Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Xintai, China

1. Taxi Scams

Avoid overpriced taxi rides by agreeing on the price before starting your journey.

Price Agreement: Ensure a clear and agreed-upon price before entering the taxi
Registered Taxis: Only use registered taxis with visible license plates.
Avoid Isolated Routes: Ask the taxi driver to follow main roads and avoid isolated areas.

Be wary of counterfeit goods sold at seemingly discounted prices in certain markets.

Brand Authenticity: Check for authentic logos and packaging.
Price Check: Compare prices with other shops to avoid overpriced or fake goods.
Shop Reputation: Avoid suspicious-looking shops and choose reputable ones instead.

Be cautious when hiring tour guides who offer overly cheap services or pushy sales tactics.

Check Credentials: Verify the tour guide's credentials and affiliations.
Pre-arrange Tours: Book tours through reputable travel agencies or hotels.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Stay in well-populated areas, especially during your tour.

Protect yourself from ATM skimming by using well-lit, busy ATMs and covering the PIN entry pad.

Secure ATMs: Choose ATMs located in banks or well-populated areas.
Cover PIN: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to avoid prying eyes.
Monitor Accounts: Regularly monitor your account transactions for any unusual activity.

Avoid exchange offices offering significantly higher rates or asking for commission upfront.

Check Rates: Compare exchange rates with other establishments.
No Upfront Commission: Only exchange currency once the rate is agreed upon and the transaction is complete.
Secure Exchange Offices: Exchange currency in secure, busy locations or at a bank.

Avoid being overcharged by checking prices before ordering and verifying the final bill.

Check Menu Prices: Compare menu prices with other patrons' orders.
Avoid Alcoholic Beverages: Be cautious when ordering alcoholic beverages, as they may be overpriced.
Verify Bill: Thoroughly review the final bill to ensure no unauthorized charges.

Ensure street food is safe by purchasing from popular and busy vendors.

Popular Vendors: Choose vendors with a steady flow of customers.
Hygiene: Observe the vendor's cleanliness and food preparation methods.
Avoid Suspicious Food: Stay away from food that looks spoiled or unappetizing.

Avoid ticket scalpers by purchasing tickets in advance and at authorized outlets.

Advance Purchase: Purchase tickets for popular attractions in advance.
Authorized Outlets: Buy tickets at official ticket booths or online.
Avoid Large Markups: Be aware of significantly higher prices offered by scalpers.

Avoid fake accommodation bookings by using reputable booking websites and verifying the property's details.

Reputable Websites: Book accommodation through well-known online platforms.
Property Verification: Check the property's address and photos on the booking site.
Payment Methods: Pay through secure, verified payment methods provided by the booking platform.

Avoid sim card scams by purchasing from authorized retailers and checking the SIM card before inserting it.

Authorized Retailers: Purchase SIM cards at official retailers or mobile operator stores.
Check SIM Card: Ensure the SIM card has the correct service provider logo and is not damaged.
Avoid Unsolicited Offers: Decline offers from street vendors or unknown individuals offering SIM cards.

Avoid being scammed by street beggars by verifying the authenticity of their situation.

Verification: Be cautious and verify if the beggar is truly in need.
Avoid Isolated Areas: Stay in well-populated areas, especially when giving money to beggars.
Report Suspicious Cases: Inform local authorities about any suspicious or potentially fraudulent cases.

Avoid unlicensed massage parlors by checking for proper licenses and avoiding overly cheap services.

Licensed Establishments: Choose massage parlors that display their licenses.
Avoid Overly Cheap Services: Be cautious of massage parlors offering services significantly cheaper than others.
Check for Hidden Cameras: Inspect the establishment for any hidden cameras or recording devices.

Avoid transportation scams by pre-arranging rides and negotiating prices before starting your journey.

Pre-arranged Transportation: Book transport through reputable companies or hotels.
Negotiate Price: Agree on a price before starting your journey.
Avoid Isolated Routes: Stay in well-populated areas and avoid isolated routes during transport.

Avoid being scammed by buskers by verifying their authenticity and offering small change.

Verification: Be cautious and verify if the performance is truly live.
Offer Small Change: Avoid giving large amounts of money.
Report Suspicious Cases: Inform local authorities about any suspicious or potentially fraudulent cases.

Avoid internet café scams by using reputable establishments and securing your devices.

Reputable Internet Cafés: Choose well-known and busy internet cafes.
Secure Devices: Use a VPN to protect your data and avoid saving personal information on public computers.
Avoid Unusual Requests: Refuse any unusual requests for personal information or access to your device.