Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Baishan, China

1. Taxi Overcharging

Avoid excessive taxi fares by using meter and negotiating price beforehand.

Meter Usage: Ensure the taxi uses a meter to charge.
Pre-negotiation: Always negotiate the price before starting your journey.
Avoid Peak Hours: Travel during off-peak hours to avoid potential overcharging.

Check the authenticity of Chinese Yuan using watermarks and security threads.

Watermark Verification: Look for a portrait watermark on the right side of each note.
Security Thread Inspection: Feel for the security threads running through the notes.
Use ATMs or Banks: Exchange money at banks or reliable ATMs to avoid counterfeit bills.

Negotiate prices for souvenirs and compare prices at various shops.

Negotiation Skills: Master the art of negotiation to get better deals.
Shop Comparison: Compare prices at different shops before making a purchase.
Know the Market Price: Research common market prices for souvenirs online.

Choose hygienic street food vendors and avoid risky foods.

Hygiene Checks: Look for clean stalls with gloves and masked staff.
Avoid Risky Foods: Avoid uncooked foods, fruits without peels, and unpasteurized dairy products.
Traveler's Diarrhea Precautions: Carry hand sanitizer and consider taking traveler’s diarrhea medication.

Verify guides' credentials and choose licensed tour operators.

Licensing Checks: Ask for the guide’s license and cross-check with local authorities.
Tour Operator Reviews: Read reviews of tour operators before booking a trip.
Local Knowledge: Look for guides with in-depth knowledge of Baishan’s attractions.

Haggle prices, check quality and beware of pickpocketing.

Price Haggling: Negotiate prices before making a purchase.
Product Quality Checks: Inspect products for defects or low-quality materials.
Pickpocket Awareness: Keep your belongings safe and secure, especially in crowded areas.

Book hotels through trusted websites and check for hidden fees.

Booking Websites: Use reliable booking websites to find accommodations.
Hidden Fees: Ask for a list of all fees before confirming your reservation.
Location & Reviews: Choose hotels with convenient locations and good reviews.

Avoid restaurants without customers or reviews, and opt for local favorites.

Customer Presence: Choose restaurants with other customers to ensure they serve good food.
Local Recommendations: Ask locals for recommendations on authentic Baishan restaurants.
Online Reviews: Read online reviews to get an idea of the restaurant’s quality.

Avoid unlicensed massage parlors and check for cleanliness.

Buy sim cards at authorized retailers and check for hidden fees.

Buy tickets from authorized booths or websites and check ticket prices.

Authorized Booths: Purchase tickets only at authorized booths.
Ticket Price Verification: Compare ticket prices with other travelers or online resources.
Fraud Signals: Avoid agents offering unusually cheap tickets or asking for personal information.

Keep belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables openly.

Secure Belongings: Use bags with zippers or keep belongings hidden.
Avoid Displaying Valuables: Keep valuable items out of sight, especially in crowded areas.
Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover theft incidents.

Buy medicine from pharmacies and check for packaging seals.

Buy tickets only from authorized vendors and check for authenticity.

Authorized Vendors: Purchase transportation tickets only at authorized booths.
Ticket Authenticity Checks: Inspect the ticket for holograms, watermarks, or other security features.
Avoid Unlicensed Vendors: Avoid purchasing tickets from unofficial vendors.

Negotiate prices, check the vehicle's condition and service history.

Price Negotiation: Always negotiate the price of a car.
Vehicle Condition Checks: Inspect the vehicle's interior, exterior, and underbody for damage.
Service History Verification: Ask for the vehicle’s service history records.