Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Kuaidamao, China

1. Street Food Scam

Fraudsters may offer overpriced or poisoned street food. Be vigilant and only eat from reputable vendors.

Price Check: Always ask for prices before ordering to avoid unexpected high costs
Reputation: Choose popular, well-established food stalls with many customers
Inspect Food Quality: Check food quality before consumption and avoid suspicious or unusual ingredients

Some taxi drivers may exploit tourists by overcharging or taking longer routes. Use licensed taxis and check the meter.

Licensed Taxis: Always use licensed taxis with visible signs
Meter Usage: Insist on using the meter and confirm the price before starting the journey
Avoid Private Taxis: Refuse private taxis that do not use a meter and negotiate prices in advance

Some hotels may offer low prices but charge hidden fees. Read contracts carefully before booking.

Read Contracts: Thoroughly read the terms and conditions to avoid unexpected costs
Online Reviews: Check online reviews for genuine experiences of other travelers
Negotiate Prices: Negotiate prices upfront and clarify all charges before booking the hotel

Sellers may offer fake goods at tourist attractions. Purchase from authorized vendors.

Authorized Vendors: Always buy souvenirs and merchandise from authorized vendors
Check Quality: Examine the quality of goods before purchasing to avoid fakes
Price Check: Compare prices with other vendors and check if they seem too cheap

Unscrupulous sellers may offer sim cards with hidden fees or malware. Buy from official stores or trusted vendors.

Official Stores: Buy sim cards only from authorized retailers or official stores
Check for Hidden Fees: Ensure there are no hidden charges before activating the sim card
Scan for Malware: Scan the phone with an antivirus app before inserting the new sim card

Tourists may be targeted by fishermen offering fish catches or boat rides. Be cautious and check the prices.

Check Prices: Always ask for prices before agreeing to any service
Avoid Overcrowded Areas: Stay away from overly crowded areas and opt for less touristy spots
Check Licenses: Ensure that fishermen have proper licenses before entering into any agreements

Fraudsters may offer language services and charge exorbitant fees. Use reputable language schools.

Reputable Schools: Enroll in recognized language schools for reliable and affordable services
Ask for Recommendations: Seek recommendations from locals or trusted sources before choosing a school
Check Prices: Compare prices with other schools and ensure they are reasonable

Criminals may manipulate ATMs to steal card information. Use well-lit, busy areas and monitor your transactions.

Well-Lit Areas: Use ATMs in well-lit, busy areas with security cameras nearby
Cover Keys: Cover the keypad while entering your PIN to prevent shoulder-surfing
Check for Tampering: Inspect the ATM for any signs of tampering before using it

Some tour guides may offer subpar services or charge hidden fees. Book through reputable agencies.

Reputable Agencies: Book tours through trusted travel agents or online platforms
Check Credentials: Ensure the tour guide has proper credentials and is registered with local authorities
Read Reviews: Check online reviews for honest feedback from other travelers

Vendors may overcharge tourists for goods. Haggle and compare prices.

Haggle Prices: Always negotiate prices to get the best possible deals
Compare Prices: Compare prices with other vendors in the market
Avoid Overcrowded Areas: Stay away from overly crowded areas and opt for less touristy spots

Counterfeit tickets may be sold for popular attractions. Buy from authorized vendors or official websites.

Authorized Vendors: Always buy tickets from authorized vendors or official websites
Check Ticket Quality: Examine the quality of tickets for any signs of tampering
Compare Prices: Compare ticket prices with other sources to ensure they are reasonable

Unscrupulous currency exchange vendors may offer poor rates or exchange counterfeit money. Use banks or reputable exchange centers.

Banks: Exchange currencies at banks for a reliable and secure service
Reputable Exchange Centers: Use reputable exchange centers with good reviews from other travelers
Compare Rates: Always compare exchange rates before making transactions

Some airport transfer providers may overcharge or offer subpar services. Book through reputable agencies.

Reputable Agencies: Book transfers through trusted travel agents or online platforms
Compare Prices: Always compare prices with other transfer providers to find the best deal
Check Reviews: Read reviews from previous customers before choosing a provider

Some internet cafes may install malware or steal data. Use secure networks and protect your devices.

Secure Networks: Use trusted and secure Wi-Fi networks only
Protect Devices: Always use a VPN and keep your antivirus software up to date
Avoid Leaving Devices Unattended: Never leave your device unattended in an internet cafe

Locals may approach tourists with friendly conversations and offer help or gifts, only to ask for money. Maintain a cautious attitude.

Stay Alert: Always be aware of your surroundings and maintain a cautious attitude
Suspicion is Key: Trust your instincts and be wary of overly friendly strangers
Avoid Isolated Areas: Stay away from isolated areas and stick to popular tourist spots