Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Shuangyashan, China

1. Sim Card Scam

Sellers offering discounted SIM cards with unlimited data. The SIM card may not work or have hidden charges.

Official Retailer: Buy from an official retail store to avoid scams.
Check Coverage: Ensure the SIM card covers the areas you will visit.
Read Contract Carefully: Avoid hidden charges by reading contracts thoroughly.

Taxis overcharging tourists by taking longer routes or inflating fares.

Use App-based Taxis: Use app-based taxi services for fixed fares.
Ask for Receipt: Ask the driver for a receipt as evidence of the fare.
Negotiate Fare Beforehand: Negotiate the fare before starting the journey to avoid surprises.

Markets selling counterfeit goods such as bags, watches, and electronics.

Buy from Official Stores: Purchase goods from official stores or reputable shops to avoid fakes.
Look for Quality: Check the quality of goods before buying, as fake products often have poor craftsmanship.
Ask for Receipt: Always ask for a receipt and check it carefully to ensure legitimacy.

Tour guides without proper licenses offering cheap tours. They may not provide good service or take you to scam sites.

Check Licenses: Ensure the guide has a valid tour guide license.
Read Reviews: Read reviews of the guide online to gauge their reputation.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask for recommendations from locals or reputable hotels.

Street food vendors offering contaminated or low-quality food to tourists.

Choose Busy Areas: Avoid eating from street vendors in deserted areas.
Look for Crowds: Find busy food stalls with many customers as a sign of popularity and cleanliness.
Ask Locals: Ask locals for recommendations on good street food vendors.

ATMs installed in secluded areas that skim card details or dispense fake notes.

Use Bank ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks or reputable stores to avoid scams.
Check ATM for Tampering: Inspect the ATM for signs of tampering such as stickers or loose parts.
Monitor Account Activity: Regularly monitor your account activity to detect any suspicious transactions.

Vendors accepting counterfeit money as payment from tourists.

Check Bills Carefully: Inspect the bills carefully for signs of counterfeiting, such as poor quality or missing security features.
Count Change: Count your change to ensure you received the correct amount.
Use ATMs for Large Transactions: Use ATMs for large transactions instead of carrying large amounts of cash.

Hotels or hostels overcharging tourists for substandard accommodations.

Book Online: Book accommodation online through reputable travel sites.
Check Reviews: Read reviews of the accommodation before booking.
Negotiate Rates: Negotiate rates for extended stays or during off-peak seasons.

Tourists are lured into paying for cultural performances that are fake or overpriced.

Research Authentic Shows: Research authentic cultural shows and performances.
Ask Locals for Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on genuine cultural experiences.
Check Prices: Compare prices with other similar performances to ensure fair pricing.

Scammers taking advantage of language barriers to deceive tourists.

Use Translation Apps: Use translation apps or carry a pocket dictionary for communication.
Ask for Receipts and Contracts in English: Insist on receipts and contracts written in English to avoid misunderstandings.
Travel with a Guide: Consider traveling with a guide who speaks the local language.

Tourists are charged inflated prices for souvenirs and trinkets.

Bargain: Always bargain for a lower price.
Compare Prices: Compare prices with other shops before purchasing.
Ask Locals for Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on good souvenir shops.

Tea shops serving low-quality tea or overcharging tourists.

Research Popular Tea Houses: Research popular tea houses for authentic and high-quality tea experiences.
Ask Locals for Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on good tea shops to avoid scams.
Check Reviews: Read reviews of the tea shop online before visiting.

Pickpocketing or theft from tourists in crowded areas or tourist attractions.

Secure Belongings: Keep belongings secure and hidden, preferably using a slash-proof bag.
Stay Aware of Surroundings: Stay aware of surroundings and avoid distractions that may lead to theft.
Use Safety Deposit Boxes: Store valuable items in safety deposit boxes provided by accommodations.

Tourists are sold fake or overpriced tickets for attractions and events.

Check Official Sources: Buy tickets from official sources to avoid scams.
Compare Prices: Compare prices with other ticket vendors to ensure fair pricing.
Check for Authorized Sellers: Look for authorized sellers or partners of the attraction.

Massage parlors that offer illegal services such as prostitution.

Check for Licenses: Ensure the massage parlor has a valid license.
Avoid Secluded Areas: Avoid visiting massage parlors in secluded areas.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals or hotel staff for recommendations on reputable massage parlors.