Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
1. Taxi Overcharging
Avoid getting overcharged by taxis by using the meter or negotiating fares in advance.
- Meter Use: Ensure taxi meters are turned on to avoid overcharging.
- Pre-negotiated Fare: Negotiate fares in advance to avoid unexpected charges.
- Official Taxis: Use official taxis with visible meter signs for safety and fair pricing.
2. Counterfeit Goods Market
Avoid buying counterfeit goods from street vendors. Opt for legitimate shops or malls instead.
- Authenticity: Legitimate shops offer authentic goods with proper certifications.
- Product Quality: Counterfeit products may have low quality or lack essential features.
- Legal Ramifications: Buying counterfeits supports illegal activities and can lead to legal problems.
3. Faux Guide Services
Avoid unofficial guides and opt for registered ones. Request a business license or contact local tourism bureau to verify their legitimacy.
- Registered Guides: Registered guides have proper training, permits, and insurance.
- Legal Compliance: Unofficial guides may engage in illegal activities or take advantage of tourists.
- Customized Tours: Registered guides offer personalized, tailored tours based on tourist preferences.
4. Currency Exchange Scams
Exchange currency at banks or reputable exchange centers to avoid getting shortchanged. Be wary of street vendors and private exchanges.
- Secure Exchange: Banks and reputable centers provide secure, reliable currency exchange services.
- Exchange Rates: Street vendors and private exchanges may offer unfavorable exchange rates.
- Documentation: Reputable centers provide receipts for transactions, helping avoid disputes.
5. Fraudulent ATMs
Use ATMs located in banks or secure areas to minimize the risk of skimming and fraud.
- Secure ATMs: Bank ATMs are better protected against skimming devices.
- Limited Transactions: Using a single bank ATM reduces the risk of multiple attempts at skimming.
- Monitor Accounts: Regularly monitor accounts for any suspicious transactions.
6. Food Contamination
Avoid street food from unhygienic vendors. Opt for restaurants with good reviews and proper food safety standards.
- Hygiene Standards: Restaurants with good reviews prioritize food safety and cleanliness.
- Food Quality: Unhygienic street food may contain contaminants or be of low quality.
- Local Recommendations: Ask locals for restaurant recommendations to ensure a safe, enjoyable dining experience.
7. Tourist-Targeted Pickpocketing
Keep belongings secure and avoid displaying expensive items in public. Be aware of crowded areas and pickpockets' common tactics.
- Secure Possessions: Keeping belongings close prevents theft and loss.
- Avoiding Distractions: Stay aware of surroundings to avoid distraction-based pickpocketing tactics.
- Reporting Incidents: Report incidents to local authorities for appropriate action against pickpockets.
8. Overpriced Souvenirs
Bargain for souvenirs at marketplaces and shops to avoid overpaying. Compare prices at multiple locations before making a purchase.
- Price Comparison: Comparing prices helps ensure fair value for souvenirs.
- Bargaining Skills: Bargaining can help reduce the cost of souvenirs significantly.
- Local Pricing: Souvenir prices may vary based on tourist visibility. Be aware of local pricing norms.
9. Fake Accommodation Bookings
Book accommodations through reputable websites or trusted agencies to avoid scams. Confirm booking details and read reviews before making a reservation.
- Reputable Sources: Reputable sources offer secure transactions and reliable services.
- Verification: Confirm booking details to ensure the reservation is legitimate.
- Reviews: Reading reviews helps gauge the quality and trustworthiness of accommodations.
10. Transportation Ticket Scams
Purchase transportation tickets at authorized locations to avoid buying counterfeits. Be vigilant for ticket inspectors posing as passengers.
- Authorized Sales: Authorized sales points offer legitimate tickets and help avoid fraud.
- Inspection Vigilance: Be aware of ticket inspectors posing as passengers. Legitimate inspectors carry official IDs.
- Ticket Validity: Counterfeit tickets may lead to fines, deportation or other legal issues.
11. Casino Scams
Avoid casinos with suspicious activities. Stick to games you understand and set a gambling limit.
- Legitimate Casinos: Legitimate casinos have proper licensing, regulations, and security measures.
- Knowledge of Games: Understanding the games and their rules helps avoid losing money due to ignorance.
- Gambling Limits: Setting a gambling limit prevents excessive spending and potential financial loss.
12. Dating Scams
Avoid sharing personal or financial information with strangers online. Be wary of individuals seeking money for various reasons.
- Personal Information Security: Maintaining privacy helps protect against identity theft and fraud.
- Financial Safety: Avoid sharing financial information with strangers to prevent scams and fraud.
- Trust and Verification: Verifying the identity and intentions of online acquaintances can help avoid dating scams.
13. Street Performer Scams
Avoid giving money to street performers who aggressively solicit or demand payment. Evaluate the performance before offering compensation.
- Voluntary Donations: Offering donations voluntarily helps ensure they are well-deserved.
- Evaluating Performances: Judging the quality of performances can prevent overpaying for mediocre acts.
- Avoiding Aggression: Refusing aggressive solicitations can help avoid potential scams or intimidation.
14. Busking Scams
Support local musicians and artists by donating to those who offer quality performances. Be wary of poor-quality or repetitive acts seeking excessive payment.
- Quality Performances: Donating to talented performers helps support the local arts community.
- Frequency of Solicitation: Avoid donating to performers who solicit excessively or offer poor-quality acts.
- Local Artist Support: Supporting local artists helps promote the growth and development of the arts scene.
15. Fraudulent Charity Scams
Donate to legitimate charities with a proven track record. Research charities before donating to ensure your contribution goes towards its intended purpose.
- Legitimate Charities: Researching charities helps ensure your money supports the intended cause.
- Transparency: Charities with transparency report on how donations are used and their impact.
- Local Impact: Supporting local charities helps address community issues and improve the local environment.