Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Guiyang, China

1. Taxi Overcharging

Avoid getting overcharged by unscrupulous taxi drivers. Always agree on the fare before starting your journey.

Agreement Before Ride: Always agree on the price before entering the taxi.
Meter Usage: Insist that the meter is used unless you have agreed on a fixed price.
Recognized Taxis: Only use recognized taxis with city-issued logos and meters.

Avoid buying counterfeit goods from unauthorized street vendors. Stick to authorized shops or malls.

Authorized Shops: Buy souvenirs and goods only from authorized shops and malls.
Quality Assurance: Counterfeit goods may lack quality assurance, and could pose safety risks.
Legal Consequences: Purchasing counterfeit goods can lead to legal issues.

Protect yourself from ATM skimming by using only secure and well-lit machines. Cover the keypad with your other hand while entering your PIN.

Secure Machines: Use secure, well-lit ATMs in banks or crowded areas.
Cover Keypad: Cover the keypad with your other hand while entering your PIN to prevent any potential cameras.
Monitor Account Regularly: Regularly monitor your account for any unusual activity.

Avoid overpaying for accommodation. Compare prices online and negotiate with the hotel or hostel before booking.

Online Price Comparison: Compare prices of accommodations on different travel websites.
Negotiation: Negotiate the price with the hotel or hostel before booking to get a better deal.
Location: Choose accommodations that are centrally located for easy access to main attractions.

Enjoy Guiyang's street food safely. Look for busy stalls with fresh ingredients and a quick turnover of customers.

Busy Stalls: Choose busy street food stalls that indicate a high demand for their food.
Fresh Ingredients: Check if the ingredients look fresh and are stored properly.
Recommendations: Ask locals or fellow travellers for recommendations on popular and safe street food vendors.

Avoid tour scams by booking tours through reputable agencies. Research the itinerary beforehand and ask questions.

Reputable Agencies: Book tours through well-established and reputable travel agencies.
Itinerary Research: Research the tour itinerary to ensure it covers your desired attractions.
Ask Questions: Ask questions about the tour, including pick-up and drop-off points, schedules, and what's included.

Avoid fake guides who may lead you to tourist traps. Book guided tours through reputable agencies or ask your hotel for recommendations.

Reputable Agencies: Book guided tours through well-established and reputable travel agencies.
Official Guides: Ensure the guide is an official one, carrying a valid license.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Decline unsolicited offers from strangers who claim to be guides.

Protect your belongings from pickpockets. Keep your valuables close and avoid displaying expensive items.

Keep Valuables Close: Keep your wallet, phone, and other valuable items in a secure location.
Avoid Displaying Expensive Items: Minimize the display of expensive items such as jewelry or electronic devices.
Safe Storage at Hotel: Store valuable items safely in your hotel's safe deposit box when not needed.

Avoid casino scams by understanding the rules and never accepting unsolicited help. Stick to established casinos.

Understand the Rules: Learn the rules of each game before playing.
Avoid Unsolicited Help: Decline any unsolicited help or advice from strangers in casinos.
Established Casinos: Play at established and reputable casinos.

Avoid bar scams by staying with your group, keeping an eye on your drinks, and never accepting unsolicited drinks.

Stay with Your Group: Always stay with your group to avoid getting separated and vulnerable.
Keep an Eye on Your Drinks: Never leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers.
Avoid Unsolicited Drinks: Decline any unsolicited drinks offered by unfamiliar people.

Protect your data in internet cafes by using a VPN and avoiding public computers for sensitive tasks.

Use VPN: Always use a VPN when accessing the internet from unfamiliar devices.
Avoid Sensitive Tasks: Avoid conducting sensitive tasks such as online banking on public computers.
Antivirus Software: Use antivirus software before connecting to any unfamiliar devices.

Avoid falling for fake police officers by checking their uniforms and ID. If in doubt, contact your embassy.

Check Uniforms: Real police officers wear uniforms with the city's emblem.
Check ID Cards: Genuine police officers should be able to produce ID cards upon request.
Contact Embassy: If you are unsure, contact your embassy for assistance.

Avoid overpaying for tickets by purchasing them from authorized sellers. Research ticket prices beforehand.

Authorized Sellers: Buy tickets from authorized vendors or at the venue's box office.
Research Prices: Research ticket prices for events and attractions beforehand to avoid overpaying.
Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid buying tickets from street vendors or unauthorized sellers.

Avoid getting shortchanged in currency exchange by using reputable exchange services. Compare rates beforehand.

Reputable Services: Use established and reputable currency exchange services.
Compare Rates: Compare rates of different exchange services before choosing one.
Secure Transactions: Ensure that the transaction is secure, with no onlookers or distractions.

Avoid misunderstandings and scams due to language barriers by learning basic Chinese phrases. Carry a translator app or use online translation tools.

Learn Basic Phrases: Learn some basic Chinese phrases to communicate effectively.
Translator App: Carry a translator app or use online translation tools when needed.
Avoid Isolated Situations: Avoid isolated situations where language barriers could be exploited.