Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Ningde, China

1. Tourist Trap Restaurants

Overpriced food in crowded restaurants near popular attractions.

Pricing Discrepancy: Check prices before ordering to avoid unexpected costs.
Authenticity Check: Avoid restaurants with only English menus or too many foreigners.
Location Awareness: Find local eateries away from tourist hotspots for genuine flavors.

Unlicensed taxi drivers overcharging tourists or leading them to scams.

License Verification: Check for an official Ningde taxi license and meter usage.
Prepaid Taxis: Use prepaid taxis at the airport or train station to avoid overcharging.
Sharing Apps: Download local ride-sharing apps for safer and cheaper rides.

Street vendors selling fake branded goods at low prices.

Quality Assurance: Beware of deals that seem too good to be true.
Legitimate Sellers: Shop at official brand stores or reputable shops for authentic goods.
Warranty and Return: Check for warranties or return policies before purchasing.

Unscrupulous tour guides leading tourists to overpriced shops and attractions.

Research Tour Operators: Choose reputable tour operators with good reviews.
Itinerary Verification: Verify the itinerary before booking and negotiate prices upfront.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your instincts and ask questions.

Renting substandard accommodations or overbooked hotels.

Reviews and Ratings: Check reviews, ratings, and images of accommodations online.
Payment Method: Pay only through secure channels like credit cards or reputable booking sites.
Location Awareness: Choose accommodations in safe and convenient areas.

Common street scams targeting tourists like pickpocketing or overpriced services.

Awareness and Vigilance: Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid showing off valuable items.
Trusted Locals: Seek advice from trusted locals or your accommodation staff.
Safety Precautions: Use safety measures like travel wallets and keep important documents secure.

Exchanging money at unfavorable rates or giving counterfeit currency.

Research Rates: Compare exchange rates online and negotiate beforehand.
Secure Locations: Exchange money at banks or reputable exchange centers.
Count and Verify: Count your currency immediately after exchanging to avoid errors.

Friendly locals offering help but leading tourists to scams or overpriced services.

Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your instincts and ask questions.
Ask for Help from Staff: Seek help from hotel or local tourism office staff instead.
Be Skeptical but Polite: Be wary but polite, as most locals are friendly and helpful.

Skimming devices on ATMs or charging hidden fees.

Secure Locations: Use ATMs in banks or secure locations during daylight.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent skimming.
Monitor Account Regularly: Regularly check your account for any unusual transactions.

Selling tickets to attractions at a higher price than the official rate.

Official Sellers: Buy tickets directly from the attraction or reputable sellers.
Online Booking: Book tickets online in advance to avoid overpricing.
Group Discounts: Take advantage of group discounts if traveling with friends.

Crowded festivals may lead to pickpocketing or other scams.

Crowd Awareness: Stay aware of your belongings and surroundings during crowded events.
Secure Locations: Keep valuable items in secure pockets or travel wallets.
Trusted Locals: Ask locals about any potential risks during the festival.

Bottled water refilled with tap water or contaminated water.

Reputable Brands: Stick to reputable bottled water brands.
Sealed Bottles: Check for unopened and sealed bottles.
Buy at Reputable Locations: Purchase bottled water from reputable shops or restaurants.

Internet cafes installing keyloggers to steal personal information.

Secure Connections: Use secure connections like VPNs for sensitive activities.
Reputable Cafes: Choose reputable internet cafes with good reviews.
Use Trusted Devices: Avoid using unknown or unsecured devices for sensitive tasks.

Massage parlors offering services that may be illegal or unsafe.

Night markets may have overpriced items, fake goods, or pickpocketing.

Bargain Skillfully: Negotiate prices and avoid buying from the first vendor.
Avoid Distractions: Be aware of distractions designed to grab your attention.
Stay in Well-lit Areas: Stay in well-lit areas and avoid isolated or dark spots.