Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Zhongshan, China

1. Counterfeit Taxi Scams

Unlicensed taxis offering lower fares may drive you to scam destinations.

Official Taxis: Recognize licensed taxis with yellow license plates and meters.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Don't accept rides from unlicensed taxi drivers or touts near tourist spots.
Use Online Services: Consider using reputable online taxi services for added safety.

Unlicensed tour guides may charge exorbitant fees or lead you to scam attractions.

Registered Guides: Check if the guide has a legitimate registration and ID.
Research Tour Companies: Choose reputable tour companies for peace of mind.
Avoid Street Solicitation: Don't accept unsolicited offers from guides near tourist spots.

Vendors may overcharge tourists for goods or provide lower quality items.

Negotiate Prices: Negotiate prices before making a purchase to avoid overpaying.
Know the Market Rates: Research market rates and be aware of common pricing scams.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals or other tourists for recommendations on trustworthy vendors.

Criminals may use skimmers to steal card and PIN information at unsecured ATMs.

Secure ATMs: Choose ATMs located in well-lit, secure areas or inside banks.
Monitor Account Activity: Regularly check your account activity for any unauthorized transactions.
Use Credit Cards Instead: Consider using credit cards with zero liability policies instead of debit cards.

Some internet cafes may install keyloggers to steal your personal information.

Secure Internet Cafés: Choose reputable and secure internet cafes with good reviews.
Use Secure Websites: Use HTTPS-enabled websites to prevent data interception.
Avoid Sharing Personal Info: Be cautious about sharing sensitive information online, especially in public places.

Low-cost accommodations may be in poor condition or have hidden fees.

Online Reviews: Check online reviews and ratings for your accommodation options.
Bookings with Reputable Websites: Use reputable booking websites to secure your reservations.
Check the Location: Ensure the accommodation is in a safe and convenient location.

Some restaurants may serve low-quality food or overcharge tourists.

Avoid Street Food Stalls: Choose established restaurants with good reviews.
Check Prices Before Ordering: Check prices for dishes before ordering to avoid overcharges.
Ask Locals for Recommendations: Ask locals or other tourists for recommendations on trustworthy restaurants.

Counterfeit goods are common in Zhongshan. Be cautious when buying branded items.

Know the Product: Research the product and its authenticity before purchasing.
Check for Quality Issues: Inspect the product for quality issues or inconsistencies.
Purchase from Authorized Retailers: Buy branded items only from authorized retailers or official stores.

Tourists may be sold invalid tickets or overcharged for transportation.

Official Transportation Hubs: Purchase tickets at official transportation hubs.
Check Ticket Prices: Compare ticket prices with reliable sources before purchasing.
Ask for Receipts: Request a receipt to confirm your purchase and ticket validity.

Some bars and clubs may overcharge tourists or force them to pay for unnecessary services.

Research Establishments: Check online reviews and ratings before visiting bars and clubs.
Set a Budget: Decide on a budget for the evening and stick to it.
Pay with Credit Card: Consider paying with credit cards to minimize cash transactions.

Tour packages may be overpriced or include hidden fees.

Research Tour Companies: Choose reputable tour companies for peace of mind.
Check Inclusions and Exclusions: Carefully review the inclusions and exclusions of each tour package.
Compare Prices with Reliable Sources: Compete prices with reliable sources before booking a tour package.

Low-cost accommodations may be subpar or have additional charges.

Online Reviews: Check online reviews and ratings for your accommodation options.
Bookings with Reputable Websites: Use reputable booking websites to secure your reservations.
Check the Location: Ensure the accommodation is in a safe and convenient location.

Tourists may receive counterfeit Chinese currency in change.

Check the Quality: Inspect the bills for quality issues or inconsistencies.
Use ATMs: Use ATMs to withdraw money instead of exchanging currencies.
Exchange Money at Banks: Exchange money at banks instead of street vendors or unauthorized exchange shops.

Some massage parlors may offer illegal services or overcharge tourists.

Research Establishments: Check online reviews and ratings before visiting massage parlors.
Avoid Street Solicitation: Don't accept unsolicited offers from massage parlor workers near tourist spots.
Set a Budget: Decide on a budget for the massage and stick to it.

Some charity collectors may not be legitimate or may overcharge for their services.

Research the Charity: Check the legitimacy of the charity organization before donating.
Avoid Street Solicitation: Don't accept unsolicited offers from collectors near tourist spots.
Donate Directly: Consider donating directly to the charity organization through their official website.