Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Putian, China

1. Temple Street Market Scam Awareness

Avoid overpriced souvenirs and fake antiques at Temple Street Market by negotiating prices and checking authenticity.

Bargaining Skills: Knowing the local market rates can help you avoid overpaying.
Authenticity Check: Ask for a receipt or warranty to confirm authenticity of goods.
Reputable Shops: Shop at stores with good reputation and customer reviews.

Avoid taking taxis without a meter or agreeing on a fixed price beforehand to avoid overcharging.

Metered Taxis: Ensure the taxi has a functioning meter.
Fixed Price Agreements: Always agree on the price before starting your journey.
Reputable Companies: Use taxis from reputable companies with recognizable logos.

Verify tour guides' credentials and research tour packages beforehand to ensure a legitimate experience.

Licensed Guides: Check if the guide has a valid license from the Putian Tourism Bureau.
Research Tours: Look for reputable tour companies and read reviews online.
Official Itineraries: Ensure the itinerary includes popular Putian attractions and doesn't deviate without your consent.

Protect personal information by avoiding using cyber cafes for sensitive activities and using a VPN.

VPN Usage: Use a virtual private network (VPN) to secure your online activities.
Sensitive Activities: Avoid sensitive online activities such as banking transactions in cyber cafes.
Secure Devices: Keep your devices and accounts secure by using strong passwords and antivirus software.

Inspect bills for watermarks, security threads, and holographic images to identify counterfeit money.

Watermark Presence: Check for the presence of a watermark when holding up the bill against light.
Security Threads: Feel for raised security threads along the bill edges.
Holographic Images: Inspect bills for changing images when tilted at different angles.

Avoid unlicensed massage parlors as they may offer services that are illegal or exploitative.

Licensed Establishments: Check if the massage parlor has a valid license from the Putian Health Bureau.
Reviews and Reputation: Research the massage parlor's reputation online and read customer reviews.
Avoid Off-Street Locations: Avoid massage parlors located in secluded or off-street areas.

Choose well-known restaurants, avoid undercooked or suspicious food, and stay hydrated to avoid food poisoning.

Reputable Restaurants: Choose restaurants that are clean, busy, and have good reviews.
Cooked Food: Avoid undercooked or uncooked foods, especially seafood.
Stay Hydrated: Drink bottled water and carry rehydration salts to prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea.

Keep your belongings close and be aware of crowded areas to avoid pickpocketing.

Valuables Safety: Keep your valuables hidden and secure in a backpack or a cross-body bag.
Avoid Overcrowded Areas: Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist spots.
Secure Accommodation Storage: Use hotel safes or keep valuables locked in a suitcase when not needed.

Use well-lit and busy ATMs, cover the keypad with your free hand, and monitor account activity for any unusual transactions.

Well-lit ATMs: Choose ATMs in well-lit and populated areas.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad with your free hand to prevent shoulder surfing.
Monitor Account Activity: Regularly check your account activity for any unusual transactions.

Negotiate prices and compare offers to avoid overpaying for SIM cards.

Negotiation Skills: Haggle for a better price if possible.
Comparison Shopping: Compare offers from different providers to find the best deal.
Avoid Unofficial Vendors: Buy SIM cards only from official retailers or authorized vendors.

Pack light and weigh your luggage beforehand to avoid excess baggage fees.

Pack Light: Limit the number of items you bring to avoid paying extra for baggage.
Weigh Luggage: Weigh your luggage before leaving home to ensure it stays within airline limits.
Check Airline Policies: Research the airline's baggage policies and fees online.

Negotiate prices for internet access in hotels or hostels and compare offers to avoid overpaying.

Negotiation Skills: Haggle for a better price if possible.
Comparison Shopping: Compare offers from different accommodations to find the best deal.
Avoid Additional Charges: Ensure that there are no hidden fees for internet access.

Book accommodations through reputable websites or verified vendors to avoid renting fake apartments.

Reputable Websites: Book accommodation through trusted online platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, etc.
Verified Vendors: Use verified local vendors with good reviews and a proven track record.
Avoid Off-Street Locations: Avoid renting apartments located in secluded or off-street areas.

Book tours and activities through reputable companies to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Reputable Companies: Research tour operators with good reviews and a proven track record.
Licensed Guides: Check if the guide has a valid license from the Putian Tourism Bureau.
Official Itineraries: Ensure the itinerary includes popular Putian attractions and doesn't deviate without your consent.

Buy alcohol and medicine from reputable pharmacies or supermarkets to avoid purchasing counterfeit items.

Reputable Pharmacies: Purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies.
Supermarket Chains: Buy alcohol and medicine from well-known supermarkets or convenience stores.
Check for Labels: Inspect the product labels for misspellings, incorrect dosages, or poor quality materials.