Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Dayan, China

1. Taxi Scam Avoidance

Avoid overpriced or misdirected taxi rides by using licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi.

Licensed Taxis: Only take licensed taxis identified by a yellow license plate.
Ride-hailing Apps: Use Didi or other trusted ride-hailing apps for safer and more affordable journeys.
Avoid Street Hails: Avoid hailing taxis from the street to avoid potential scams.

Avoid purchasing fake goods at Dayan's bustling markets. Look for genuine products from trusted vendors.

Genuine Vendors: Purchase items from well-established and reputable vendors.
Check for Quality: Inspect the goods carefully to ensure they are of high quality.
Price Comparison: Compare prices with other vendors to avoid overpaying.

Avoid being charged excessively for accommodations by booking through trusted travel websites or local hostels.

Trusted Travel Websites: Book accommodations on reliable travel websites like Booking.com or Agoda.
Local Hostels: Stay at local hostels for affordable and authentic experiences.
Avoid Street Haggling: Avoid negotiating prices on the street to avoid potential scams.

Avoid being charged for unwanted extras at restaurants by double-checking your bill and asking about hidden charges.

Check Your Bill: Thoroughly examine the bill before paying to ensure all charges are legitimate.
Ask About Hidden Charges: Inquire about any additional fees or charges that may not be clearly displayed.
Reputable Restaurants: Dine at popular and reputable restaurants to minimize the risk of deception.

Avoid being led astray by unlicensed tour guides. Use only licensed and recommended tour operators.

Licensed Tour Operators: Book tours with legitimate, licensed operators.
Recommendations: Seek recommendations from trusted sources or travel forums to find reliable tour guides.
Check Credentials: Verify the guide's credentials and ensure they are licensed to operate tours in Dayan.

Avoid having your bank details stolen by using ATMs inside banks or well-lit and busy areas.

Inside Banks: Use ATMs located within banks for increased security.
Well-lit and Busy Areas: Choose ATMs that are well-lit and located in busy areas to reduce the risk of tampering.
Cover Your PIN: Always cover your PIN when entering it at the ATM to prevent others from seeing.

Avoid being short-changed or overcharged by exchanging currency only at trusted exchange offices.

Trusted Exchange Offices: Exchange your currency at established and reputable exchange offices.
Check Rates: Compare exchange rates with other establishments to ensure a fair price.
Secure Transactions: Ensure transactions are secure, with no opportunity for counterfeit bills or coins to be passed.

Avoid being pressured into giving money to street performers who may claim you owe them for a 'service'.

Voluntary Contributions: Give voluntarily, without feeling pressured or forced.
Observe Performances: Watch the performance before deciding to contribute.
Avoid Distractions: Be wary of distractions or attempts to draw attention away from the performer.

Avoid buying counterfeit tickets by purchasing only from authorized vendors or official outlets.

Authorized Vendors: Buy tickets from officially recognized vendors or outlets.
Check Authenticity: Examine the ticket for authenticity before use.
Avoid Street Sales: Avoid purchasing tickets from street vendors to reduce the risk of counterfeits.

Avoid SIM card scams by buying only from official stores or reputable vendors.

Official Stores: Purchase your SIM card from an authorized store or outlet.
Check the SIM Card: Ensure the SIM card is activated and has a valid phone number.
Avoid Street Sales: Avoid buying SIM cards from street vendors to minimize the risk of scams.

Avoid being followed by unwanted guides or helpers who may demand payment for their 'services'.

Ignore Unsolicited Assistance: Politely ignore unwanted assistance and continue on your way.
Request Official Help: Seek help from official sources like local police or tourist information centers.
Stay Aware: Remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings to avoid potential scams.

Avoid having your personal information stolen by using only secure and reputable internet cafés.

Secure Internet Cafés: Choose internet cafés that are well-maintained, with no signs of tampering.
Use a VPN: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to secure your connection and protect your data.
Avoid Leaving Devices Unattended: Never leave your device unattended, even for a moment.

Avoid being left without accommodation by booking early and confirming your reservation.

Book Early: Make your reservation as far in advance as possible.
Confirm Your Reservation: Ensure that your reservation is confirmed, and all details are accurate.
Check Review Scores: Choose accommodations with high review scores to minimize the risk of overbooking.

Avoid being overcharged or ripped off by using only officially priced public transportation options.

Officially Priced Options: Choose only public transportation options that are clearly marked and priced.
Avoid Unmarked Vehicles: Avoid unofficial or unmarked vehicles, which may be trying to scam you.
Check Fare Prices: Know the correct fare price and verify that the driver is charging you correctly.

Avoid having your personal information stolen by only using secure public Wi-Fi networks.

Secure Public Wi-Fi Networks: Connect to only password-protected and encrypted public Wi-Fi networks.
Use a VPN: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to secure your connection and protect your data.
Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Avoid conducting sensitive transactions, like online banking or shopping, over public Wi-Fi networks.