Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Huaiyin, China

1. Taxi Overcharging

Avoid being overcharged by unscrupulous taxi drivers. Always use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps.

Licensed Taxis: Official, metered taxis are the safest option
Ride-Sharing Apps: Provides transparent pricing and GPS tracking
Avoid Unmarked Taxis: Unlicensed taxis may charge excessively or not use a meter

Avoid purchasing counterfeit goods that flood local markets. Look for reputable shops and authentic brands.

Reputable Shops: Shops with a long-standing reputation are less likely to sell counterfeits
Authentic Brands: Legitimate brands have official storefronts and quality assurance
Price Check: Check prices online or compare with other stores to avoid overpaying for counterfeits

Ensure street food is safe and hygienic. Look for busy vendors with high turnover.

Busy Vendors: High volume means fresher ingredients and quicker food preparation
Clean Environment: A clean workspace indicates attention to hygiene and food safety
Food Handling: Watch how the vendor handles food to ensure safe practices

Avoid tour guides who offer overpriced or fake experiences. Research guides and companies before booking.

Research Guides: Check reviews, licenses, and credentials of potential guides
Company Reputation: Choose established tour companies with a good track record
Avoid Street Solicitation: Street-solicited guides may offer subpar or fraudulent services

Avoid being shortchanged at money exchange shops. Use reputable places and compare rates.

Reputable Shops: Shops with a long-standing reputation are less likely to cheat customers
Compare Rates: Check multiple shops for the best exchange rates
Check Currency: Ensure received bills are authentic and in good condition

Avoid being overcharged or sold a fake SIM card. Purchase from official outlets or reputable vendors.

Protect yourself from ATM skimming by using secure machines and monitoring your accounts.

Secure Machines: Look for machines in well-lit, busy areas with no suspicious devices attached
Monitor Accounts: Regularly check your accounts for unauthorized transactions
Cover Keypad: Cover the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent shouldering

Avoid being scammed at temples by donating only to official collections. Be wary of aggressive solicitors.

Official Collections: Collections with temple staff or clearly marked donation boxes
Avoid Aggressive Solicitors: Decline offers from aggressive solicitors, they may not be legitimate
Research Temple Customs: Understand the customary donation amounts and practices at each temple

Avoid being overcharged or scammed in hotels. Book with reputable hotel chains or check prices online.

Reputable Hotel Chains: Hotels with a good reputation for service and security
Check Prices Online: Compare prices across multiple booking sites to avoid overpaying
Room Condition: Inspect the room for any discrepancies before agreeing to stay

Avoid restaurants with fake positive reviews. Look for a mix of reviews, including negative ones.

Mixed Reviews: Restaurants with both positive and negative reviews are more reliable
Avoid Overly Positive Reviews: Overly positive reviews without constructive criticism may be fake
Check Location: Restaurants in busy areas or with a long history are more likely to be authentic

Avoid fake tourist attractions by researching them before visiting. Look for official marketing materials and reviews.

Official Marketing Materials: Attractions with legitimate brochures, websites, or signs
Check Reviews: Attractions with positive reviews and photos from other visitors
Avoid Street Solicitation: Street-solicited attractions may be fake or overpriced

Avoid unlicensed massage parlors that may offer inappropriate services. Look for licensed establishments and check reviews.

Licensed Establishments: Massage parlors with a legitimate business license
Check Reviews: Massage parlors with positive reviews and good customer service
Avoid Seedy Locations: Avoid massage parlors in seedy areas or with suspicious signs

Avoid transportation ticket scams by purchasing tickets at official outlets. Be wary of strangers offering discounted or fake tickets.

Official Outlets: Transportation ticket offices or vending machines
Avoid Strangers Offering Tickets: Strangers may offer fake or overpriced tickets
Check Prices Online: Compare ticket prices online to avoid being overcharged

Avoid airline ticket scams by booking through reputable travel agencies or directly on the airline's website.

Reputable Travel Agencies: Travel agencies with a good reputation and customer reviews
Airline's Website: Booking directly on the airline's website ensures authentic tickets
Check Flights Before Booking: Confirm flight schedules and availability before finalizing the booking

Avoid bogus accommodation listings by booking through reputable platforms or directly with the property owner.

Reputable Platforms: Accommodation booking platforms with a good reputation and customer reviews
Direct Booking with Property Owner: Booking directly through the property owner can eliminate scams
Check Photos and Reviews: Verify photos match the accommodation and check for positive reviews from other guests