Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Huizhou, Guangdong, China

1. Taxi Overcharging

Avoid overpriced taxi rides by agreeing on the price before starting your journey.

Pre-negotiated Fare: Helps in avoiding unexpected high charges
Official Taxis: Stick to officially registered taxis for safety and reliability
Avoid Peak Hours: Travel during off-peak hours to get reasonable rates

Beware of counterfeit goods being sold in some markets. Check for quality and authenticity.

Avoid Suspicious Shops: Stay away from shops with too many discounts or selling items below market price
Check Quality and Authenticity: Inspect the goods for quality and look for signs of authenticity
Shop in Reputable Areas: Avoid backstreet markets and shop in reputable shopping areas instead

Be cautious of unofficial tour guides offering their services. Only use licensed guides.

Licensed Tour Guides: Ensure your guide has a proper license and is registered with the local tourist authority
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Ignore offers from unlicensed guides approaching you unexpectedly
Check Reviews and Ratings: Look for reviews and ratings of tour guides before booking a tour

Avoid getting scammed at currency exchange booths by using banks or reliable exchange services.

Bank Exchange Services: Use official bank exchange counters for better rates and security
Avoid Street Vendors: Stay away from street vendors offering currency exchange services
Check Exchange Rates Online: Compare exchange rates online before exchanging your currency

Avoid being ripped off when buying a sim card by purchasing from authorized retailers.

Authorized Retailers: Buy your SIM card from authorized retailers of the telecom company
Avoid Street Vendors: Stay away from street vendors offering sim cards
Check Coverage and Prices: Ensure the SIM card offers good coverage and check the prices before buying

Avoid purchasing tickets from unofficial vendors for events or attractions. Only buy tickets directly.

Official Ticket Outlets: Buy your tickets at official ticket outlets or the venue's website
Avoid Street Vendors: Stay away from street vendors selling tickets
Check Event Details: Verify event details and ticket prices online before purchasing

Avoid being overcharged at restaurants by checking prices and reading menus carefully.

Check Prices: Ensure the food and drinks you order are within your budget
Avoid Dark Restaurants: Stay away from dark, empty restaurants as they might overcharge or serve low-quality food
Read Menus Carefully: Check the menu thoroughly to avoid ordering expensive items unknowingly

Avoid being scammed by hotel operators by booking with reputable hotels and checking reviews.

Reputable Hotels: Book your accommodation at well-known, reputable hotels
Check Reviews: Read reviews from other travelers before booking a hotel
Avoid Street Agents: Book your hotel directly or through trusted online platforms, not street agents

Avoid being ripped off when buying bus or train tickets by purchasing from authorized retailers.

Authorized Retailers: Buy your bus or train ticket at the station or an authorized retailer
Avoid Street Vendors: Stay away from street vendors selling bus or train tickets
Check Schedules and Prices: Ensure the schedules and prices are correct before purchasing your ticket

Avoid being pressured into giving money to street performers by setting your own budget and being firm.

Set a Budget: Decide on the amount of money you want to spend beforehand
Be Firm but Polite: politely decline if they ask for more than what you've given or if they pressure you
Enjoy the Performance: Enjoy the performance without feeling obligated to give a large amount of money

Avoid being scammed at temples by being aware of common practices and donation requests.

Understand Temple Practices: Learn about the customs and practices of local temples before visiting
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Ignore unsolicited offers or requests for money during your visit
Donate Responsibly: Make donations at official collection boxes or to temple maintenance if you wish to contribute

Avoid being scammed by unlicensed massage parlors by visiting reputable establishments.

Licensed Massage Parlors: Visit only licensed and reputable massage parlors
Check Reviews: Read reviews from other customers before visiting a massage parlor
Avoid Street Solicitation: Do not accept offers for massages from street solicitors

Avoid renting fraudulent accommodations by booking through reputable platforms or agencies.

Reputable Platforms: Book your accommodation through well-known, reputable online platforms
Check Reviews: Read reviews from other travelers before booking an accommodation
Avoid Offers from Street Agents: Do not accept offers for accommodations from street agents or unverified websites

Avoid paying overpriced fees for public Wi-Fi by using hotels, cafes, or libraries.

Hotels and Cafes: Use the Wi-Fi at your hotel or a café to access the internet
Libraries: Visit public libraries that offer free Wi-Fi services
Avoid Street Wi-Fi Spots: Stay away from unverified street spots offering public Wi-Fi

Avoid paying fake entrance fees by verifying ticket prices and buying tickets at the official booths.

Official Booths: Buy your attraction tickets at the official booths
Check Prices Online: Verify ticket prices online before visiting an attraction
Avoid Street Vendors: Stay away from street vendors selling attraction tickets