Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Jiamusi, Heilongjiang, China
1. Taxi Scams
Avoid overcharging and unwarranted detours by using authorized taxis or apps like Didi Chuxing.
- Authorized Taxis: Official, regulated taxis with meter usage.
- Didi Chuxing App: China's most popular ride-hailing app with real-time pricing and driver tracking.
- Avoid Unmarked Taxis: Unregistered taxis may overcharge or take circuitous routes.
2. Counterfeit Goods Market
Avoid buying fake goods from street vendors in Black Street Market. Purchase authentic merchandise at authorized shops.
- Black Street Market: Known for selling counterfeit goods.
- Authorized Shops: Offer authentic Jiamusi souvenirs and products.
- Check for Quality: Fake goods often lack the quality of genuine items.
3. Fraudulent Tour Guides
Ensure tour guides are registered with local authorities and always confirm prices before booking tours.
- Registered Guides: Licensed by the local government, ensuring adherence to regulations.
- Price Confirmation: Avoid surprise additional charges or overcharging.
- Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous customers for a reliable tour guide service.
4. ATM Skimming Scams
Use ATMs at banks or inside shopping malls to minimize risk of card skimming and theft.
- Bank ATMs: Better security measures against skimming devices.
- Shopping Mall ATMs: Surveillance cameras provide an extra layer of safety.
- Cover the PIN: Protect your PIN from potential thieves and skimmers.
5. Sim Card Scams
Purchase official sim cards at authorized retailers to avoid issues with service or identity theft.
- Authorized Retailers: Official resellers of mobile carriers like China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Unauthorized sim cards may not function or pose security risks.
- Check IMEI Number: Ensure the sim card has a unique IMEI number and works on your device.
6. Unlicensed Money Exchanges
Use authorized money exchange services at banks or airport to ensure fair exchange rates and prevent theft.
- Bank Exchange Services: Official, regulated exchange services with secure transactions.
- Airport Exchange Services: Authorized exchange services for convenience and fair rates.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Unlicensed vendors may offer unfavorable exchange rates or steal traveler's money.
7. Fake Restaurants and Food Scams
Avoid street food vendors without proper permits and dine at established restaurants to ensure safe and authentic meals.
- Established Restaurants: Licensed and regulated dining options with quality food.
- Check for Permits: Legitimate street food vendors will have proper permits visible.
- Avoid Eating Uncooked Food: Cooked food is safer from potential contamination or bacteria.
8. Accommodation Scams
Book accommodations through reputable platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, or local hostels to avoid substandard facilities and scams.
- Reputable Platforms: Provide a secure booking process with customer reviews.
- Local Hostels: Offer affordable, reliable accommodations and local advice.
- Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests for an idea of the quality of the accommodation.
9. Unlicensed Massage Parlors
Visit massage parlors with a visible license and positive customer reviews to avoid unwanted services or fraudulent practices.
- Visible License: Legally operating establishments display their licenses openly.
- Positive Customer Reviews: Indicate a trustworthy and professional service.
- Avoid Secretive Parlors: Unlicensed massage parlors may engage in illegal activities or provide subpar services.
10. Overpriced Public Transportation Tickets
Purchase public transportation tickets at official sales points to avoid overcharging and ensure validity.
- Official Sales Points: Legitimate ticket vendors with authorized sales.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Unauthorized vendors may overcharge or sell invalid tickets.
- Check Ticket Price: Familiarize yourself with the standard ticket prices to avoid being overcharged.
11. Unwanted Friendship Scams
Be cautious of unsolicited friendships online and only share personal information with trusted individuals.
- Avoid Sharing Personal Info: Protect sensitive data from potential scammers.
- Verify Identities: Confirm the identity of new acquaintances before sharing personal information.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Inform authorities if encountering potential scams or fraudulent activities.
12. Pickpocketing
Keep valuables in a secure location and be aware of your surroundings to avoid pickpocketing.
- Secure Wallet or Bag: Zippers, locks, or RFID-blocking wallets can help protect valuables.
- Avoid Distractions: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings to avoid potential theft.
- Don't Display Valuables: Keep visible valuables, such as smartphones or wallets, hidden.
13. Beggar Scams
Avoid giving money to beggars, especially those traveling in groups, as they may be part of organized scams.
- Organized Scams: Groups of beggars often work together to deceive travelers.
- Donate to Legitimate Organizations: Support charities and organizations that help the needy in Jiamusi.
- Avoid Encouraging Dependency: Giving money to beggars can create a cycle of dependency.
14. Ticket Scalping
Buy event tickets from authorized sellers or official outlets to avoid overpriced scalped tickets.
- Authorized Sellers: Official ticket vendors with authorized sales.
- Avoid Street Vendors: Unauthorized vendors may overcharge or sell invalid tickets.
- Check Ticket Price: Familiarize yourself with the standard ticket prices to avoid being overcharged.
15. Fake Guides or Tour Scams
Verify the authenticity of tour guides and book tours through reputable agencies to avoid scams.
- Reputable Agencies: Provide a secure booking process with customer reviews.
- Check Guides' Credentials: Ensure tour guides are licensed and experienced.
- Avoid Street Approaches: Unlicensed guides may offer subpar or fraudulent tours.