Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Hengshui, China

1. Hengshui Bus Scam

Unscrupulous taxi drivers may overcharge unsuspecting tourists. They might claim the bus is not running or take a longer route.

Know Fixed Rates: Ask for the official taxi rate before starting the journey.
Use Bus Stations: Always use authorized bus stations to ensure you're not overcharged.
Ask Locals: Ask locals for help in case of confusion about transportation options.

Sellers may try to pass off low-quality or counterfeit goods as authentic Hengshui souvenirs.

Buy from Reputable Shops: Purchase souvenirs from reputable shops in tourist areas.
Check for Quality: Inspect souvenir items carefully for signs of poor craftsmanship or low-quality materials.
Ask for Certificates: Request certificates of authenticity for any high-value purchases.

Unlicensed guides may offer their services but lack the necessary knowledge or may lead tourists into tourist traps.

Check for Licenses: Ensure your guide has a valid tour guide license.
Use Recommended Services: Book guides through reputable agencies or hotels to avoid fraudulent services.
Check Tourist Reviews: Read reviews from other tourists about the guide's services before booking.

Some currency exchange offices may offer unfavorable exchange rates or charge hidden fees.

Compare Rates: Shop around and compare exchange rates before deciding where to change your money.
Avoid Street Exchanges: Exchange money at banks or authorized exchange offices to avoid scams.
Check for Fees: Always ask about any additional fees before exchanging your currency.

Some temples may pressure tourists into making excessive donations or force them to buy unnecessary items.

Research Temple Customs: Learn about the customs and expectations for donations at the temple before visiting.
Refuse Unwanted Items: Politely decline any items forced upon you during the visit.
Donate Wisely: Make donations based on your own financial capacity, not pressured into excessive giving.

Some fish pedicure spas may use dirty water or infected fish, leading to potential infections.

Check for Cleanliness: Ensure the spa is clean and well-maintained before getting a fish pedicure.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals or hotel staff for recommendations on reliable fish pedicure services.
Check for Health Certificates: Request health certificates for the fish used in the spa.

Some restaurants may overcharge tourists for poor-quality food or force them to pay for unnecessary items.

Avoid Empty Restaurants: Choose restaurants that are moderately busy, as empty restaurants might be overpriced.
Read Reviews: Check online reviews for recommendations on good-value restaurants.
Ask for Prices Upfront: Always ask for prices before ordering to avoid any unexpected costs.

Some street markets may sell low-quality goods at inflated prices or force tourists to pay more than locals.

Bargain Aggressively: Always bargain aggressively for items in the market.
Observe Local Prices: Watch what locals are paying for similar items to gauge fair prices.
Avoid Tourist Areas: Visit markets away from tourist areas for better deals and authentic shopping experiences.

Some accommodation providers may overbook their rooms or offer substandard accommodations.

Book in Advance: Always book your accommodation well in advance to avoid the risk of overbooking.
Check Reviews: Read reviews about the accommodation before booking to ensure quality and reliability.
Inspect Rooms Beforehand: Inspect your room upon arrival for any damages or issues before accepting it.

Scalpers may sell tickets to popular attractions at inflated prices or offer counterfeit tickets.

Book in Advance: Book your attraction tickets in advance through official channels to avoid scalping.
Check for Official Logos: Ensure the ticket has an official logo and looks genuine before purchasing.
Ask for Help: If unsure, ask hotel staff or tour guides for help with ticket purchases.

Fraudsters posing as police officers may extort money from tourists by claiming they've committed a crime.

Stay Calm and Ask for Identification: Stay calm and ask the officer for identification before cooperating.
Report to Local Embassy: If you suspect a fake police officer, report the incident to your local embassy as soon as possible.
Travel with Copies of Documents: Carry copies of important documents such as passports and visas for situations like these.

Criminals may install skimmers on ATMs to steal your card and PIN information.

Choose Well-lit ATMs: Always use ATMs in well-lit, busy areas to minimize the risk of skimming.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers from capturing your information.
Monitor Account Activity: Regularly monitor your account activity for any suspicious transactions.

Cybercriminals may set up fake Wi-Fi networks to steal your personal information.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Data: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities like online banking or shopping.
Use a VPN: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and protect your data.
Avoid Clicking Unknown Links: Never click on links from unknown sources or suspicious emails while connected to public Wi-Fi.

Some mobile operators may charge tourists excessive prices for SIM cards or services.

Research Prices Beforehand: Research the average price of a SIM card in Hengshui before purchasing.
Avoid Street Vendors: Buy your SIM card from authorized retailers or mobile operator stores to avoid overpricing.
Check Included Services: Ensure you understand the included services and costs before purchasing a SIM card.

Some pharmacies may sell counterfeit or low-quality medication.

Buy from Reputable Pharmacies: Always buy medication from reputable pharmacies in Hengshui.
Check for Certificates: Request certificates of authenticity for any medication you purchase.
Ask a Doctor: If possible, ask a doctor for recommendations on reliable pharmacies.