceptional.

Avoid unlicensed transportation services to ensure safety and fair pricing.

Licensed Services: Use licensed taxis, buses, or ride-hailing services.
Unlicensed Services: Avoid tuk-tuks, motorbikes, and other unregulated transportation options.
Negotiating Prices: Always negotiate prices before starting a journey to avoid overcharges.

Inspect the hotel room for any damages or missing items before agreeing to stay.

Damages: Check the condition of the room and report any damages.
Missing Items: Ensure all promised items, such as a kettle or Wi-Fi, are present in the room.
Contract Terms: Read the contract terms carefully to avoid hidden fees or penalties.

Avoid unsecured internet cafés to protect your personal information.

Secure Internet Cafés: Choose cafés with up-to-date security software and practices.
Data Privacy: Avoid using sensitive accounts or personal information on public computers.
Payment Methods: Pay for internet access with cash to minimize credit card fraud.