Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Heihe, China

All Topics about Heihe All Cities in China

1. Counterfeit Currency Scams

Be wary of accepting or exchanging money that looks too perfect. Always check for security features and feel for irregularities.

Security Features: Know the security features of genuine Chinese currency.
Feel and Touch: Counterfeit bills often feel different due to poor printing or materials used.
Location: Avoid exchanging money in unofficial locations.

Always ensure the taxi meter is on and being used. If it's not, agree on a price before starting your journey.

Meter Usage: Legitimate taxis should always use the meter.
Negotiated Price: Agree on a price before starting your journey, if meter usage is not available or the driver refuses to use it.
Reputable Taxis: Only use reputable taxi companies and avoid unmarked taxis.

Always book official guides through reliable tour agencies. If you pick up a guide on the street, they might lead you to scams.

Reliable Tour Agencies: Book tours only from reputable and registered tour agencies.
Official Guides: Make sure your guide has an official badge or identification.
Avoid Street Solicitation: Do not accept unsolicited help from strangers offering to be your guide.

Haggle for prices in souvenir shops. Many items are marked up significantly for tourists.

Avoid restaurants near popular tourist attractions as they often overprice meals. Opt for local eateries instead.

Beware of offers to sell gold at significantly higher prices than market value. Always research current gold prices.

Current Gold Prices: Stay informed about the current price of gold in China.
Reputable Shops: Only buy gold from reputable and trustworthy shops.
Quality Assurance: Insist on quality assurance tests for your purchase.

Avoid buying expensive tea from street vendors. The quality and authenticity cannot be guaranteed.

Reputable Shops: Buy tea from reputable and trustworthy tea shops.
Quality Assurance: Insist on quality assurance tests for your purchase.
Research: Learn about the types of tea and their prices before making a purchase.

Always book accommodation through reputable platforms or travel agencies. Avoid booking with individuals to avoid potential scams.

Reputable Platforms: Book accommodation only on reputable online platforms.
Avoid Individual Bookings: Do not book accommodation with individuals to avoid potential scams.
Read Reviews: Always read reviews before booking any accommodation.

Only rent bikes from reputable bike rental companies. Be wary of unattended stands with no staff or contract in sight.

Reputable Companies: Rent bikes only from reputable and well-established bike rental companies.
Contract: Always sign a contract and make sure you understand the terms before renting a bike.
Inspection: Inspect the bike for any damage before renting to avoid being charged for it later.

Be wary of massage parlors that offer services at unusually low prices or target tourists. Stick to reputable spas.

Reputable Spas: Choose massage parlors with good reviews and a professional appearance.
Avoid Unusual Prices: Be wary of unusually low prices as they could be indicative of scams.
Check for Licenses: Ensure the massage parlor has a valid business license and is registered with local authorities.

Police in Heihe do not usually stop pedestrians or drivers to check their belongings. If stopped, ask for identification and remain calm.

Identification: Ask the officer for identification before complying with any requests.
Stay Calm: Remain calm and do not panic during an interaction with police officers.
Know Your Rights: Understand your rights as a foreigner in China to avoid potential misunderstandings.

Only connect to known and secure Wi-Fi networks. Be wary of unsecured public Wi-Fi hotspots that may harvest your personal information.

Secure Networks: Always use a secure network, preferably one you have created yourself.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Fi hotspots as they may be insecure and vulnerable to hacking.
VPN Usage: Use a VPN when accessing the internet in China to protect your online privacy.

Do not give out personal information over the phone, especially unsolicited calls. Hang up immediately if you suspect a scam.

Personal Information: Never share your personal or financial information over the phone.
Solicited Calls Only: Only provide information to companies with whom you have a legitimate relationship.
Report Scams: Report suspicious calls to the local police or your embassy in China.

Be wary of offers for fishing trips that promise large catches. Some operators may use illegal methods or sell shark fins illegally.

Legal Methods: Ensure the operator is using legal and sustainable fishing methods.
Avoid Large Catches: Be wary of operators promising large catches, as this may indicate illegal methods.
Shark Fin Regulations: Understand the regulations regarding shark fin trade and ensure the operator is complying with them.

Buy medication only from licensed pharmacies. Be wary of street vendors selling counterfeit or expired medicines.

Licensed Pharmacies: Always purchase medications from licensed pharmacies.
Check Expiry Dates: Inspect the expiry dates of medications before purchasing them.
Prescription Medication: If you need prescription medication, make sure to bring a valid prescription from your home country or a local doctor.