Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Ankang, Shaanxi, China

All Topics about Ankang All Cities in China

1. Temple Scam Alert

Beware of guides offering excessive temple entrance fees or 'blessings' for money in Ankang temples.

Know the Standard Fees: Research standard temple entry costs before visiting.
Verify with Authorities: Ask for confirmation from temple authorities or local tourism board about genuine guides and fees.
Stick to Marked Paths: Always stick to marked paths inside the temples to avoid scams.

Avoid overpriced taxi rides by negotiating fares before starting your journey in Ankang.

Know Fare Rates: Research the standard taxi fare rates for different distances within Ankang.
Use Metered Taxis: Prefer using metered taxis over fixed-price or 'friend' taxis to avoid overcharging.
Ask for Receipt: Always ask for a receipt after your ride, as it helps in case of disputes.

Avoid buying counterfeit souvenirs by purchasing from authorized shops or markets in Ankang.

Buy from Authorized Shops: Purchase souvenirs only from authorized shops or markets.
Check Quality: Check the quality of souvenirs for authenticity before buying.
Compare Prices: Compare prices with other shops to ensure you are not overpaying for counterfeits.

Be cautious of tour guides offering unusually cheap or overly enthusiastic deals in Ankang.

Check Credentials: Ask for credentials and recommendations before hiring a guide.
Research Tour Operators: Research tour operators to ensure they are reputable and reliable.
Read Reviews: Read reviews from previous customers to gauge the quality of the guide or tour operator.

Avoid restaurants with inflated prices or hidden costs by doing your research in Ankang.

Research Restaurants: Research popular and well-reviewed restaurants before dining out.
Check Menu Prices: Check the menu prices for any hidden costs or excessive markups.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals or fellow travellers for dining recommendations.

Avoid poor-quality or overpriced accommodation by booking with reputable online platforms in Ankang.

Book from Reputable Platforms: Book accommodation through well-known and trusted online travel agencies.
Check Reviews: Check reviews from previous guests to ensure the quality of your stay.
Negotiate Prices: Negotiate prices for extended stays or off-peak periods.

Ensure street food safety by only eating from hygienic and popular vendors in Ankang.

Check Hygiene Levels: Look for clean, well-equipped food stalls with proper storage facilities.
Ask Locals: Ask locals about popular and safe street food vendors.
Avoid Risky Items: Avoid raw or undercooked items to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Protect your money by using well-lit and secure ATMs in Ankang.

Choose Well-Lit Areas: Use ATMs located in well-lit areas and avoid isolated machines.
Cover the Keypad: Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent shoulder surfing.
Monitor Transactions: Monitor your account transactions regularly to detect any unauthorized activity.

Protect your data by only using secure and reputable internet cafés in Ankang.

Choose Reputable Internet Cafes: Choose well-established and popular internet cafes to minimize the risk of data theft.
Create Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts.
Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Avoid conducting sensitive transactions like online banking or shopping while using public Wi-Fi.

Avoid buying tickets from unofficial sellers for events and attractions in Ankang.

Buy Official Tickets: Purchase tickets only from authorized ticket offices or reliable online platforms.
Check for Holograms: Authentic tickets usually have holograms or security features that counterfeit tickets lack.
Ask for Receipts: Always ask for a receipt when buying tickets to verify their authenticity.

Avoid unlicensed massage parlors that may offer illegal services in Ankang.

Choose Licensed Massage Parlors: Choose licensed and regulated massage parlors to ensure a safe and legal experience.
Check for Licenses: Ask for proof of licensing before accepting any services.
Avoid Illegal Services: Be wary of massage parlors offering services that seem questionable or illegal.

Avoid currency exchange scams by researching fair rates and using reputable exchange providers in Ankang.

Research Rates: Research the current exchange rate before exchanging your money.
Choose Reputable Providers: Use reputable currency exchange providers with good reviews and ratings.
Count Your Money: Count your exchanged money carefully before leaving the counter to ensure you receive the correct amount.

Be aware of performers or charity scammers who may try to distract you from your belongings in Ankang.

Keep Your Belongings Secure: Keep your personal belongings secure and avoid displaying valuable items openly.
Ignore Unsolicited Offers: Ignorantly unsolicited offers, especially when accompanied by emotional appeals.
Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspicious activity to local authorities or your hotel staff.

Avoid fraudulent translation services by researching and using reputable translation providers in Ankang.

Research Reputable Providers: Research well-known and reputable translation service providers.
Check Credentials: Verify the credentials of your chosen translation provider.
Avoid Street Translators: Avoid using street translators or individuals who offer translation services unexpectedly.

Protect your belongings from pickpocketing by keeping your valuables secure and aware of your surroundings in Ankang.

Keep Your Belongings Secure: Keep your personal belongings secure and avoid displaying valuable items openly.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings and be cautious in crowded areas or on public transportation.
Use Secure Storage: Use secure storage options like hotel safes or lockers when available.