Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Zhangye, China
1. Counterfeit Tourist Souvenirs
Avoid buying souvenirs from street vendors in Zhangye Night Market who offer 'too good to be true' prices. Check authenticity of items before purchase.
- Price: If the price seems too low, it might be a counterfeit item.
- Location: Purchase souvenirs from reputable shops or official outlets.
- Quality: Check the quality of the item. Counterfeit items may have lower quality than genuine articles.
2. Fake Taxi Drivers
Avoid unlicensed taxi drivers who approach you in Zhangye. Use only registered taxis or ride-hailing apps.
- License Plate: Legitimate taxis have visible license plates and should be clearly marked.
- Meter: Taxis should always use a meter to calculate the fare, unless you agree on a fixed price in advance.
- Payment Methods: Legitimate taxis accept multiple payment methods, including cash and mobile payment apps.
3. Overpriced Hotel Rooms
Negotiate hotel room prices in advance or use online booking platforms to secure competitive rates in Zhangye.
- Online Reviews: Check online reviews for hotels before booking to ensure a good experience.
- Location: Choose a hotel that is conveniently located near popular attractions.
- Room Features: Ensure the room includes essential amenities, such as air conditioning and hot water.
4. Fraudulent Tour Guides
Book tours through reputable travel agencies or online platforms to ensure you have a qualified and trustworthy guide in Zhangye.
- License: Ask for the tour guide's license and registration number.
- Itinerary: Ensure the itinerary is well-planned and covers all desired destinations.
- Payment Methods: Pay by credit card or through a reputable online platform to secure your booking.
5. Falsified Food and Drink
Avoid consuming street food that is not properly cooked or packaged in Zhangye. Stick to well-known restaurants for meals.
- Cooking Conditions: Ensure the food is cooked under sanitary conditions and is not left out for extended periods.
- Packaging: Check that packaged food items are sealed properly before consumption.
- Restaurant Reputation: Choose restaurants with good reviews and a reputation for serving safe and delicious food.
6. Currency Exchange Scams
Exchange money at banks or authorized exchange centers in Zhangye to avoid being overcharged.
- Commission Rate: Compare commission rates between different exchange centers.
- Location: Exchange money in areas with many banks and exchange centers for better deals.
- Security: Ensure the exchange center is secure, with CCTV cameras and a safe place to deposit your cash.
7. Fake Ticket Sales
Purchase tickets for attractions through authorized channels in Zhangye, such as the official websites or ticket windows.
- Price: Check the price of tickets on official websites before purchase.
- Location: Purchase tickets from authorized channels, such as the official website or ticket windows.
- Security: Ensure tickets are properly printed and have security features, such as holograms or barcodes.
8. Overpriced Public Transportation
Use public transportation passes in Zhangye to save money and avoid overpaying for individual tickets.
- Price: Compare the cost of single-trip tickets versus passes.
- Convenience: Passes offer convenience and allow for unlimited travel during their validity period.
- Validity Period: Choose passes with a suitable validity period based on your travel plans.
9. Unlicensed Massage Parlors
Avoid massage parlors without proper licenses and registration in Zhangye. Choose establishments with clear signage and good reviews.
- License: Ensure the massage parlor has a visible license.
- Reviews: Check online reviews for massage parlors before visiting.
- Quality of Service: Look for massage parlors that offer high-quality services and use clean, hygienic facilities.
10. Fraudulent Money Transfers
Use reputable money transfer services or banks in Zhangye to ensure secure and accurate transactions.
- Reputation: Choose well-known money transfer services with a good reputation.
- Security: Ensure the service has security features, such as two-factor authentication and encryption.
- Transfer Fees: Compare transfer fees between different services to find the best deal.
11. Language Barrier Scams
Travel with a translator or learn basic Chinese phrases to communicate effectively and avoid misunderstandings in Zhangye.
- Translator: Hire a local translator for assistance during your trip.
- Basic Phrases: Learn essential Chinese phrases before traveling to Zhangye.
- Body Language: Use body language and gestures to help communicate when necessary.
12. Overpriced Wi-Fi Services
Ask your hotel or host about free Wi-Fi options in Zhangye before paying for expensive services.
- Hotel Provided Wi-Fi: Hotels often provide free Wi-Fi to guests.
- Public Wi-Fi Spots: Look for public Wi-Fi spots, such as libraries or cafes, that offer free internet access.
- Data Roaming Costs: Consider using a local SIM card or data roaming package to minimize costs.
13. Unscrupulous Car Rental Services
Book car rentals through reputable agencies in Zhangye and inspect the vehicle before driving.
- Reputation: Choose a well-known rental agency with a good reputation.
- Vehicle Condition: Inspect the vehicle for damage before driving to avoid being charged for pre-existing issues.
- Insurance Coverage: Ensure the rental agreement includes comprehensive insurance coverage.
14. Counterfeit Medication
Purchase medication from pharmacies and drugstores in Zhangye to avoid counterfeit drugs.
- Pharmacy Reputation: Choose well-known pharmacies with a good reputation.
- Prescription Required: Some medication may require a prescription, so consult a local doctor if needed.
- Packaging and Labeling: Check that the packaging and labeling of the medication is genuine.
15. Shady Accommodation Rentals
Book accommodation through reputable platforms or agencies in Zhangye to avoid scams and ensure a comfortable stay.
- Reputation: Choose accommodations with good reviews and a reputation for quality.
- Location: Ensure the accommodation is located near popular attractions and convenient transportation options.
- Amenities: Check that the accommodation offers essential amenities, such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and hot water.