Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Fuzhou, China
1. Sim Card Scams at the Airport
Avoid unofficial sellers offering cheap sim cards at Fuzhou Changle International Airport. Use only authorized shops for authentic purchases.
- Unauthorized Sellers: Sell faulty or tampered sim cards
- Data Theft Risk: Data collection for fraudulent activities
- Price Manipulation: Overpriced sim cards and services
2. Taxi Overcharging
Taxis in Fuzhou might overcharge unsuspecting tourists. Use official taxis or download ride-hailing apps for fixed rates.
- Unauthorized Taxis: Charge inflated prices and refuse to use meter
- Language Barrier: Difficulty in negotiating price or arguing overcharging
- Safety Concerns: Unlicensed drivers might pose a risk to travelers
3. Counterfeit Products at Markets
Beware of counterfeit goods sold in local markets. Look for trusted stores or reputable brands.
- Low Quality Products: Poor workmanship and durability
- Potential Legal Issues: Buying counterfeit goods may result in legal complications
- Health Risks: Counterfeit food items could pose health risks
4. Overpriced Attractions
Some attractions in Fuzhou might overcharge tourists. Research ticket prices online before visiting.
- Price Inflation: Attractions charging significantly more than locals
- Ticket Scams: Sales of counterfeit or invalid tickets
- Time Waste: Visiting overpriced attractions instead of lesser-known but equally enjoyable sites
5. Street Food Scams
Some street food vendors in Fuzhou might serve contaminated or substandard dishes. Choose busy, popular stalls with good reviews.
- Contamination Risk: Food may be unsafe due to unsanitary conditions
- Substandard Quality: Use of low-quality ingredients and poor preparation
- Misrepresentation of Dishes: Vendors may serve different dishes than advertised
6. Fake Tour Guides
Avoid unlicensed tour guides in Fuzhou. Hire tour companies with good reviews and check for proper credentials.
- Untrained Guides: Lack of knowledge about local attractions and culture
- Language Barrier: Difficulty in communication and understanding cultural nuances
- Safety Risks: Unlicensed guides may lead travelers to unsafe or unofficial areas
7. Currency Exchange Rip-offs
Be wary of currency exchange scams at unofficial locations. Use authorized banks or reputable exchange centers.
- Inflated Exchange Rates: Exchange rates significantly higher than market value
- Money Counterfeiting: Counterfeit notes given in exchange for genuine money
- Transaction Fraud: Fraudulent transactions after the exchange
8. Accommodation Scams
Some accommodations in Fuzhou might have fake reviews or poor conditions. Book through reputable platforms and read multiple reviews.
- Poor Conditions: Dilapidated facilities, unsanitary rooms
- False Reviews: Fraudulent or fake reviews to attract customers
- Location: Accommodation located far from attractions or public transportation
9. ATM Skimming
Be cautious when using ATMs in Fuzhou. Use well-lit and crowded locations, and avoid ATMs with suspicious devices attached.
- Skimmer Devices: Devices placed over card readers to capture data
- Camera Surveillance: Cameras installed above ATMs to record PIN entries
- ATM Location: Unsafe or isolated locations with no surveillance cameras
10. Ticket Scalping
Avoid buying tickets from street vendors for events and attractions. Use authorized ticket agents or buy online.
- Fraudulent Tickets: Tickets may be counterfeit or invalid
- Overpricing: Scalpers charge significantly more than face value
- Missing Tickets: Tickets may be lost or not delivered after purchase
11. Business Card Scams
Business cards with fake contact information can be given to unsuspecting tourists. Exercise caution when sharing personal details.
- Fake Contacts: Contacts may not exist or lead to untrustworthy individuals
- Identity Theft Risk: Personal information used for fraudulent activities
- Scam Activities: Fraudsters may engage in scams after establishing contact
12. Public Transportation Pickpocketing
Watch your personal belongings on public transportation in Fuzhou. Keep bags closed and avoid displaying valuable items.
- Pickpocketing: Thieves pick pockets of unsuspecting travelers
- Distractions: Crowded or noisy environments used to distract victims
- Valuable Items Display: Displaying valuable items may attract pickpockets
13. Fraudulent Charity Scams
Be wary of street collectors asking for donations in Fuzhou. Research charities before giving any money.
- Fake Charities: Organizations not registered or authorized to solicit funds
- Misuse of Funds: Donations may be misused for personal gain rather than charity
- Safety Risks: Distraction tactics used to rob donors or lure them into unsafe situations
14. Cybercafe Scams
Beware of cybercafes installing keyloggers or spyware on computers. Use reputable cafes and avoid entering sensitive information.
- Keylogger Devices: Devices installed to capture keystrokes for password theft
- Spyware Installation: Spyware programs used to monitor computer activity
- Internet Connection Security: Unsecured connections may expose personal information
15. Misleading Language Services
Some language service providers in Fuzhou might not deliver as promised. Research and review providers before hiring.
- Unreliable Translation: Inaccurate or incomplete translation services
- Language Proficiency: Providers may not be fluent in the required language
- Service Delivery: Delays or poor quality of translation services