Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Xuanzhou, Anhui, China
1. Taxi Scams
Avoid overcharging and fraudulent taxi drivers. Always use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps.
- Licensed Taxis: Official taxis have distinctive livery and number plates.
- Ride-Sharing Apps: Apps like Didi provide convenience, safety, and transparent pricing.
- Avoid Unmarked Taxis: Unlicensed taxis may overcharge or engage in fraudulent activities.
2. Counterfeit Goods Market
Avoid buying counterfeit goods from street vendors. Purchase only from authorized retailers.
- Authorized Retailers: Official stores have original products with a warranty.
- Guaranteed Authenticity: Counterfeit goods may not meet safety or quality standards.
- Support Local Economy: Buying from authorized retailers helps support local businesses and the economy.
3. ATM Skimming Scams
Protect your card from skimming devices at unauthorized ATMs. Use bank ATMs or those inside shopping malls.
- Bank ATMs: ATMs affiliated with banks have better security measures.
- Shopping Mall ATMs: ATMs inside shopping malls are safer due to surveillance cameras.
- Cover the PIN Entry: Cover your hand while entering your PIN to prevent shoulder-surfing.
4. Fake Tour Guides
Avoid unlicensed tour guides who may lead you to scams. Only hire licensed guides or those recommended by your hotel.
- Licensed Tour Guides: Licensed guides have a guide ID and will introduce themselves.
- Hotel Recommendations: Hotels can provide reliable and trustworthy tour guide recommendations.
- Avoid Street Solicitation: Street solicited guides may lead you to scams or overcharge.
5. Fake Tickets for Attractions
Avoid purchasing fake tickets for attractions from unauthorized sellers. Buy tickets directly at the attraction or authorized ticket offices.
- Attraction Box Office: Tickets sold at the attraction box office are guaranteed to be valid.
- Authorized Ticket Offices: Authorized ticket offices have a partnership with the attraction and sell legitimate tickets.
- Check for Official Logo: Ticket vendors should display the official logo of the attraction.
6. Fraudulent Money Changers
Avoid exchanging money with unauthorized money changers. Use banks or authorized exchange bureaus.
- Banks: Banks have secure facilities and competitive exchange rates.
- Authorized Exchange Bureaus: Exchange bureaus are easily identifiable with a license or official logo.
- Avoid Street Transactions: Street money changers may give you less money in exchange for your currency.
7. Begging and Scams in Crowded Areas
Be cautious when approached by beggars or suspicious individuals in crowded areas. Do not share personal information or money.
- Do Not Share Personal Info: Never share your passport, credit card, or other sensitive personal information.
- Avoid Giving Money: Giving money may encourage more solicitation and increase the risk of scams.
- Be Aware of Your Belongings: Keep your belongings secure and be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas.
8. Fraudulent Wi-Fi Hotspots
Avoid using unsecured Wi-Fi networks that may expose your personal information to hackers. Use Wi-Fi provided by hotels or reputable establishments.
- Hotel Wi-Fi: Hotel Wi-Fi is secure and encrypted, providing a safer connection.
- Reputable Establishments: Coffee shops or restaurants with a good reputation are more likely to have secure Wi-Fi networks.
- Use a VPN: Using a VPN can provide an additional layer of security when using public Wi-Fi networks.
9. Scams at Night Markets
Avoid overpriced items, fake food vendors, and pickpocketing at night markets. Stick to well-known establishments and be aware of your belongings.
- Well-Known Establishments: Established businesses with a good reputation are more likely to offer fair prices.
- Avoid Unattended Food Stalls: Unattended food stalls may serve spoiled or contaminated food.
- Keep Belongings Secure: Keep your belongings secure and be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas.
10. Transportation Scams on Buses
Avoid overpaying or being directed to the wrong bus stop. Buy tickets at the bus station and be aware of common scamming techniques.
- Buy Tickets at the Station: Buying tickets from the driver may lead to overcharging or being directed to the wrong stop.
- Avoid Strangers Offering Help: Strangers offering help with directions or tickets may engage in scams.
- Be Aware of Fare Scamming: Some bus drivers may ask for excessive fares, especially from tourists.
11. Scams at Local Festivals and Events
Avoid overpriced items, fake food vendors, and pickpocketing at local festivals and events. Stick to well-known establishments and be aware of common scamming techniques.
- Well-Known Establishments: Established businesses with a good reputation are more likely to offer fair prices.
- Avoid Unattended Food Stalls: Unattended food stalls may serve spoiled or contaminated food.
- Be Aware of Pickpocketing: In crowds, be aware of pickpocketing and keep your belongings secure.
12. Dating Scams
Avoid online dating scams by verifying the identity of potential partners, never share sensitive information, and meet in public places.
- Verify Identity: Perform a reverse image search to verify if the person's photos are genuine.
- Never Share Sensitive Info: Do not share sensitive personal information such as your address, bank details, or passport number.
- Meet in Public Places: Always meet new people in public places and let others know about the meeting.
13. Scams at Bars and Clubs
Avoid overpriced drinks, drink spiking, and theft at bars and clubs. Stick to reputable establishments and keep your belongings secure.
- Reputable Establishments: Established businesses with a good reputation are more likely to offer fair prices.
- Do Not Leave Drinks Unattended: Never leave your drink unattended, as it may be spiked or tampered with.
- Keep Belongings Secure: Keep your belongings secure and be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas.
14. Accommodation Scams
Avoid fake accommodations or overpriced rooms. Book through reputable platforms or directly with the property.
- Reputable Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, and Expedia are trustworthy accommodation booking sites.
- Direct Booking with Property: Contacting the property directly can help ensure a legitimate reservation.
- Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Unsolicited offers for accommodations may be scams or overpriced rooms.
15. Street Food Scams
Avoid undercooked, contaminated, or fake food at street food stalls. Choose well-established vendors with good hygiene practices.
- Well-Established Vendors: Choose vendors who have been in business for a long time and are popular among locals.
- Good Hygiene Practices: Look for clean food preparation areas, gloves, and other signs of good hygiene practices.
- Avoid Unattended Stalls: Unattended stalls may serve spoiled or contaminated food.