Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Laibin, Guangxi, China

1. Taxi Scams

Unscrupulous taxi drivers may overcharge or take a longer route. Avoid by using registered taxis or ride-hailing apps.

Registered Taxis: Official, metered taxis with logos and registration numbers
Ride-Hailing Apps: Apps like Didi Chuxing for safe, affordable rides.
Avoid Street Hails: Street hailed taxis may overcharge or refuse meter usage

Markets selling fake branded goods. To avoid buying fakes, stick to official stores and be cautious.

Official Stores: Authorized retailers of popular brands
Haggling: Avoid bargaining to prevent being offered fake goods
Product Quality: Check product details for signs of poor quality or irregularities.

Criminals may use skimming devices on ATMs to steal your card information. Use secure ATMs and cover the keypad.

Some hotels or hostels may overcharge tourists. Research prices online and negotiate before booking.

Online Price Comparison: Compare prices on various accommodation websites
Negotiate Prices: Ask for discounts or better deals when booking.
Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to ensure quality and fair prices.

Unsafe food preparation can lead to illness. Eat at reputable restaurants and avoid street food.

Reputable Restaurants: Establishments with good hygiene practices
Avoid Street Food: Street food may not be prepared safely or properly stored.
Cooking Methods: Ask about cooking methods to ensure food is well-cooked and safe.

Tour guides without licenses may provide inaccurate or misleading information. Only hire registered tour guides.

Registered Tour Guides: Guides with official credentials and licenses
Ask for Recommendations: Seek recommendations from trusted sources.
Check Credentials: Ensure guides have proper identification and credentials.

Counterfeit tickets sold for attractions or events. Buy tickets from official sources to avoid issues.

Official Sources: Ticket offices at the attraction or event.
Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell counterfeit tickets.
Check Ticket Quality: Counterfeits may have poor print quality, inconsistencies, or missing details.

Scammers may call pretending to be from a bank or authorities. Hang up and contact the institution directly.

Contact Directly: Call the official number listed on your card or institution's website.
Avoid Sharing Info: Never share sensitive information over the phone.
Recognize Scam Signs: Scammers may demand immediate action, use threats or urgency in their tone.

Cybercriminals may install keyloggers on internet café computers. Use your own device or be cautious when using public computers.

Use Own Device: Bring and use your own laptop or mobile device.
Choose Reputable Cafés: Cafés with good security measures, such as anti-virus software.
Avoid Online Banking: Avoid online banking or sensitive transactions on public computers.

Thieves may pickpocket tourists. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of crowded areas.

Secure Belongings: Use bags with lockable zippers or wear a money belt.
Avoid Distractions: Stay aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.
Don't Display Wealth: Minimize the appearance of expensive items to reduce attractiveness to thieves.

Exchange bureaus may offer unfair exchange rates. Research the current rate and use reputable exchange services.

Check Current Rates: Research the current exchange rate online before exchanging.
Avoid Street Exchanges: Street exchanges may offer unfavorable rates or cheat customers.
Choose Reputable Services: Use banks, hotels, or official exchange bureaus for currency exchange.

Charities may not be legitimate. Research charities and only donate to trusted organizations.

Research Charities: Verify the charity's legitimacy and purpose before donating.
Avoid Street Donations: Street donation requests may not be legitimate or go to the intended cause.
Donate through Trusted Channels: Donate through established organizations, websites, or banks.

Scammers may befriend tourists for financial gain. Be cautious when meeting new people and don't share sensitive information.

Be Cautious with New Acquaintances: Take time to get to know someone before sharing personal or financial information.
Avoid Financial Transactions: Do not send or receive money from strangers, especially online.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels suspicious, trust your intuition and avoid the situation.

Scammers may create fake profiles to scam tourists. Avoid dating online while traveling or use reputable sites with ID verification.

Avoid Dating Online While Traveling: Wait until you return home to date online.
Use Reputable Sites with ID Verification: Sites that verify user identities, such as Tinder Plus or OkCupid Pro.
Be Cautious and Protective: Never share sensitive information with strangers and be cautious of requests for money.

Vendors may overcharge tourists. Research prices beforehand and negotiate confidently.

Research Prices Beforehand: Look up prices online or ask locals for an estimate.
Negotiate Confidently: Show the vendor that you are knowledgeable and confident in your negotiation.
Avoid Showing Wealth: Minimize the appearance of expensive items to avoid being overcharged.