Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Huai’an, Jiangsu, China

All Topics about Huai’an All Cities in China

1. Temple Scam

Scammers posing as temple guides ask for donations. Always research before visiting temples.

Research Ahead: Research about the temple's donation expectations
Ask for Official Guides: Request for an official guide if needed, they usually do not ask for money
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your instincts and avoid unnecessary interactions

Unlicensed taxi drivers overcharge or take longer routes. Only use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps.

Know the License: Licensed taxis have a distinct license plate and should be easily identifiable
Use Trusted Services: Use trusted ride-hailing apps or services for safety and fair pricing
Negotiate Fare Beforehand: Always negotiate the fare before starting your journey to avoid unexpected charges

Markets selling counterfeit goods. Be cautious when shopping for electronics or branded items.

Buy from Reputable Shops: Purchase items from reputable shops or official retailers
Check Quality: Inspect the item carefully for signs of poor quality or defects
Know the Brand: Research brands before making a purchase to avoid falling for counterfeits

Some tour operators offer low prices but skip attractions or oversell tickets. Research and book tours through reputable agencies.

Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous customers to gauge the quality of service
Ask for Itinerary: Ensure the tour itinerary matches your expectations before booking
Book in Advance: Book tours well in advance to avoid rush decisions and potential scams

Skimmers installed on ATMs to steal card information. Use well-lit, secure ATMs and cover your keypad when entering PIN.

Choose Well-Lit ATMs: Always choose ATMs that are well-lit and in a busy area for increased security
Protect Your PIN: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent any potential prying eyes
Monitor Account Regularly: Regularly monitor your account for suspicious activity and report any discrepancies immediately

Unfavorable exchange rates at currency exchanges. Use banks or reputable exchange services for best rates.

Compare Rates: Compare exchange rates across multiple providers before choosing one
Avoid Street Exchanges: Avoid exchanging money on the street to minimize risks of fraud
Secure the Exchange Area: Exchange in a secure, well-lit area to ensure your safety and reduce the risk of being targeted

Overpriced or undercooked street food. Stick to busy, popular areas with many vendors.

Choose Busy Areas: Avoid deserted areas and opt for busier streets with a higher volume of vendors
Check Food Preparation: Observe food preparation methods to ensure hygiene standards are met
Ask for Prices Upfront: Always ask for prices upfront to avoid unexpected charges or overcharging

Beggars posing as tourists asking for help. Be cautious and don't share personal information or valuables.

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid isolated areas
Don't Share Personal Info: Avoid sharing personal information or valuables with strangers
Report Suspicious Activity: If you witness suspicious activity, report it to local authorities

Thieves targeting tourists in crowded areas. Keep belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables.

Secure Belongings: Use a secure bag or backpack with zippers, and keep it close at all times
Avoid Displaying Valuables: Keep valuable items hidden to avoid attracting attention
Stay Alert in Crowds: Be extra vigilant in crowded areas and public transportation

Counterfeit ferry tickets or overpriced fares. Always buy from authorized ticket sellers.

Buy from Authorized Sellers: Purchase tickets from authorized vendors or ticket offices
Compare Prices: Compare prices with other travelers to ensure you're not being overcharged
Check for Official Markings: Look for official markings on tickets to verify their authenticity

Hotels or hostels charging exorbitant prices. Research and book ahead to find affordable options.

Research Ahead: Compare prices across multiple booking platforms before making a decision
Check Location: Choose accommodation in safe, convenient locations to minimize additional costs
Read Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to gauge the quality of service and value for money

Computers infected with malware. Use reputable internet cafés or use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi.

Choose Reputable Internet Cafes: Avoid deserted or shady internet cafés and choose well-established, busy ones
Use a VPN: Use a VPN to encrypt your connection and protect yourself from potential threats
Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Avoid conducting sensitive transactions, like banking or shopping, on public computers

Fraudulent emails or messages asking for personal information. Be cautious and never share sensitive info online.

Verify Sender's Identity: Always verify the sender's identity before responding to any requests for personal information
Secure Connections: Use secure connections, such as HTTPS, when entering sensitive information online
Report Suspicious Emails: If you receive a suspicious email, report it to the relevant authorities and delete it immediately

Counterfeit guidebooks selling for inflated prices. Stick to reputable bookstores or purchase online.

Purchase from Reputable Bookstores: Purchase guidebooks from established, well-known bookstores
Compare Prices: Compare prices with other travelers to ensure you're not being overcharged
Check for Official Markings: Look for official markings on guidebooks to verify their authenticity

Locals pretending to be friendly to gain trust and access your personal information. Be cautious and avoid sharing sensitive info with strangers.

Trust Your Instincts: Trust your instincts and be cautious when interacting with strangers
Keep Personal Info Private: Avoid sharing personal information or valuables with strangers
Report Suspicious Activity: If you witness suspicious activity, report it to local authorities