Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Yiwu, China

1. Counterfeit Goods Market Scam

Be wary of cheap goods offered at the market, many are counterfeits.

Knowledgeable Dealer: Deal with trusted and experienced dealers.
Certified Products: Look for certified products to ensure authenticity.
Brand Check: Check the brand's official website or contact them directly before purchase.

Some taxis may overcharge unsuspecting tourists.

Unscrupulous money changers may provide fake currency.

Official Money Changers: Exchange money at banks or authorized exchange centers.
Check Bills Carefully: Inspect the bills carefully for any irregularities.
Use a Calculator: Always use a calculator to ensure accurate change.

Some gold vendors may sell fake or low-quality gold.

Certified Gold: Purchase certified gold from trusted dealers.
Acid Test: Perform an acid test to verify the purity of the gold.
Gold Assayer's Examination: Have the gold checked by a professional assayer.

Unlicensed tour guides may lead you to overpriced or fake attractions.

Licensed Guide: Ensure your guide is licensed by the local tourism board.
Check Contracts: Always have a written contract with your guide.
Research Attractions: Research attractions beforehand to avoid overpriced or fake ones.

Some hotels may not deliver the services promised.

Reputable Hotel Booking Sites: Book hotels through reputable online travel agencies.
Check Reviews: Read reviews of the hotel before booking.
Contact Hotel Directly: Contact the hotel directly to confirm your reservation.

Some street food vendors may serve contaminated food.

Safe Street Food Spots: Avoid eating from unhygienic or unsanitary street food spots.
Cooked in Front of You: Choose food that is cooked in front of you.
Proper Storage and Handling: Check if the vendor uses proper storage and handling methods.

Locals may approach you pretending to be friendly, but their intention is to scam.

Be Wary of Overly Friendly Strangers: Be cautious around overly friendly strangers.
Stick to Group: Travel in a group and stick together.
Avoid Sharing Personal Details: Avoid sharing personal details with strangers.

Some sim card vendors may sell faulty or overpriced cards.

Some ATMs may be rigged with skimmers to steal your card information.

Secure ATMs: Use secure and well-lit ATMs.
Cover the Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent keyloggers.
Monitor Account Regularly: Regularly monitor your account for unusual activity.

Restaurants and shops may duplicate your credit card information.

Payment Security: Choose restaurants and shops that use secure payment methods.
Credit Card Copies: Never let your credit card out of sight and never give your credit card number over the phone.
Check Statements Regularly: Regularly check your credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.

Some merchants may raise prices when they see you're a foreigner.

Some restaurants may overcharge tourists for poor quality food.

Some transportation providers may overcharge or take detours.

Some accommodations may not meet the description or have additional fees.