Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Fuzhou, Fujian, China

All Topics about Fuzhou All Cities in China

1. Sim Card Scams

Avoid overpriced SIM cards or unwanted additional services at street vendors. Stick to authorized stores for reliable service.

Authorized Stores: Opt for official retailers like China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom
Service Contracts: Be cautious of confusing service contracts with SIM cards
Overpricing: Avoid overpriced packages; always compare prices with other providers

Avoid fake taxis and unregulated services. Make sure your cab is registered as a licensed taxi.

Licensed Taxis: Verify the taxi's license number (Fuzhou characters starting with FZ) and look for a meter
Meter Usage: Make sure the driver uses the meter; avoid any fixed-price negotiations
Safety Precautions: Use officially sanctioned taxi services for your safety and to ensure a reliable ride

Beware of fake bills. Check your cash carefully for signs of poor print quality or security features.

Poor Print Quality: Look for inconsistencies in font, alignment, and colors on the banknotes
Missing Security Features: Check for holographic strips, watermarks, and security threads
Change Exchange Scams: Double-check the change you receive when making purchases; exchange money from reliable sources

Avoid ticket scammers and unofficial tour guides. Buy tickets at official outlets.

Official Outlets: Buy your tickets from the main entrance or authorized ticket booths
Ticket Scammers: Avoid individuals trying to sell you tickets at a cheaper price outside the attraction
Unofficial Guides: Use official tour guides or download trustworthy apps for guided tours

Avoid unlicensed lodgings. Book accommodation through trusted platforms or official channels.

Trusted Platforms: Book through reputable websites like Booking.com, Agoda, and Airbnb
Official Channels: Use official hotel booking services or travel agencies for guaranteed quality
Location: Ensure your accommodation is conveniently located and near local amenities

Avoid food stands with poor hygiene conditions. Choose clean and busy establishments.

Poor Hygiene Conditions: Look for signs of dirty utensils, uncooked food, or unclean surroundings
Busy Establishments: Choose popular and well-visited food stands; they usually maintain good hygiene standards
Local Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations to try authentic and delicious street foods

Avoid overpriced souvenirs at crowded tourist spots. Visit local markets for better prices.

Crowded Tourist Spots: Avoid buying souvenirs from street vendors near popular attractions
Local Markets: Visit local markets like Changle Market for a wider variety and better prices
Haggling Skills: Master the art of haggling to get a fair price for your souvenirs

Avoid unregulated massage parlors. Seek out licensed establishments for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Licensed Establishments: Look for signs of a valid business license or check with the local tourism board
Unsanitary Conditions: Avoid establishments with poor hygiene conditions, such as unclean surroundings or dirty beds
Professional Services: Enjoy a professional massage service with trained therapists in a comfortable setting

Avoid misleading tour packages. Book through reputable travel agencies or official channels.

Reputable Travel Agencies: Choose well-known and trusted travel agencies like China Youth Travel Service
Official Channels: Book through official tourism channels or the local tourism bureau
Detailed Itinerary: Ensure your tour package includes a detailed itinerary and clear pricing structure

Avoid accepting 'free gifts' that come with high-pressure sales pitches. Be cautious of street vendors offering free items.

Street Vendors: Be wary of street vendors trying to give you 'free gifts' with hidden costs
High-Pressure Sales: Decline offers that come with high-pressure sales pitches or demands for personal information
Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive information, especially in unfamiliar situations

Avoid donating to fake charities or street performers. Stick to recognized organizations.

Recognized Organizations: Donate to well-known and trustworthy charity organizations
Counterfeit Charities: Avoid donating to unknown charities or those without a clear mission statement
Verification: Check with the local authorities to verify the legitimacy of a charity before donating

Avoid unregulated money exchange services. Use authorized banks or reliable exchange outlets.

Authorized Banks: Use banks like the Bank of China for safe and secure exchanges
Reliable Exchange Outlets: Choose reputable exchange outlets that display their license numbers
Fair Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates and commissions to find the best deal

Avoid unauthorized bicycle rentals. Use licensed bike-sharing services or official rental outlets.

Licensed Bike Sharing Services: Use popular bike-sharing platforms like Ofo and Mobike
Official Rental Outlets: Rent bicycles from reputable stores or authorized rental outlets
Damage Claims: Avoid renting bikes without conducting a thorough inspection beforehand

Avoid shady online stores. Stick to reliable e-commerce platforms or official channels.

Reliable E-Commerce Platforms: Shop on trusted platforms like Taobao, JD.com, and Tmall
Official Channels: Buy from official online stores or the websites of popular brands
Secure Payment Methods: Use secure payment methods like Alipay, WeChat Pay, or credit cards with fraud protection

Avoid unauthorized tour guides. Use licensed and professional guides for a safe and informative experience.

Licensed Guides: Choose guides with proper licenses from the local tourism bureau
Professional Services: Enjoy an informative and professional guided tour with a certified guide
Verification: Verify the guide's license and check reviews from previous clients