Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Shaoguan, China

1. Taxi Scam at Shaoguan Airport

Unscrupulous taxi drivers may overcharge tourists or take longer routes. Avoid this by using official airport taxis or negotiating prices beforehand.

Official Taxis: Taxi services available from designated counters.
Negotiation: Agree on prices before starting the journey to avoid overcharging.
Metered Rides: Insist on using the meter for a fair price.

Fraudulent shopping centers selling counterfeit goods. Be cautious and only buy from authorized stores.

Authorized Stores: Shop in malls with well-known brands or authorized retailers.
Brand Authenticity: Look for authenticity certificates or holograms on the products.
Bargaining Prices: Be wary of extremely low prices as it may indicate counterfeit goods.

Some street food vendors may use low-quality ingredients or even serve non-edible items. Stick to popular, busy food stalls.

Popular Food Stalls: Look for busy food stalls with many customers.
Cleanliness: Avoid dirty or unsanitary food stalls.
Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on popular and safe street food spots.

Unlicensed tour guides may charge excessive fees or lead tourists to scams. Only use registered guides or arrange tours through trusted agencies.

Registered Guides: Tour guides must have a registration card and wear uniforms.
Trusted Agencies: Book tours through reputable agencies with positive reviews.
Ask for ID: Insist on seeing the guide's ID and registration card before starting the tour.

Hotels may overbook rooms, leaving tourists stranded. Book through reputable agencies or hotels directly.

Reputable Agencies: Book accommodation through established travel agencies.
Direct Hotel Bookings: Book directly with the hotel to avoid double-booking issues.
Reserve Ahead: Make reservations well in advance to ensure availability.

Unfavorable exchange rates or additional fees at some currency exchange outlets. Use official banks or recognized exchange centers.

Official Banks: Exchange money at authorized banks.
Recognized Centers: Use well-known exchange centers with good reviews.
Check Rates: Compare exchange rates at multiple locations before making a decision.

strangers offering to help find lost phones and demanding a reward. Keep your phone secure and avoid showing it openly.

Phone Security: Keep your phone in a safe place and don't show it openly.
Avoid Strangers: Avoid interacting with strangers offering help.
Contact Service Provider: Report the loss to your service provider and lock your phone.

Unauthorized SIM card vendors may sell faulty or locked SIM cards. Purchase from official stores or authorized dealers.

Official Stores: Buy SIM cards at mobile service provider stores.
Authorized Dealers: Purchase SIM cards from authorized dealers in shopping malls or airports.
Check Activation: Ensure the SIM card is activated before leaving the store.

Illegal massage parlors may offer erotic services. Only use licensed and reputable spas or massage centers.

Licensed Spas: Check for licenses and permits displayed in the massage parlor.
Reputable Centers: Choose well-known massage centers with positive reviews.
Ask for Recommendations: Get recommendations from locals or fellow travelers.

Public Wi-Fi networks may be used to steal personal information. Use a VPN service and avoid logging into sensitive accounts.

VPN Services: Use a trusted VPN service for secure internet access.
Avoid Sensitive Accounts: Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi networks.
Check Network Names: Be cautious of unusual or unofficial network names.

Some bus drivers may overcharge tourists or take longer routes. Only use official buses and negotiate prices beforehand.

Official Buses: Take buses from designated stops with clearly marked routes.
Negotiation: Agree on prices before starting the journey to avoid overcharging.
Metered Rides: Insist on using the meter for a fair price.

Counterfeit tickets or overpriced tickets sold by unauthorized vendors. Only buy tickets from official ticket offices.

Official Ticket Offices: Buy tickets at the attraction's main entrance.
Avoid Unauthorized Vendors: Avoid buying tickets from street vendors or unofficial sellers.
Check Ticket Validity: Ensure the ticket has a valid logo and barcode.

Some tourist attractions may charge higher entrance fees for foreigners. Research attraction costs before visiting.

Research Costs: Check the official website or ask a local about attraction prices.
Avoid Unofficial Sellers: Buy tickets at the main entrance or authorized ticket offices.
Check Entrance Fees: Compare prices with other attractions in the area and be cautious of unusually high fees.

Performers may demand money for a photo or performance. Be wary and only pay for genuine services.

Genuine Services: Only pay for legitimate performances or photos.
Avoid Aggressive Performers: Avoid performers who are overly aggressive or pushy about payment.
Check Prices: Ask for prices before accepting any services.

Some beggars may pose as tourists and try to pickpocket. Be aware of your belongings and avoid giving money indiscriminately.

Awareness: Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid showing large amounts of cash.
Give Carefully: If you choose to give, do so carefully and never give more than a few coins.
Report Suspicious Behavior: Report any suspicious behavior or begging to local authorities.